Solar power - Are we there yet?

I’m sure it has crossed your mind, too. Why hasn’t the use of solar energy flourished in a state that’s flooded with intense sunshine more than 300 days per year? Why does solar power account for only about 1 percent of the power generated in Arizona?

Let’s see. Our state and local politicians have a long-standing desire to earn the “Solar Capital of the World” designation. Certainly, solar energy is a truly “green” process.

The conversion of the sun’s rays to direct current has become much more efficient, and so has the technology to invert that DC energy into AC current to supply your home’s power needs. And two-way metering puts those extra kilowatts your system generates back into the power grid, and you are paid for it.

Sounds promising, doesn’t it? So what has been the major holdup? In a word, COST.

While it may be enough for some to hitch solar power systems to their homes based on “green” factors alone, most are looking for favorable economic advantages as well. The good news is that we are getting there.

About six years ago, I did a quick calculation on a 2.8-KW system, enough to power a typical 1,800-square-foot home. The cost to me then, with rebates and tax credits available at the time, would have been about $15,000. To see where systems costs are now, I contacted Southwestern Solar of Green Valley. Although these are only estimates (as were my own projections), here is a breakdown

of current estimated costs as determined by Southwestern Solar.

Tucson Electric Power TRICO Electric

Installation 2.8 KW system $ 24,836 $ 24,836

Est. cost including incentives $ 7,985 $ 5,185

Est. savings per year $ 515 $ 577

Although actual costs will vary depending upon specific equipment selections and installation requirements, clearly the cost of going solar is becoming more attractive to the average homeowner.

Additional good news for Arizona’s solar initiatives was the October 2008 opening of SOLON Corp.’s 110,0000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Tucson. Although it makes solar panels for large turnkey systems and utilities, it is an example of what will hopefully become a parade of manufacturers, installers and solar financial incentives into Arizona.

The timing couldn’t be better. The cost to generate and distribute power will continue to rise significantly. The current energy demands are already straining our power grids. Solar power is becoming much more affordable and easy to manage. And, in case you haven’t noticed, we have gobs of sunshine!

To contact Mike Bartoletti or Kevin Kessler of Southwestern Solar, 880 W. Camino Casa Verde in Green Valley, phone (520) 625-1238 or visit online at www.sw-solar.com.