They keep getting cheaper

[lilbluehonda]

**********

[rreidnauer]

Ugh! Don't remind me. I definitely lost on my gamble.

[StressMan79]

indeed, rod, but THEYRE PAID FOR.

IDK what has made the processing so cheap, but I will be buying soon (5@200 W-30VMP). I think I have to, I see far too much downside, and not much up.

-Peter

[BoFuller]

Ditto, I'm going to buy next week and store until needed.

[rawson]

Another incentive to purchase is the 30% Federal tax credit through 2016. http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&re=1&ee=1

[Basil]

China has made big investments in cheap solar and other sustainable energy. That is why the prices are so low. Many thought the US would take the lead here, but we have fallen behind. I think it's possible in 5 years there won't be a single solar panel made in the usa.

[StressMan79]

Another incentive to purchase is the 30% Federal tax credit through 2016. http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&re=1&ee=1

does that just count "professionally installed systems" cuz screw that. I am more than competent to wire panels/batteries/charger, etc.

[rawson]

does that just count "professionally installed systems" cuz screw that. I am more than competent to wire panels/batteries/charger, etc.
So far I do not see the language for professional installation required for the credit. Few years ago I bought and installed energy efficient propane heaters plus one wall mounted tank-less propane hot water heater and received tax credit for those. Bet your booties if I buy some PV panels this year I'll file for the credit.

[edkemper]

I think it's possible in 5 years there won't be a single solar panel made in the usa.

Out of all the things we need to build our homes, how much of it is made in the US? Not much is made here anymore.

[hemlock77]

does that just count "professionally installed systems" cuz screw that. I am more than competent to wire panels/batteries/charger, etc.
I Have not seen where professional installation is required for federal tax credits, but I could be wrong. The guidelines at the state level do vary though. Here is the part that really annoys me. Here in ct They have state and utility company incentives as well. In order to to qualify for these incentives. or even hook to the grid, you have to hire a special state certified solar electrician. ( there are less that 50 in the whole state). The end result is the same exact setup I can buy online to meet my needs for around $7k ends up costing $28k. Upon further investigation I find out that these guidelines were lobbied and written by Connecticut light and power. CL&P also has the exclusive contract to teach the Solar certification course. If it was a mater of safety a simple inspection could achieve that goal. My only options now are straight grid power, of completely off grid. At this point off grid is preferred. So I might be looking to buy some panels here soon.

[BoFuller]

Out of all the things we need to build our homes, how much of it is made in the US? Not much is made here anymore.

My logs are "made in the USA"!!:)