"More Sun for Less: Solar Panels Drop in Price"

the link

the cost of solar panels has plunged lately, changing the economics for many homeowners. Mr. Hare ended up paying $77,000 for a large solar setup that he figures might have cost him $100,000 a year ago.

That is think is close to a 25% drop in cost. I hate math so I will not figure out the precise percent.

For solar shoppers these days, the price is right. Panel prices have fallen about 40 percent since the middle of last year, driven down partly by an increase in the supply of a crucial ingredient for panels, according to analysts at the investment bank Piper Jaffray.

a 40% drop in the price of panels is really pretty staggering. although there are other expenses that drive up the cost of a solar system, especially if you use a batter station to retain power rather then building a grid-tied system. however this will make panels much more accessible to people.

Mr. Hare in Texas cited the larger tax credit, which sliced about $23,000 from his $77,000 bill, as a major factor in his decision to go solar, in addition to the falling panel prices. Sensing a good deal, he even got a larger system than he had originally planned — going from 42 panels to 64. The electric bill on his 7,000-square-foot house and garage has typically run $600 to $700 a month, but he expects a reduction of 40 to 80 percent.

well a couple things stand out in this; first, $23k tax credit is HUGE; second, a 7000 sq/ft house with a $600-$700 monthly electric bill demonstrates what is really wrong with the world today. that is massive and maybe im a eco-freak for saying it but if we learned to live just a bit more simply perhaps we would not be in such die straights in terms of our energy dependence in the first place.

this is good news for me i am actually considering calling my local Permaculture Credit Union today to see what kind of arrangements i can make to add a solar system to my house. this is really good news for the alternative energy movement and the move away from our dependence on fossil fuels.

You should hold off a while and save your hard earned money/credit.If the economy stays horrible the price in materials and labor will drop also.Wait it out and possibly get it cheaper.If you see any sign of the price creeping up then consider calling you credit union.