[Happinow]

Has anyone installed solar panals on the back of their home recently? I know it's expensive but it would be great not to have hardly any utility bill. Any thoughts??

[CaptJohn]

I'm not in TV but have installed a system on my home here. I started it as a backup plan for when power was out or hurricanes. Gradually added to it up to the 1K (kilowatt) I currently have. With that I can power my refrigerator or small window ac and easily all lights or tv (as in television!) and sound equipment. Prices have come way down since I started. Best to compare price per watt. I started paying about $7.50 per watt and have seen them lately around $2.50 so it is getting much more economical. You have to decide whether to have a stand alone system using storage batteries plus controller and inverter or grid tie (less costly outlay), where you sell unused power back to the electric company. Different states allow companies to pay different rates. Some states require the power company to pay you full retail where others might pay only 1/4 of retail. There is an online site that has that info.
I presume TV will allow them. I plan on bringing my system when I get there. Good question to ask. Anybody know?

[UpNorth]

I don't know what the restrictions might be in TV, but it would be a shame if you couldn't take advantage of the great exposure to sunlight most homes have. I just turned the switch on 6.5kvh of solar panels on my roof here in Connecticut, where electricity is priced like gold. The state gives a rebate and there is a 30% federal tax credit. The bottom line was that the entire system installed costs less than if I were to buy the raw panels and components off the internet. Since I already have battery backup that also gets recharged by the panels, I don't need the grid at all. However, the electrical company must buy back any unused power I generate by law. And the best thing is that when I am ready to sell my house and move south, I will have a "buyer's magnet" that will easily recoup my investment. Who doesn't want to live in a 3000 sq ft house with no electrical bills? You can spend just as much money on a swimming pool or a sports car, but you will never get as much bang for your buck as with a good solar panel system.

[CarGuys]

I agree! We up north seem to have less sun and more benefits for Solar and wind.

I have not found any company yet in Florida that uses Federal and State rebates if any to help.

I believe there is still a " You'll die before you recoup the costs attitude " Right or wrong seems to be the mood.

Please keep me informed if you find a Clean Cities connection or other for a Village Solar Plan.

Might be restriction on code and can the roofs hold the panels in a high wind

I am not a expert on systems but sure want to be!

[graciegirl]

The house we rented in Harmeswood had one on it's roof and they sold energy back to the utility company.

There is a home here in Laurel Valley, our new village, who has one to heat the pool and I have seen that more frequently.

[Happinow]

I guess we will have to continue to research this. Will post when we find out more....

[buggyone]

I have seen solar panels on some homes as I drive around The Villages - including the premiers at Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Therefore, they are allowed. I am sure you need a permit for it, though, from the ARC.

[UpNorth]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I have seen solar panels on some homes as I drive around The Villages - including the premiers at Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Therefore, they are allowed. I am sure you need a permit for it, though, from the ARC.

What you think are solar panels may be solar hot water panels. These simply use the sun to produce hot water (not electricity). It can be easy to get these confused with PV panels, which generate electricity.