merdlb (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

depends on how much sun you get in the area you live and how new your cells are. but yeah, from 2-4 years for the latest cells although some older cells are in the 10-15 ballpark.

merdlb (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

His system, on his roof, is ballpark 30-50k. wisconsin sounds like a good place to do solar, although probably not as sunny as some other states. I know what i'm talking about. Without the gov't incentives and a lot of sun in the area you live, solar is hard to justify on a financial return type basis, and even on a co2/kwh efficiency basis because of how much energy the panels take to produce. do the research you'll see.

drdaviddow (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Actually, solar panels are about $10,000. now and with the $2,000. government rebate are only about $8,000. In my state, wisconsin, MG&E will pay ypu back 22 cents per KWH for energy you produce beyond what you use. We only pay 11 cents per KWH otherwise. Don't pretend to know what you are talking about.

lolitalov234 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I'm sorry but you're a horrid actress.

azngenuwine (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

im not big on solar to power your vehicle WHILE driving, its just not that cost efficient and also weather dependant. but solar / wind to power your house AND charge your car while its @ home is a great idea.

mightyspuds (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

merdlb You are laughable. Suggest you actually learn the FACTS about solar panels before you repeat such nonsense that they take 15 years just to recoup manufacturing costs. THATS laughable. But if you want to sound foolish be my guest.

merdlb (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Also, he would have to use the panels for about 15 years before they actually start generating more energy than they took to make. Its easy to become duped in a 'grass is greener' scenario when you dont konw the facts of grid-independent 'green' energy and alternative transportation vehicles.

merdlb (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This video is laughable. The interview at the end shows the reporter getting so excited but really the facts of Pauls' situation are totally misleading. His RAV4 alone is 20k at least, and his solar system is another 30k-50k. amortizing 50 to 70 thousand dollars for 30 years is more than 30 dollars a month.

pietercanada (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

where did they buy the electric vehicle Toyota EV ??????

pitagora11 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

very good point! usually people have what they deserve! the escalade lady was a very good example...not to mention her "understanding" of things....