Hi Joel,

 

  Actually, I AM responsible for most of the text in the RG renewables catalogs and on the techies side of the website. At least initially it all flows from me, management may hack it a bit, but usually, no.  And yes, your suggestions would be more accurate, but it probably wouldn’t help sell any systems. The copy on these Intertie Power Systems are precisely what us techies and the management have been quibbling about. Standardized measurements of system outputs is fine, it’s like the EPA gas mileage ratings, at least we’re comparing apples to apples. But there needs to be a standard “Your mileage may vary” disclaimer too.  Maybe that’s all we need, “Your Output May Vary”.  ??

 

Doug Pratt

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Joel Davidson [mailto:joeldavidson@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 10:42 AM
To: RE-wrenches@topica.com
Subject: Re: system output honesty [RE-wrenches]

 

Hi Doug,

I know you are not responsible for the text on page 54 of the latest RG catalog and the web site at http://www.realgoods.com/renew/shop/product.cfm?dp=1804&ts=1012237&kw=utility%20intertie

Would this ad copy be more accurate?

ST-2500 Utility Intertie Power System $18,500.00
This system includes the Trace ST-2500 intertie inverter, twenty-four 120-watt PV modules, and three low-profile rooftop mounts. Based on the North American yearly average of 4.5 hours sunlight (not 5.5), this system will deliver approximately 8.5 kWh/day (not 13.3). This package allows mounting on a residence. Wiring is supplied locally, as required by your installation site. System saves $1,193 (the print catalog has $1202 savings on $18,750) over individual pricing. Qualifies for a California Energy Commission rebate up to $10,730.00 (24 x 105.78 x 0.94 = 2384 x $4.50 = $10,728).
 

Doug Pratt wrote:

 System output honesty is a battle several of us techies at Real Goods have been fighting with the boss over for months.  To date, we've been listing CEC specs, times the average number of noon-equivalent hours, as the projected system output in our publications.  Now that we know the real-world output is going to be 20-30% less, we should say that, and not create unrealistic expectations.  Hey, folks understand EPA-rated mileage, vs. the real world when they buy a car.  If your solar system never performs as well as the people who sold it to you said it would, who are you going to blame?  And how's it going to make you feel about your investment, and solar in general?  In the long run, honesty is always a plus.Doug Pratt

 

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