Performance based model - Good cop v. bad cop WAS:Tax Credits [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Loesch, Saint Louis Solar]

Spot on, Chris!!

That same performance based model also gives incentive for maintenance
(something totally lacking (at present only, hopefully) in the CA model).

Just how many _performance based_ solar systems do you think you will find
in someone's garage or barn, _still in the box_, nearly 20 years later?

The nation oftens looks to CA as the leader in new developments - that
would be a mistake of the highest order in this matter.

Bill Loesch
bill_loesch at compuserve.com
tel / fax 314 631 1094
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
www.solar1online.com
9905 Vasel Drive
St Louis MO 63123-4321


Chris Freitas said:
>There is a big difference between how we in the California and German 
encourages the growth of a
>PV market.  

>In California we "Buydown" the equipment cost for the customer.  In 
Germany they pay a special
>high rate for the power produced by the PV  system.  Doesn't sound that
different, maybe, but it
>has a big impact on  the attitude of the consumer.  

>When you "buydown" the system price,  the customer pays less up front.  
It is easy to imagine
>numerous ways for corruption to occur.  The  customer looks for the "best"
deal (cheapest) price
>for the most PV on  his roof to maximize the credit.  The amount paid does
not get adjusted  for
>lousy tilt angle, tree shading or poor installation methods.  The 
customer is also inclined to buy
>the lowest quality components as the  credit is somewhat fixed (slightly
affected by inverter
>efficiency  though).

>When you instead pay a high price for the actual power produced,  the 
customer reacts in a
>different manner.  He looks for a system that will  produce the most POWER
possible.  He might even
>be willing to pay more  for a better installation or more efficient
components with the 
>understanding that, in the long run, it will produce more power. 

>The German model builds a more competitive marketplace and encourages 
development of high
>performance, reliable products.  The California  model makes a market full
of cheap products and
>installations, and  results in poor customer satisfaction and fraud.     

>Christopher Freitas OutBack Power Systems, Inc. cfreitas at outbackpower.com 
www.outbackpower.com Tel
>360 435 6030  Arlington WA USA 

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