Product preview: Sleeker solar roof panels
With federal tax credits for solar-power installations extended through 2008, now could be the time to slash your taxes and your energy bill. Two new products, one for power and one for hot water, make going green simpler and more stylish.
Sharp’s Solar Racking System minimizes the bulky look typical for solar panels. The mounting clips on the ND-187U1 modules integrate seamlessly into roofing to completely hide its mounting structure, according to Sharp. Front-, top-, and side-angled trim covers also give the solar panels a sleeker, cleaner look. Sharp’s system is available now. Price quotes from certified installers are available through Sharp at 800-765-2706. Expect to pay between $25,000 to $30,000 (installed but before any rebates you might get from your utility or the federal or state government) for a 2,500-sq.-ft. home.
Web site: www.solar.sharpusa.com
FAFCO’s Hot2o is a lightweight, roof-mounted solar water heater that, claims the manufacturer, can reduce by 50 percent the amount of money you spend heating water. Designed to supplement an existing water heater, the Hot2o was developed with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. According to FAFCO, the $1,500 heater works with any conventional tank and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers with a drill and a caulking gun.
Web site: www.hot2o.com
Essential information: If you’re not ready to go solar yet, read Water heaters: Hot tips for a better buy, which includes advice on whether water heaters with long warranties are worth their extra cost. Visit GreenerChoices.org for more information on saving energy on your energy bills and read Being green can save green.
Posted by: Stef. F | Apr 27, 2007 8:18:35 AM
Thank you, Richard for using green products..You helped me and my kids find allergy relief.
I would also like to thank you for the answering all of my kid’s questions about how to became a Firefighter. You truly rescued our home!
Abco Carpet Cleaning (Firefighter Owned and Operated) uses products are formulated with the highest QUALITY, most RESPONSIBLE ingredients possible from NATURAL SOURCES such as:grapefruit, seed and pulp, coconuts, soybean, oranges, limes, corn, aloe, vegetable fiber, cider vinegar, cold pressed essential oils, meadow foam seeds, white cedar leaf extracts. All products are readily biodegradable. No animal testing or ingredients. Give Richard a call at 817-683-9882.
Posted by: Warren Taylor | Jun 25, 2008 7:02:15 AM
I could use some help on whitch solar panel's are the best. And how do you sell excess power to utility co.
Posted by: L Kelly | Jul 7, 2008 2:13:47 PM
Do you think you folks could do a story on solar energy for home use? I have searched high and low for information and its scarce. I would be interested in what type of gov't assistance in the form of tax rebates were available. Also cost would be a factor as well as longevity of the unit, how it affects the roof etc.
Posted by: Mike Scherer | Jul 9, 2008 2:41:51 PM
I could also really use some CR type reviews of solar panels.
There's a huge vacuum of good info which CR really *should* be the one to fill. As news of global warming tipping points gets out, there will be a huge surge in PV demand.
Urgency is just a rejection-of-denial away.
Posted by: David Landskov | Jul 14, 2008 12:21:06 PM
Most Americans understand the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gases and the ultimate cost advantage of doing so. Solar panels are fast becoming a commodity. Where's the review, CR?
Posted by: Charles Cone | Jul 18, 2008 2:15:05 PM
Effective July 1, 2008, Georgia now has state income tax incentives for the installation of commercial and residential solar PV, solar thermal water heating and wind turbines.
Posted by: Maribeth | Jul 19, 2008 1:48:16 AM
Down here in blistering Houston, TX, I just got my first $500 electric bill for summer cooling - and it's only for the month of June.
I am DESPERATE to do something to lower my electric costs. I'd LOVE to see something done on solar panels, particularly how much electricity they can provide in my area (where it's always sunny), how effecient they are, and if they're going to be worth the $25,000 cost. Oh, and something about the government rebates/financial incentives would be nice, too.
Posted by: paul appelbaum | Jul 22, 2008 4:46:18 PM
i am thinking about solar panels, i had one company come to the house, but i need help to understand terms such as ptc, atc, how to compare different manufactures of panels, how to determine the point at which the system pays for itself, etc.
Posted by: Cheri Wire | Aug 6, 2008 4:15:38 PM
any information on free standing solar panels. We have SNOW 4 months of the year and roof mounted panels would be useless. How about CR doing some research for northern snow climes and solar. We have sun most of each day, winte and summer. With soaring heating prices it would be great to have information on solar.
Posted by: Joseph Van De Ryt | Aug 9, 2008 1:01:15 PM
I would like to have a report done on solar pool heaters. Does anyone out there have a Fafco system.
Posted by: Paul Hogan | Aug 11, 2008 11:28:20 AM
there are lots of solar panels in Maine, including houses are carbon neutral -- you need right angle on roof for snow to slide off
Posted by: joe kneece | Aug 30, 2008 5:28:36 PM
Please do several reports about home systems and truth about efincency.
