Portable water heater that is using sun’s free energy can be a simple black-painted bag filled with water or more complex with the solar panel and the tank. Simple solution, free energy, easy to store and carry.

Yes, it might be, in MA.

In CA where total quotes are lower (because our insolation is better), and our utility rate rise is 6.7%,then if you can get an interest rate of under 6.7% (AND because you get the interest back next year as a tax deduction on a second mortgage loan), it does cost less than PG&E over the 25 year loan life.

But each state is different. You should get a solar quote in your state.

And in PG&E territory, yes it can be very cost effective taking just a portion off the grid,because as George Parrott (up-thread) notes: the tiered pricing means that a modest baseline usage in PG&E territory costs much less per kwh than high usage.

Our base is around 11 cents per kwh for the first 260 or so (varies by neighborhood) kwhs.

Yes, it might be, in MA.

In CA where total quotes are lower (because our insolation is better), and our utility rate rise is 6.7%,then if you can get an interest rate of under 6.7% (AND because you get the interest back next year as a tax deduction on a second mortgage loan), it does cost less than PG&E over the 25 year loan life.

But each state is different. You should get a solar quote in your state.

And in PG&E territory, yes it can be very cost effective taking just a portion off the grid,because as George Parrott (up-thread) notes: the tiered pricing means that a modest baseline usage in PG&E territory costs much less per kwh than high usage.

Our base is around 11 cents per kwh for the first 260 or so (varies by neighborhood) kwhs.

On Ebay there are many suppliers of the PV tiles that you solder together and build into frames. These sheets (3″x6″) sell for close to a $1/Watt. With the frames and some batteries and converter it looks feasible to build a 1KW trial system for $2K or so in parts. Getting it on the roof is another matter. No my time isn’t worth much these days (thanks to EE out sourcing).

I would only take half the house off grid, mostly the predictable electronics load by adding a few “solar” AC outlets. Going fully off grid for peaky loads like the washer or fridge probably isn’t worth it for now, but half off would half the bill. Then again replacing some high power appliances with newer lower power ones would give similar savings.

On Ebay there are many suppliers of the PV tiles that you solder together and build into frames. These sheets (3″x6″) sell for close to a $1/Watt. With the frames and some batteries and converter it looks feasible to build a 1KW trial system for $2K or so in parts. Getting it on the roof is another matter. No my time isn’t worth much these days (thanks to EE out sourcing).

I would only take half the house off grid, mostly the predictable electronics load by adding a few “solar” AC outlets. Going fully off grid for peaky loads like the washer or fridge probably isn’t worth it for now, but half off would half the bill. Then again replacing some high power appliances with newer lower power ones would give similar savings.

SHAME ON YOU!

If you were on Wall Street, people would be saying you should be put in jail for that kind of misleading advertising.

You obviously mention, but totally ignore the interest cost in your calculations, and you build in an inflation rate that is totally ridiculous in this economic environment. [SK: The inflation rate in electric prices is a matter of public record for each state: CA 6.7%. I agree it is ridiculous, and has no relation to the larger economy, but it is factual ]

It is deceptive to say the time value of money clouds the issue because you are going to have to pay for energy. You also ARE going to have to pay interest, or forego the interest you could have earned.

[SK: ?? I included the interest for a 20 year loan ]

I hope you are not one of the people excoriating the prime-loan brokers. You have become one of them!

SHAME ON YOU.

Mark

SHAME ON YOU!

If you were on Wall Street, people would be saying you should be put in jail for that kind of misleading advertising.

You obviously mention, but totally ignore the interest cost in your calculations, and you build in an inflation rate that is totally ridiculous in this economic environment. [SK: The inflation rate in electric prices is a matter of public record for each state: CA 6.7%. I agree it is ridiculous, and has no relation to the larger economy, but it is factual ]

It is deceptive to say the time value of money clouds the issue because you are going to have to pay for energy. You also ARE going to have to pay interest, or forego the interest you could have earned.

[SK: ?? I included the interest for a 20 year loan ]

I hope you are not one of the people excoriating the prime-loan brokers. You have become one of them!

SHAME ON YOU.

Mark

I have seen numerous comments regarding the best solution for water heating, gas, electric, condensation, fuel cells, solar… and it all depends how much money you want to spend. Everything spins around your budget.

Your acceptance of a new (read green/renewable) technology is directly related to how much money you want to spend. Thinking long term… today with money shortage… it is tough.

But, people like to experiment, spend minimum or use parts found in the garage to build a solar water heater for example. I like ideas and designs of cheap and functional heating systems.

Some ideas can be found here, http://www.hot-water-heaters-reviews.com/build-solar-water-heater.html, and many more to come.

Cheers,

Zee

I have seen numerous comments regarding the best solution for water heating, gas, electric, condensation, fuel cells, solar… and it all depends how much money you want to spend. Everything spins around your budget.

Your acceptance of a new (read green/renewable) technology is directly related to how much money you want to spend. Thinking long term… today with money shortage… it is tough.

But, people like to experiment, spend minimum or use parts found in the garage to build a solar water heater for example. I like ideas and designs of cheap and functional heating systems.

Some ideas can be found here, http://www.hot-water-heaters-reviews.com/build-solar-water-heater.html, and many more to come.

Cheers,

Zee