They are small enough to conform to complex or flexible surfaces.  A solar powered jacket some day?  Maybe.

Another benefit is that if one cell in an array dies, the array only loses a small percentage of its generating capability.

The cells are currently 14.9% efficient which falls comfortably above the bottom of the range of current solar cells.  I expect that further development will increase their efficiency.

You can read more in this press release from Sandia Labs

This solar energy cartoon came in the email the other day that I thought I should share with you:

Once I decipher the signature I will give the Artist full credit.

Don’t forget to leave comments. Comments help us post information on the things you are most interested in.

I was really happy with it and I gave them some great information.   It looks lo good that I’ll be posting a lot of that info here soon!

This one’s just posted for my own amusement.

Conservation of Solar Energy

I also added a FAQ for the Solar Panel Lease Program

First, where is this available?

This program is currently only available in some states in the US.  If anyone knows of a similar program available in other countries, please let me know.  I understand that they intend to extend the program to Canada and to more states in the US.  They have to negotiate with both the state and the utility companies.  I expect to see more US states before I see Canadian provinces simply because they have a better handle on how the US entities run things.

Here’s the list.

How does the program work?

You fill out a non-binding LOI (Letter of Interest) with the company and give them an electric bill (the more the better).  This is to:

• Show if you are interested in the program.
• Do you meet basic requirements (use enough electricity to matter, have an internet connection and are you in an area they service).
• Get your address and contact information.

Then, they contact you to set an appointment for one of their inspectors to come out to your house.  First, to make sure that they can get enough sunlight on your roof and to make sure that they can design a panel system that is safe for the structure of your roof.

After that, they send their design plan for the panels for your approval and the lease agreement.  Once you fill out the lease agreement and send the deposit (the first two months prepaid), they schedule a crew to install the panels and get you hooked up.

After that, they bill you for the electricity that you use just like an electric company would.

In markets where the utility company allows it, they will de-spin your electric meter during the day.  Since most people  use less electricity during the day than the panels produce.  By de-spinning the meter, the utility company credits you for the electricity you generate.  Then you use that credit during the evening when you are using electricity but there is no sunlight.

How much does it cost?

First, you don’t have to pay for the panels, installation or the permits.  The leasing company does all that.  They even carry the insurance on the panels.

You pay for the electricity that you use.  Your rate is 10% less than this year’s electricity rate from your electric utility.  The rate will increase a flat 1.5% every year.  Since that is lower than rates increase in most electricity markets, your savings will increase as time goes on.  Even if new environmental regulations cause electric prices to skyrocket, your rate will still only increase 1.5% each year.

They also ask for a deposit of two months electricity (at their discounted rate).

What do you get?

You get:

• Lower electric bills.
• Non-polluting electricity
• Electricity during the day, even in a black out
• You make electricity available during the day when factories and office buildings need it the most and use night time electricity when the electric companies usually have extra capacity
• A 20 year commitment for inexpensive electricity

These last couple of years brought a number of interesting developments.  The efficiency of the photovoltaic cells has gone up and the cost has come down.  There are also rebates and other incentives available in several states.  The cost of installing solar panels is now $15,000 – $25,000 after rebates.  This has brought solar up from being an expensive statement to the world to a long term money saving strategy.

A recent development makes solar power much more affordable for the average home owner: solar panel leasing.  Now, you don’t have to buy or install the panels.  You don’t need to get permits or do a structural analysis of your roof.  There are companies out there that will do all of that for free.  You just pay for the electricity that the panels generate (at a discount from what you would pay the electric company).  Also, the price of the electricity is locked in by the contract.  So, even if electric prices rise again and again, you always know what your electric bill will be.

I know several people in the green tech and alternative energy industries and will be picking their brains for this blog.  I hope to bring you a number of energy saving ideas in all areas, not just solar power.

Welcome, I hope you enjoy the ride with me.

Jeff Miller