End to All Power Problems

Magfan, you need to check with someone at one of the non-profit "green" coalition about the meter issue. I'm not an advocate for gov't subsidized anything, but, it's seems at odds the the gov't is subsidizing these technologies, then the state commisions allowing the utilities to screw you on the rules.

There must be a group working on a class action suit against the utility. It should only have to go the state commision,and that can actually get resolution, in many states, very quickly.

Good luck.

I'd be just checking with the power company. I'm not going to go solar, but I'm just curious what they'll say. The push is on in Southern California for 'smart' metering. This is a prelude to charging differential rates based on time of day.
Name something the government doesn't have there hand in?
As a matter of 'public policy' and wanting 'green' I'm afraid that tax money will go to those changing over to solar and maybe even other technologies. Aren't there even some subsidies for certain 'green' cars?

Magfan,

2500W inverter is about $1700. I found LDK panels to be a little cheaper $500 for 235W.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250721031603&hlp=false&rvr_id=175661700227&crlp=1_263602_304652&UA=M*F%3F&GUID=6b8fbb1f12b0a0aad3009e10ff5125d6&itemid=250721031603&ff4=263602_304652

Specification at the bottom of the page show 0.47%/degC temperature coefficient of max power with nominal air temperature of 20deg C. If higher temperatures cause loss of power then 20degC increase will cause 10% loss.
It is guaranteed to deliver 80% of nominal output after 25 years. Your meter situation is a serious drawback since largest loads (air conditioning, heating) should partially operate from the grid while during rest of the time energy should be returned to grid to get overall balance better than zero. Power companies sell energy and need people to be dependent. They won't make it easier for the people to install solar panels unless courts will force them to.

Small solar panel can run small water pump that irrigates small field - it means food for some people for the next 25 years.

If I understand California law....big IF, we are a 'Net Metering State' . This means they are required to 'buy' my power if I have extra. Meter runs both ways and I pay the difference if it is a positive number and don't get back a penny if it's negative. Sort'a me giving power away.
The new rat-fink electronic meter does not run backwards. That's why I'm going to call and make a minor stink about installing solar. just stirring the pot, you understand.
Here where I live, 90f+ is a couple weeks a year. 100+ doesn't happen every year. Typical daytime temp is in high 80s for summer months. 95% of the time, it drops below 70f at nite....so I can open windows.

The 'new' electronic meters do not support net metering.

Were I to install solar, SDGE would reinstall an analogue meter until such time as the electronic meter could support net metering.

No a bit of pushback when I asked the questions.....I think that is fair.

I suspect this would also apply to anyone who could permit (get one, that is) one of the Bloom units.