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It's true.  The payback for residential solar energy is not very attractive.  The best ROI will be on the "un-sexy" things like sealing leaks, insulating, and shutting off lights.  Just like more lives will be saved with simple boring things like wearing your seat belt rather than some exotic program.  So, it today's financial bottom line is the goal, solar will not be the biggest bar on your Pareto chart.  

Solar is an important strategic investment.  Thank goodness for incentives and "early adopters" so that we can grease the skids and develop the systems and expertise for solar.  We, as a society, need to have these systems in place before the "big-time" energy crisis hits.  The long term investment will pay orr when we are no longer held hostage by energy sources that hurt our environment and political safety.

The knee-jerk reaction is that solar energy in Oregon would be a big joke.  However, PV panels are actually very efficient in our cooler temperatures and gather energy at wavelengths that include more than just the visible spectrum. 

We are fortuate that our state has the foresight to get out in front with incentives to bridge the gap to justify the investment.

Eventually, volume will drive solar costs down and energy costs will continue to go up.  When the sweet spot comes, Oregon will be ready to lead and provide for the demand.

Kate Thornton, EIT/GC

Owner- Kaizen Home Improvement

www.kaizenhome.com

 

posted 3 years, 11 months ago
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