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Let the Sun Shine
Photovoltaics
Heather McCune, Editor in Chief
December 1, 2002
Professional Builder
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| Knowing the numbers to calculate the break-even turnkey cost of a photovoltaic system can electrify your energy choice. |
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The top markets for residential photovoltaics aren't distinguished by the amount of sunlight that falls on them but rather the economic climate in the state. High electric rates and a political climate that encourages builders and homeowners to conserve have the most influence on the use of photovoltaics.
A new report calculates the break-even turnkey cost (BTC) for these alternative, renewable energy systems. The higher the BTC, the better the value for builders and homeowners. Costs included in calculating the BTC include residential electric rates, tax credits, tax deductions, net metering, property tax credits, mortgage rate reductions and buy-down grants. Using this formula, the top 10 residential photo-voltaic market states are New York, California, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Washington, New Jersey, Florida, Arizona and Illinois.
For the BTC in your state, visit the Interstate Renewable Energy Council Web site at www.irecusa.org.
© 2008, Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.