Since Florida is the Sunshine state and has many sunny days per annum, I am interested in knowing if anyone has studied the feasibility of installing solar panels on their roof as the primarly source of electric power for the residence. I know it is used to heat swimming pools, and am interested to know if the cost and payback period of a solar system would be feasible in TV as the primary electric power source for a residence. Also, would be interested in knowing how much of the capacity could be provided by a stand-alone solar system and how much outside supplementary power (electric and/or gas) would be required. Also, what are your thoughts about the aesthetics of a roof full of solar panels on ones home. I realize that the feasibility may depend on the square footage of the available roof, as well as its directional angle and exposure to the sun. If anyone has reasearched this, it would be interesting to know your findings. Also, if there are local contractors who specialize in residential solar energy, I would like to know who they are.

[ijusluvit]

The "solar panels" we pool owners use to heat water are simple strands of plastic tubing with water piped through. There are many of these installations in the Villages. The real solar panels and related equipment which convert sunlight to electrical energy are rare in residential applications. I can only presume that the equipment cost for a single home is prohibitive or nearly so. I know of only one home in TV which has real solar panels. It's visible from either the 6th or 7th tee on the Belmont executive golf course. I've thought a few times about contacting the owner, but I guess I'm too hesitant to invade his privacy.

[spk7951]

When we moved to TV last year we did look into solar power for the house. As much as we would like to do our share for the environment the cost for the system was much higher than what we could afford. If I remember correctly the price was over $50K and we could expect to have it cover about 75% of our electric needs. It does help that there is a government rebate, which I do not remember the value of it, and that we could sell back power to the utility. The break even on the investment vs cost savings on the electric was somthing like 25 + years. For us the numbers just did not work out.

[JoeB1]

We currently live in a modest home in the East Bay of the SF Bay Area. Last year we looked at a home solar system for elecrticity through Akeena Solar and Sun Run Solar. Akeena is a SF Bay Area company and I think Sun Run is more regional. Anyway it was about $25,000 for a system to deliver about 80% - 90% of our electricity needs. There were some discounts from state and federal rebates. This year there are more state and federal rebates that will lower that cost to about $10K. Now if you can find a company like Sun Run, they will buy the system from Akeena, installer, and run the system for you for a set price for 25 years at a cost that is below average for your current rates. You own the system in the end, if you choose to buy it. If not the system will be upkept and is even transferable to a new buyer. I would love to find a setup like that in FL. I have not had much luck finding anyone in the Sumter county area that knows much about residential solar. Seems like Fl. would have as much going in this regards as CA., but I don't know. The SF Bay Area sees lots of residential systems for solar. Some home builders are even offering them as an option in our area.

[sixspeed]

The owner of the house on Belmont that has solar electric power loves to talk about it. I wouldn't hesitate to stop by and see him for more information. A couple years ago he had an open house to show his system.