Solar Power

I think that the time for solar power is upon us. I have seen a huge increase in installations in my area over the last year. These systems are currently paying for themselves in 7-8 years. They are warrantied for 25 years which means a return of double in savings during the lifespan of the system. Increasing efficiency and major decreases in productions costs are spurring development.

Within the next twenty years we will see the world transformed with power being produced on site in most residential communities. The major utilities that are not investing in solar will go under. We will see telephone poles removed and transmission lines taken down.

With oil prices at lows and investment in these systems growing still it only reinforces my ideas. I'm not telling people to run out and invest in a solar system right now as in five years they will be even cheaper.

Utility companies are losing revenue with increased efficiency in the reduction of use and conservation of electricity. Grid power will continue to become more expensive with some utilities charging monthly minimum billing rates even if you use less than the charge to make up for losses.

I have been thinking about this topic way too much lately. What do you gents think?

I think many see the return on investment way to long, so they arnt jumping in to invest in solar or wind.

The costs have come down 50% in the last 7 years since I first looked into it.
The cost of power has increased already to the point that I think it's worth it and will be building a system to power my home hopefully by the end of next summer.
I plan to use wind solar and a generator as backup to charge a battery bank.

I currently use a home made solar panel to heat my water for showers , dishes and laundry that's my contribution at the moment. I would like to try and build a small wind turbine using equipment I have on the farm to run some lights at night. Living completely off the grid would be something I'd like to do but for now baby steps.