I see a banner ad one this site occasionally for a solar power supplier and it got me wondering if anyone here uses solar power. If so, I'd be really interested in your experiences with it. Is it cost effective? What about cloud cover and how does that affect the overall effectiveness of the panels as a continuous power source? Do you use the solar power exclusively, or is there an electric backup? Really curious. Thanks!

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If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

We have a small area of solar panels installed on our roofs a few months ago. The basic installation costs are higher but they can be profitable on a long term.

If you are deciding to go for solar power I would advice you to buy them after a year as we will see new incentives and cuts on the costs of green power by the new government.

That's not the first time I've heard this. It might be something positive with a liberal administration. I've been thinking of going with wind and solar power though, to help with those days when it's cloudy (wind turbines are relatively cheap for small units).

I had a client in central Montana who ran solar, he said that it was very effective. The units weren't too large, maybe 5 feet square.

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I'm a freelance Linux Consultant: http://linuxconsultant.info

I just talked to a person who is looking to get into solar and wind power installation here in MT. Apparently, interest is picking up in this area, and based on the new tax incentives coming out this year, a lot of people are starting to ask what the total cost of ownership is in this field. Should be some interesting things coming out in the next couple of years, possibly increasing the efficiency of solar powered applications.

doesn't it seem Ironic that Ottawa , Canada has bylaws that prevent you from mounting a solar thermal unit on the roof of your house to supplement water heating!! i have read some people complaining from such bylaws! does anybody know about it?

You would think that governments would want people to takes these kinds of steps...of course, the government has to get its money somewhere right?

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If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

I've been looking into supplementing with solar power..i.e. appliances and things..

I've REALLY been looking into wind power though. Here in the great lakes, turbines are everwhere......fields of them.

I'm really thinking we are going to get one for our "bug in" destination!

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~Lori

"Plan for your future...for that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life" ~ Mark Twain