11-27-2012, 04:33 AM
I cringe every time I see the "PV is heavily/artificially subsidized" argument brought up.
ALL energy is artificially priced, subsidized, and laden with "policy taxation". There is no "PV equivalent rate cost" unless all sources are subsidized to the same degree. Ideally, eliminate both the artificial subsidies and the taxes that fund them; let the market decide.
"Get it while you can" is 110% accurate. At $1/W, panels for a small off-grid system often cost less than the SSPP fees. Yes, batteries cost money and require maintenance, but it's still cheaper than grid power, even without the next rate hike. (As an extra added bonus: no blackouts, no shutoff for late pay, and no mysterious "surges in the line" that fry your appliances.)
ALL energy is artificially priced, subsidized, and laden with "policy taxation". There is no "PV equivalent rate cost" unless all sources are subsidized to the same degree. Ideally, eliminate both the artificial subsidies and the taxes that fund them; let the market decide.
"Get it while you can" is 110% accurate. At $1/W, panels for a small off-grid system often cost less than the SSPP fees. Yes, batteries cost money and require maintenance, but it's still cheaper than grid power, even without the next rate hike. (As an extra added bonus: no blackouts, no shutoff for late pay, and no mysterious "surges in the line" that fry your appliances.)