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AR15.COM
11/3/2010 4:18:52 PM EDT
Anybody familar with the "Solar Generator" thats being advertised?  Is it a "good value" or is there a better value?  Also, is anyone getting the federal tax credit for there solar?  Thanks
11/3/2010 4:24:08 PM EDT
[#1]
If you're referring to "my solar backup", It has been discussed. It is basically a solar panel and charge controller hooked up to a big UPS. You could build your own in a few hours and save hundreds.
11/3/2010 4:24:58 PM EDT
[#2]
Need more info on what you are looking at, but it is very difficult to get any kinda return on your dollars via solar power.
11/3/2010 5:54:07 PM EDT
[#3]
On average solar energy has an ROI of 7-15 years.  However, if you look into tax breaks, grants and other subsidies, the ROI gets much better.
11/3/2010 7:20:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Most of the "solar generators" currently being advertised make wildly exaggerated claims about the amount of power they produce (or fail to mention that they'll only produce full power for a few minutes before the batteries die). By selecting the components yourself (solar panels, charge regulator, batteries and inverter), you usually end up with a much more capable system for a small fraction of the cost.

SUGGESTION: Take a little time to educate yourself about solar power before whipping out the credit card.

My favorite resource for learning about solar power: Home Power Magazine.