Astropower [RE-wrenches]

[Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection]

<x-flowed>
Along the same lines, I wonder just how much the Astropower/Home 
Depot thing hurt their product. They were, of course, shooting for a 
packaged "appliance" that the DIY folks or a "regular" electrician 
could install. Bad idea, IMO. The CEC apparently thought that way too 
and cut the rebate for DIY. Other states, like Oregon, won't give you 
ANY rebate if you DIY. The reason is that those administering the 
public benefit monies realize that-as a rule- a professionally 
installed system is better, will last longer, and produce more KWH 
than a DIY.
Not only that, but some Wrenches-me among them- wouldn't touch an 
Astropower PV after they did the HD deal. I don't install what I 
don't sell and I'm not about to support a company that encourages 
folks to do just that. I've gotta wonder how much that cost them?
Then there's the financial aspects of getting in bed with a HD, 
Costco, Wally World, etc. It's pretty well known that a vendor to 
those outfits had better be prepared to wait until hell freezes over 
to get paid. Net 60 and up are common. That can create big time cash 
flow troubles. I sure hope the other PV manus take notice and don't 
make the same mistakes.
Bob-O

>For two or three years, about  1999 to 2001, we considered picking up
>Astropower dealership. While they were responsive at some energy fairs,
>there was little or no follow-up to my inquiries and we eventually lost
>interest. I think its a sure sign of impermanence when a company is not
>responsive and eager in their communications.
>Steve Willey,
>Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
>steve at backwoodssolar.com

-- 
Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection
PO Box 203, Hornbrook, CA 96044
800.945.7587 or 530.475.3402
fax 530-475-3401
www.electronconnection.com

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
--^----------------------------------------------------------------
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html
--^----------------------------------------------------------------



</x-flowed>