For Lean Budgets, a Plug-and-Play Solar Array

[greencat]

For eco-conscious homeowners who have considered a solar system for their rooftops but have found the cost and complexity daunting, Clarian Power thinks it has an idea.

The Seattle-based clean tech start-up is developing a “plug-and-play” solar appliance called the Sunfish that will generate clean solar electricity for the home. “You bring it home and plug it in, just like a refrigerator, and it will cost about the same,” said the company’s president, Chad Maglaque.

Today’s typical roof-mounted solar power systems start at $10,000 and go up from there depending on the amount of electricity generated and the home’s location. The bigger and more expensive systems can meet most of a house’s energy needs and even put electricity back on the utility grid, essentially turning the meter backwards.

A contractor usually installs the solar power system and turns it over to the homeowner in ready-to-use condition. An electrician will connect the system to the home’s electric panel through an inverter, a device that converts the DC power generated by the solar panels to the AC power used by lights and appliances.

Clarian is hoping to simplify this process through the use of its patented micro-inverter, which does not require a dedicated panel or circuit. In fact, they say that a handy homeowner can set up Sunfish in less than hour without the need for a contractor or electrician.
The company expects to retail a starter kit with one solar panel for $799. The system can handle up to five solar panels with the purchase of add-on kits, which would bring the retail price to $3,000 to $4,000

For Lean Budgets, a Plug-and-Play Solar Array - Green Blog - NYTimes.com

[toddbailey]

What they don't tell you is how much it's going to cost you in order to turn the meter backwards.
In my case a PV system would cost me in the neighbourhood of $100,000 and have a 40 yr payback period. The big problem for me is my location Pac Nor West, 3 months of sun shine and 9 months of rain or heavy clouds, Good for Desert locations but not very practical for Seattle. How's that for free electricity?

[Darryl]

This mobile system seems like a good idea as it can be taken with you where ever you go especially if you are shifting homes. It also enables more people to start using renewable energy. I guess every small effort helps and the only thing that is preventing widespread use of solar energy is the current pricetag.

[toddbailey]

Yes switching to renewable energy initially sounds like a great idea and in many ways it is.
The problem arises when one stops and figures out how much hardware they'd need then calculate the cost and the payback period. The deal breaker is cost per watt, currently the utility grid is far cheaper at .10 per kwa, your typical pv panels cost several dollars per kwa. If PV was practical and affordable for my situation I'd be in line to install, but sadly with a 40 year payback, I would never see it pay for itself. At 50 plus, I just won't live long enough. But that is just PV, solar thermal is a viable alternative.
I have it now to heat a hot tub and soon preheat the water feeding the house hot water, I might even add radiant heat once I get more info on a few parameters.