Photovoltaic Solar Project

Our Solar Extreme Home Makeover in 16 Business Days! This site is for anyone interested in photovoltaic (PV) solar system installation and general info.  These pages contain a summary of events and processes from the addition of PV solar panels to our home in February 2008, yet the information is regulary updated. Our site shows various information about installation, general costs, benefits, and photos.  I started this as a private document to research solar alternatives and track my project, but I was surprised by the number of people interested in the project and doing it for their homes.  Then a university professor asked me to participate in a paid research program to gather data regarding typical home solar installations. Thus, I'm posting our information. I decided to implement an alternative energy source primarily to reduce large electric bills and stop escalating price hikes in energy cost.  It's no secret that Northern California has the highest energy cost in the nation, and rates have increased at least 6% (average) each year for the last 30 years.  Rates for higher tier energy users are a huge 15% or more.  It won't get better in the future. Solar panels also have a nice environmental benefit of reducing greenhouse gases, but saving money is what motivates people. Solar PV can be expensive depending on system size, but it is easy to finance.  There is no doubt about the benefits and payback.  Most systems last over 25 years and have warranties for at least 10 years. Feel free to browse.  For questions, see the contact page.  I included links to informational sites, but keep in mind my objective is not to be a complete source of information.  There is far more knowledge about solar energy elsewhere on the internet. Join our Discussion Forum for answers to your energy questions, get energy saving tips, get advice from existing solar users, and more. Sign-up only requires an email address and can be done literally in one minute.  Visit the forum as a guest to get an idea of what is there.  You will NOT receive any spam.  NOTE, you will not be able to see all forums or topics as a guest.  DISCUSSION FORUM Visitor Views Copyright© 2008-2010, Richard Hamilton, San Ramon, CA.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED