New home solar panels

When President Obama said he wanted to look at all energy sources to combat climate change he was on the right track. Unfortunately most of his emphasis was on solar panels and electric cars. There are two uses for solar panels that currently make sense. The first is to use a small (4 sq ft) panel to power lap tops for use in third world counties where small communities are without a power source. The second is roof top solar panels on new home construction. The estimate cost is $30,000 and when added to a 30 year mortgage that comes to $150 per month which is the average cost of electric power to the average home. These panels last for 30 years and would be replaced when the roofing shingles need replacement. These panels will supply more power than is needed and the excess can be sold back to the power company and those savings can be accumulated in a sinking fund to pay for panel replacement. The cost of solar panels keeps coming down and government will provide incentives to install panels so the original cost can be cut in half. New designs in panels have improved the appearance. Power companies are influencing some states to pass laws which prohibit the sale of excess power back to the power company. One of the problems which happened in Nevada was that only wealthy people could afford to install the panels on existing homes and the price of electric power was increased on those who could not afford panels. Installing panels in new homes is more cost effective and many more people can afford this.