New Name--Same Game

Sorry for taking so long to post again. Much has happened--mostly good--in the solar industry and for me, too. Last month I left Uni-Solar here in San Diego and am now consulting/selling for DSH Solar Electric. Dirk S. Hosmer (DSH) installed three of my Uni-Solar projects in the past 18 months and I came to admire his thoroughness and expertise. He is a fully-licensed, bonded and insured electrical contractor who happens to specilize in grid-tie and stand-alone photovoltaic systems.

I am still a strong proponent of Uni-Solar technology. As thin-film photovoltaics go, Uni-Solar is cutting edge and DSH Solar Electric offers their systems. However, the only drawback to Uni-Solar cells is that they require more space than typical crystalline or polycrystalline cells. Uni-Solar's triple-junction construction makes up for this with more power per rated watt than standard cells, but space is still an issue when trying to concentrate as much solar power as possible in a limited area.

DSH Solar also offers SunPower, possibly the most efficient crystalline modules on the market. At 21.5% maximum output, SunPower is in the midst up upgrading their all-black SPR-200 panels to 215 watts; the black/silver SPR-210 to 220 watts. Each panel takes up a trim 13.5 square feet and they look great. This means a 3Kw/DC grid-tie system needs only about 190 square feet of roof or ground area. Actual AC ratings are yet to be determined by the California Energy Commission. What inventory is left of the SPR-200 and 210 panels are available for installing. DSH Solar also offers BP and Kyocera systems on request.

CA Commits Big $ to Solar

On January 12, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) passed the largest solar initiative in U.S. history in approving a $3.2 billion rebate program--enough for an estimated million solar roofs during the next decade.

The measure should stimulate new photovoltaic manufacturing and cleaner air if the state hits the goal of 3000 megawatts of solar-powered energy. On a sunny day that would be enough electricity for 3 million homes or the equivalent of six fossil-fuel burning power plants.

The California Solar Initiative extension means the $2.80 per AC watt rebate will continue for residential installations and restarts 30Kw-plus commercial rebates which ran out last summer. The rebate and the federal energy tax credit (30% of balance after rebate capped at $2000) means the cost of a typical residential system is defrayed by about 35%. The rebate, federal tax credit (30% of balance, no cap), state and federal depreciation and Section 179 tax incentives mean that as much as 80% of a commercial system can be defrayed.

Only Germany's commitment to solar and other renewable energy options exceeds California's. Now, if only America's solar and wind power manufacturers could get the tax breaks that oil and coal interests continue to get...

Special on BP-160 panels

DSH Solar has a warehouse inventory of 56 BP-160 panels for sale. These are first-come, first-served by the panel or by the bunch for $788 each plus freight. All are brand new and still in their original factory boxes. Panel(s) require 50% down; balance plus freight due prior to shipping (CA residents add 7.75% sales tax). Inquire through dbrands@dshsolar.com.