Posted by: Bob | Oct 29, 2008 7:22:55 PM
I most strongly agree with all the comments urging CR to tackle the residential solar power products and options. Not just information, but actual testing and RATINGS of different manufacturers and models on key metrics (efficiency, output/$ cost, durability, appropriateness for diff areas of country, etc) - and update them annually.
I want to remodel in next 6-12 months including adding solar power in Los Angeles but it's a huge big-ticket purchase and there's no unbiased info source to help sort out which manufacturers are making the best products for which applications. Step up, CR!
Posted by: Paul | Oct 31, 2008 10:31:47 AM
I agree strongly with Bob (10/29/08)and others: now is the time for CR to test the currently available solar power systems for homeowners. It would also be very helpful to learn what newer technology is expected to be available in the next few years. With the tax credit for installing residential systems now better than ever, homeowners are looking to the always-reliable source of objective information for guidance. As Bob wrote: Step up CR!
Posted by: Mal | Nov 1, 2008 1:28:59 PM
When are we going to see reviews of PV solar panels from CR? I expect CR to be a cutting edge, up to date source of information. You are dropping the ball in a time of obvious need, want, and desire to use these products, and leaving the consumer completely vulnerable to heresay and undocumented results. Let's get a move on research and data to inform the consumer of the green renewable energy technologies that are currently out there. WAKE UP! Don't forget to include wind energy (turbines and blades), and heat pumps used for geothermal. Restore my faith in why I subscribe to CR and please start putting data out on the aforementioned. Thanks.
Posted by: Don | Dec 23, 2008 10:28:37 AM
Add me to the list of those who think that CR should be providing us with rating information on alternate energy products. I must say that I was surprised and disappointed to find no reviews regarding these technologies from CR. Come on CR, get up to speed, We're counting on you to keep us from being thrown to the wolves.
Posted by: don | Dec 28, 2008 7:30:51 PM
CR please do the research for the roof panels. It's the wave of the future.
Posted by: Neal Miller | Jan 8, 2009 3:34:41 PM
I would think that an entire solar issue would be a real benefit. I am particularly interested in using solar to heat our water and assist with home heating.
Thanks for a wonderful resource!
Posted by: Don | Jan 8, 2009 3:35:52 PM
Yes, I am also disappointed that CR still has no opinion on solar electric panels. I have an installer coming to my home today to give me an estimate on a system but I have no way to compare its performance with competing brands.
Posted by: Chuck Schrader | Jan 10, 2009 11:06:56 AM
I have been a consumer report member for over 20 years and you have saved me lots of money, and lots of headaches. I am dismayed that you have nothing at all on solar panels or systems. Please let me know where i can find crediable information on solar systems. I wish you had something I trust you.
Thanks,
Chuck
Posted by: George Hoggan | Jan 12, 2009 4:11:50 PM
I have been trying to collect information on home solar electric systems for serveral years and could really use your help. This is a big investment and mistakes can be very costly. Please consider reviewing these system.
Thanks
George
Posted by: Don Crawford | Jan 25, 2009 2:09:41 PM
We baught a FAFCO solar heater. The heater works ok, but were told by others we would require 6 panels. Fafco said only 5 would be needed and if that did not work well enough a 6th would be installed at no extra cost. The 5 panels do not keep our pool heated about 80 degrees through the 9 months they say, and they have found every possible excuse not to instal a 6th panel. We have heard simalar issues from others saying FAFCO is none to not stand behind their warranty and guarantees.We have since talk several neighbors out of using Fafco and recommend other systems before using Fafco.
Posted by: Dainius | Feb 2, 2009 6:43:45 AM
Hello, I am from Lithuania, I was very interested in this system, Can you advise where to find more information in this topic?
Posted by: John Boquist | Feb 10, 2009 10:57:21 PM
Hi
Like an earlier writer, I am curious as to know the different solar panel offerrings as well as the quality differences. I live in a Northern climate (snow 4 months per year but a fair amount of sunshine in the summer). What would you recommend or where would I go to research this.
Posted by: Sunshine Rancher | Feb 15, 2009 5:25:51 PM
I investigated solar roof panels. First of all, they work best only in the southwestern USA. Secondly, for a $20,000 or $25,000 investment you get enought power to heat your hot water but not enough to sell it back to the utility company. So if you have an all electric house (like I do) and you electric bill is under $100 a month in the spring and fall when not using AC or heat, you will not save much by installing solar panels, i.e., the payback time for a $25,000 investment for a $5 or $10 a month hot water bill even with the tax breaks will be years. Hopefully, the materials and installation costs will become more reasonable in the future and installing solar panels will be a true benefit to the homeowner.