From: peterwieck33@gmail.com   
      
   > "...The average cost of a 6KW solar energy system in Texas is $16,620 before   
   incentives and $12,899 after applying Texas solar incentives."   
   >   
   > I may go with the zero-down option but I've been told there are drawbacks to   
   that option.   
      
   OK:  We use about 650 KWH/month, at an average cost of $16.5/KWH.   
   Solar Panels are about 280% efficient - per day from rated output. So a 6,000   
   (6kw) installation will make 16.8 KW (per day).   
   Which comes to 504 KWH/month.   
   Assuming 100% cost avoidance - that is no maintenance, interest, financing and   
   so forth, at our rates, we will save $83.16/month.   
   That comes to $998 per year.   
   $16,620/998 = 16.65 years of payback.   
   Texas cost-of-power, on average is $0.14/kwh. Increasing the payback to 19.63   
   years.   
      
   Now, assuming you see fit to take the state & Federal subsidies - that is have   
   other taxpayers cover some of your costs, the payback becomes 13 and 17 years   
   respectively.   
      
   Peter Wieck   
   Melrose Park, PA   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)