SOLAR PANEL ECONOMICS IN THE FORESTED HILLS OF VIRGINIA

The success of alternate energy systems depends largely on the topography, location and climate of the installation sites. Our research organization, Center for Basic and Applied Science, Inc., has examined the success of these systems, and in particular how the economics of the systems were determined by decisions made during the system installations. In the case of photovoltaic (PV) systems, we concentrated on 20 installations in northern Virginia. The local topography formed on early-middle Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, and today is seen as rolling hills on which a resurgence of forests over the past century shades most homes. On average, the homes in our study were 2-story, 2000 sq.ft. grid-connected homes. Some years after completion, 1-3 kilowatt PV systems were installed, usually with batteries for emergency power. The systems cost about $20,000, provided about 30-50% of electrical use, and caused reverse meter spin (electricity sent back to the local provider) a few hours/day. Half of the PV panels were roof mounted and half pedestal or ground mounted. Many home owners had other "green" installations (hybrid cars, water-saving plumbing, extra insulation, rain barrels, etc). Most home owners seemed more intertested in experimenting than in saving money; most estimated that their savings on their electrical bill would never pay for their PV system.