David

I sympathise. We have the same problem here, but in a slightly different 
way. About 2½ years ago, the government passed an act offering 55% 
subsidies on capital cost and a 2 x buy-back price, compared with 
purchase price, for all kWh generated, for solar systems. I expressed 
immediate interest, because we have 320-340 days of sun/year. To date, 
I'm still battling with the bureaucracy and my wife said, only this 
morning over breakfast, that we should forget the whole thing because 
there is no guarantee when (or if) we would be refunded for either the 
capital cost or the electricity buy-back. I must admit, I'm fed up with 
the whole affair, as the procrastination is ridiculous. The Electricity 
Authority has approved my application, but the Ministry is constantly 
sitting on it and has recently requested, for the fifth time, further 
details. When (if) they give their approval, I then have to apply for 
house-planning permission to install the panels on our south-facing 
roof, which is invisible to everyone. Quite honestly, I don't think it's 
possible now, this year. I'm 73 years old, and I'd probably never see my 
investment amortised (estimated 8½ years with subsidy and buy-back), so 
what the hell????????

It's also bad business for the companies offering it; at least three 
have gone bankrupt because they have not been able to weather the 
bureaucratic delays.

Brian

David Douthit wrote:
> Joe,
> 
> I am currently installing a 6kw photo voltaic system and I have already
> installed a solar hot water heater.
> 
> I am also trying to "spread the word" here but I am beginning to get
> strange looks. I am borrowing money, while it is cheap, (inflation
> spiral) to pay for these items. It is strange that I live in a "desert"
> in Arizona and so little effort is being put into solar energy.
> 
> People simply don't believe or want to here you. Classic "denial" symptoms.
> 
> Only 2 companies in the Phoenix area are licensed and bonded to install
> solar cell power systems.
> Only 4 in the entire state! This is incredible.
> None of the hardware they are installing is built in the USA. We may get
> so far
> "behind the power curve", literally, that we can not afford the hardware
> needed to reduce energy consumption (inflation and unemployement spirals!).
> 
> I am very worried for my children!!
> 
> David A. Douthit
> Manager
> LoCan LLC
> 
> Joe Fjelstad wrote:
> 
>> Thanks Dave,
>>
>> I agree that it is not No..1. I forwarded another's message for
>> consideration and it was their choice for No. 1 but it is a matter of  
>> significant
>> concern.
>>
>> Thanks also for the link. Interesting reading and there are a number of
>> counter points that I have heard but the indisputable fact is that  
>> there will be
>> an end to cheap oil and we are seeing the start of that day  now.
>>
>> Humans are very selfish creatures but we are also capable of great  
>> sacrifice
>> for our progeny if we see and understand threat. The question  is, 
>> drawing on
>> the word's of Lincoln, can we summon " the  better angels of our 
>> nature" in
>> advance of the threat becoming  overwhelming?
>>
>> Kind regards,
>> Joe
>>
>>
>>
>>
>