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are solar cell panels and wind mills worth the money?
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solar water heaters are definitely questionable in the northeast -- the season when you most need them is also the season when they are least effective. solar electric isn't a huge moneymaker, but with rebates on installation and carbon-reduction credits (srecs) -- and a group purchase discount if you can get one, either at a town level or through organizations like one block off the grid -- it can definitely turn a profit. early estimate was that my setup would pay its initial costs back in 4 years, and the panels are generally considered to be good for a decade before the cells have degraded enough that the panels should be replaced. i haven't had a negative electric bill yet, but i've gotten close, and my setup is a relatively small one (eight panels facing sse on a 45-degree roof). admittedly i've also been working to reduce electricity use; i don't think i have an incandescent bulb left in the house.
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