Solar Rebates used up?

[weweillc]

leaving tomorrow to San Diego and will attend the 2008 Solar conference for business purposes.- Would be willing to share the latest if interested. both modules and "thin-film" that has been recently sold in the US have good track records.(a 20-25 year warranty is not that uncommon) . It is true advancements in thin film production have production cost going down- FirstSolar made compelling fairly recent announcements of new technology cost improvements alluded to in above post. (I believe most all of the production is shipped out of country). Regards

[riveree]

Originally Posted by weweillc

leaving tomorrow to San Diego and will attend the 2008 Solar conference for business purposes.- Would be willing to share the latest if interested. both modules and "thin-film" that has been recently sold in the US have good track records.(a 20-25 year warranty is not that uncommon) . It is true advancements in thin film production have production cost going down- FirstSolar made compelling fairly recent announcements of new technology cost improvements alluded to in above post. (I believe most all of the production is shipped out of country). Regards

Love to hear how it goes....here or on the Green Living forum .

[weweillc]

I just got back from attending the 5-day Solar 2008 sponsered by the American Solar Energy Society. This was held in San Diego CA
I have been starting a new business after selling previous business and elected to attend for educational purpose. My college degree was in energy mangement, I worked in the energy industry prior to starting last business of 20 years, and presently pursing energy saving products/services business with focus on solar. Btw the Florida rebate program fund for 07-08 had ran out( as mentioned previosly), approx $3.2 million in new applications has accrued, it was recently approved to re- fund program with $5 million (2007-2008 had been funded at $3.5 Million). Industry insiders had been looking for $10 million. I spent 3 days with the CEO of a German based solar company talking technology but the biggest message I come out of this event is not necessarily the technology (which is solid and getting better) but is the global market and global perspective of this industry. Germany, France, Spain, and many other countries are increasing solar usage by large, large amounts. They have instilled strong incentive programs. Why? Is it because it makes sense? Do we in the USA know more? Are they right and are we wrong? Does the world wait for X years until technology drives the cost per kwhr down to acceptable numbers in comparison to our coal, nuclear provided energy. Or do we incentify the accelerated use. Many of the other countries we share this globe with has elected to not wait. I think while we share concerns about potential effects of global warming on our children that energy independence for USA might not be bad to pass along as well. On a "cooler" note check out this solar bike. Ironically, I travel from Fl to CA, to see a bike designed by University of Florida

[riveree]

Originally Posted by weweillc

On a "cooler" note check out this solar bike. Ironically, I travel from Fl to CA, to see a bike designed by University of Florida

Looks too comfy to be biking, I think I'd be napping going down the road !

That IS funny that if was designed by UF .

[dare197]

Does anyone want an update on this topic regarding solar?

I know quite a bit on this subject and am willing to share my knowledge.

[PhotoZel]

Yes.