Google to Convert HQ to Solar Power

Associated Press via MyWay.com ^ | October 17, 2006 | Michael Liedtke

[LZ_Bayonet]

"Must be the fact that solar panels have rapidly dropped in price in recent years."

The CBC (Canadian) news did a report on this topic last night. Apparently those who use "clean" power will be able to sell energy credits to companies that can't or won't do so.

[Realism]

The solar cells don't last much longer than their payback time.

I did do a considerable amount of looking into these panels before decided to buy a PV system. The panels that have recently hit the market have no real time testing under actual use conditions because they're a new technology. The testing that has been done has concluded that they begin to degrade below peak spec. performance in about 30 to 40 years. With this determination the manufacturers feel quite safe slapping a 25 year warranty on them. That said 25 - 30 years is a very long time, I'm quite sure I'll either be dead or looking to replace them with something better anyway.

[Realism]

Well I try to invest in appreciating assets.

Don't get me wrong, I invest also. I have the standard IRA, and some stocks which I must say did very, very well this year. I do like to be as diversified as possible which is also one of the reasons I opted for a solar array.