pv and thermal [RE-wrenches]

[matthew tritt]

Keith,

I personally think that a well engineered and fairly priced thermal system
can be more cost-effective than most PV systems are. This is particularly
true if the installation has propane or electric water heating to begin with
and it's a closed-loop system with no freezing and/or hard water deposit
problems to contend with.

Heating water with solar energy is a very appropriate, low-tech and low-cost
way to help save energy costs, fight global warming and allow for some
degree of energy independence (if it's a PV powered system like the
Heliodyne). It is also more difficult to install (like in heavy and bulky)
and definitely not as sexy as a nice big grid inter-tie system.

It's too bad that California rebates for thermal systems are such a joke. It
just goes to show what a difference good lobbying can make.

What ever happened to mandatory solar thermal for new construction? Did gas
and electricity get cheaper and more abundant in the last 25 years? It seems
to me that there should be greater cooperation and association between the
two disciplines.

Matt T
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "keith" <kcronin at lava.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 12:14 AM
Subject: pv and thermal [RE-wrenches]


> Hello
>
> I am wondering in the world of solar around the country, what is the
> ratio or percentage of folks in this business that do PV or Thermal.
> Are these group segregated?  I am wondering if collectively as a group,
> do both parts work together as one?  In Hawaii, it has always been a
> thermal group.  I am the newest member into this club.aka a pv guy.  I
> am the minority.  We had a big legislative session that ended recently.
> PV was going to get an increase in credit (FROM $1750 TO $5000).  At the
> last hour, the membership decided to not increase PV for the sake of
> survival of the existing solar thermal tax credit. Again, being the
> minority and the new kid on the block, I was informed late in the
> program, and quite frankly, really didn't have a say in the
> matter.(grrrrrrrrrrr).
>
> Anyway, what's working around the country? Are we divided? Are their
> different philosophical differences on what's the most cost effective?
> Has anyone done any studies?  Energy policy task forces?  Dollars plowed
> back into the economy on a dollar spent via subsidy scenario? How are
> things structured in your neighborhood? Together we stand, divided we
> fall!  Or is it every technology for him or herself?
>
> Sorry Michael if this is the wrong list for this.  I always wonder how
> many folks on this list also subscribe to the markets list...which is
> why I'm posting it here.  Plus, it really is a PV issue that is
> wrenching my brain at the moment.
>
> aloha
>
> Keith Cronin
> Island Energy Solutions
> 318 A Kuulei Road
> Kailua, Hawaii 96734
> 808-262-3268 Tel
> 808-263-0338 Fax
> www.islandenergy.net
>
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