Why aren't the public buildings going solar?

Question:

WIth tax breaks and the rising concern of the environment, why aren't Montclair's schools and administrative buildings going solar? There are huge tax breaks and within a few years, the initial investment is paid off. At that point, the buildings will have NO PSE&G bills. We will save money and save the environment. How do we get this moving?

Answer:
Well the Pope did. I was impressed the Vatican is installing solar panels in a bunch of the building there.

I think once it isn't a out side the box thing and more mainstream companies and gov. buildings have installed them we will see them going up all over.

Probably because it requires a bigger investment up front and people worry (unfounded worries) that it won't be sunny all the time so they won't have power. I think you are right, I am getting ready to build my own house and you can bet that I am going to include some solar energy to help power it.

I believe that if you do the math that it will not be as rosy as you think. From all of the research I've done I've found that it takes 20-30 years before you break even.

That's why people are not buy them for their private homes. If someone does buy solar panels its for something like a water heater or a small appliance.

Companies like Sun Edison are trying to come up with ways for businesses to go to solar power without having to make large capital investments.
http://www.sunedison.com/

On the positive side, there have been significant advancements in solar power over the last five years and they are just beginning to look practical (with government subsidies). If you wait another 5 years then there will be some major technological breakthroughs that will make solar power more practical.

Alot of buildings are going solar. Depending on where you live. Right now my Dad is puttign solar panels on the first zero energy house in Louisiana. Talk to your mayor or governer

Cost to much.

www.first-molecule.com
Alternative energy company check it out

Solar is expensive and not all places in the world can use it. It is also a fairly big upfront investment (it would take about 15-25 years to pay anything solar off).

there are alot of cities and building professionals who are switching over to mostly green resources and building. i would think the best way to get your city involved would be to go talk to the people in charge of running it. maybe they have some ideas or plans in the works for the future. there are many many places to do some research online also!

Its very expensive so companies won't make that change but a lot of big companies recycle, used recycled products...only run a/c when needed.

write letters. to the elctric companies, the building companies, and every governmental guy you can. and, while your at it, send me the addresses of these people. i'd love to help! i think you have the right idea. in answer to your first question (why arnt the public buildings going solar), i think its because it isnt what they have been doing, and humans are creatures of habit. so they need to get their little butts moving. the old way is not always the best way.

With tax breaks with coding issues and cost for engineering services the cost is too much. Unfortunately
city offices still are not prepared and supplies are really difficult to get for commercial buildings. This increases budgets between 35 and 60% in most areas.
I work partime in an engineering office and this is always a hot topic.

I think some people are waiting for the efficiency of photovoltaic technology to increase, and the cost is still pretty high. To see how much a solar system for your home/amount of energy usage just check out the link below.

Why aren't the public buildings going solar?

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