I often wondered about this next scenario. Solar panels are such a great idea, would it be possible to start something like say, a neighborhood consortium or something akin to that, pool everybody’s money together and get solar panels mounted on homes for the good of all? Not to mention, if panels could be bought approaching bulk levels, would these solar cell investors receive some sort of discount?
Well, folks, here is the answer. Absolutely YES!
There are several small towns, most notably in California, that are doing just that. They have pooled their money together, they couple that with the states own government sponsored feed in tariff, which essentially pays for people to convert over, and then they get a natural discount from the company because they are buying in bulk. Guess what? Solar cell power for the masses!*
This is a great idea that I have wondered about for years. And it works, but there are a few catches. First off affordability is tied to state government support. California leads the country in solar panels, mainly because they have a generous feed in tariff that makes owning and using solar panels more cost effective. Secondly, they have a lot of sunlight out there as well.
Regardless of that, there are several other states that offer feed in tariff discounts, and those would be prime targets to conversion using solar panels. See my past article about feed in tariffs, where they came from and what they do.
This is a terrific idea, and anyone interested in going solar, needs to explore this option. It may be too good to pass up!
*http://solarcellsinfo.com/blog/archives/1043
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree this is a great idea. You might also want to check out a system whereby you lease the solar panels thus saving the initial capital outlay. I know this is available in California. To read more about how it works check my husband’s article on it on our website. http://itsecotime.com/is-solar-power-coming-of-age
Leasing panels is an interesting topic. In theory it really makes sense. Although the gains realized for the consumer in the example provided seem fairly minimal. However I am really interested to know what the huge payoff is for the installer. I would assume that their haul lies in the tax credits, state incentives, and the practical energy costs. You should check out a our economic benefit article,
http://solar.coolerplanet.com/Content/SolarEnergySavings.aspx
there is a whole village doing the same thing here in England. Great idea. Buy in bulk and get a cheaper price.