Where can one get reliable info on residential solar power?

[Anywho6]

We are very interested in getting a solar power system for our home in Northern CA, but we are not sure of where to begin. We want to do research on our own before we bring in a sales person. We would appreciate any resources, links, etc anyone is able to provide to help us make an informed decision.

Thank you!

Peace...

[msongs]

1. you might want to wait a bit longer - big changes are coming in cost terms

try this group I saw on dailykos called EnergizeAmerica http://www.ea2020.org/drupal/

we looked into it for socal but numbers just didnt add up well even with rebates and subsidies. however there are many new technologies coming out and and costs ought to start diving soon if you can wait.

tons of places on the internet, not sure how reliable most of them are.

Msongs

[spag68]

2. solar

renewableenergyaccess.com

[skids]

3. findsolar.com, but do hot water first. n/t

[Anywho6]

5. May I ask what...

...you mean by "do hot water first"?

Thank you!

[Nihil]

6. "hot water" = "Solar water heating"

Using the heat of the sun to warm water for use is more efficient than
using photoelectic arrays to convert solar energy to electricity and then
having to use the electricity to heat water.
(It's also significantly cheaper.)

From the site below:

* Solar panels or collectors - are fitted to your roof.
They collect heat from the sun's radiation. There are 2 main
types of collector:
o Flat plate systems - which are comprised of an absorber plate
with a transparent cover to collect the sun's heat, or
o Evacuated tube systems - which are comprised of a row of glass
tubes that each contain an absorber plate feeding into a mainfold
which transports the heated fluid.
* A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water;
* Hot water cylinder - stores the hot water that is heated during the
day and supplies it for use later.

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/generate_your_own_energy/types_of_renewables/solar_water_heating

This is a UK site but the principles are the same! :hi:

[Blue State Bandit]

4. Here is a link to a company...

that you should keep your eye out for in the next year or two. They have just completed work on "roll to roll" method to mass produce flexible solar panels. They will soon be producing this at an unbelievable $1.00/watt. Their product "Solar Ply" won't be available on the open market till next year since some German group gobbled up most of their production capability, but they are expanding production.


http://www.nanosolar.com/blog3/2007/12/18/nanosolar-ships-first-panels/