Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re:going solar

[Peter Scott (ps]

I rather liked the article at  
http://www.humboldt1.com/~michael.welch/hp64-6.pdf  as a good basic primer.

The author makes the point that photovoltaics DONT pay back. If you have 
exceptionally generous grants available this may be the exception, but my own 
calculations put PV power at around $NZ0.20-0.50 per kWh unit. He (think it was 
a he) says that americans routinely spend thousands on a new computer, or 
sports vehicle, and we have the choice to channel that same money into a energy 
system that is better for the environment. The fact is we know that current 
power production particular in most of you guys and gals necks of the woods is 
distinctly unsustainable, and carries as yet unpassed on external costs. Logic 
would suggest that if we as a species actually make it, then those costs will 
have to be passed on in the nearer future, making PV power more comparatively 
affordable.

Admittedly the environmental cause is understandably deprioritised for groups 
just trying to get projects built, affordably, so if you really want payback 
think solar hot water, and better home insulation. These both payback within 10 
years or less and offer *significant* savings on home running costs. I'm going 
to be a bit dramatic here and say that there is just no reason for anyone 
anywhere to not use the sun to heat water and your house.

--
Regards,

Peter Scott
Auckland New Zealand
Phone +64 9 832 4004 / 025 6240154
* Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood  <http://www.ecohousing.pl.net/>
* EcoVillage Association NZ <http://www.converge.org.nz/evcnz/>


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