patrick.net

Makes sense. I have to get into the habit of dropping information and sticking with some good solid basics, like you're pointing out.

This is an interesting discussion, as I'm looking at installing solar panels now because my roof needs replacing. I've got a limited roof area, so Sunpower's high efficiency panels are of interest. One of "their" dealers quoted me both a Sunpower and Suntech (Chinese panels) solution. The Suntech (Chinese) system is about 17cents/watt cheaper (after all rebates are considered); it is also about 20% smaller (wattage) because of the panel's lower efficiency. The other Sunpower dealer (featured here, our margins have shrunk) had a quote that came in only ~4cents/watt more expensive than Suntech. For a sense of scale, system numbers are over $6/CEC rated watt (installed, after rebates).The installers, I think, are fairly fickle as they have to watch their own backs. I know that high density Sanyo's were the module of choice a couple of years ago; they're definitely not afraid to jump ship. At the same time, they know Sunpower is a company that will stand behind their product (and be around for a long time).

The recently passed AB 920 should create some more (mild) demand for solar systems, as utilities will now pay for excess power generated. The PUC has until Jan. 1, 2011 to set the reimbursement rate. Utilities want $.08/kWhr while solar advocates are pushing for $.14/kWhr. That said, this is nothing like the outsized feed in tariffs in Germany, and the systems are supposed to be sized for the consumer's existing use, so (in theory) any excess generated power comes from efficiency measures within a residence.

Maybe I'll buy some BP tomorrow, and then some SPWRA for good karma....

this is just the market as I see it and from my limited experience and how to play it safely. Nothing is guaranteed here. Gotta pay attention to the 1050 support level to see if we can confirm that bottom for the fourth time.

we gotta start a new stock thread, it is taking too long to load on the iphone

We need to find a new property to "discuss" this under then, since it seems so nice and quiet here for us!

EBguy, I read about Germanies buy back. That is a sweet plan. They paid something like 20 cents/watt, then dropped it each year. The key with their system is they sold EVERYTHING back to the power company, then bought back whatever they needed at the regular consumer rate of like 13 cents. So not just excess, but everything. Before investing in solar, I would invest in solar water heating, insulation, better appliances and learn more about where you're losing power and where you could get more efficiency. I like solar/wind, but I could never justify it. I've spent around $18-22/month for electricity for the last several years and this is in many different places, cities and home types. Installation is a huge part of that cost too, I'm sort of waiting for some low cost outfit to come out that will set everything up quickly and efficiently. And of course, I need to buy a place :)

I've gone through several different investment strategies, and keep coming back to the brute simplicity of earnings and dividends. Especially after reading "Margin of Safety" by Seth Klarman

Things that have never happened before are bound to occur with some regularity.

When excesses such as lax lending standards become widespread and persist for some time, people are lulled into a false sense of security, creating an even more dangerous situation.

Nowhere does it say that investors should strive to make every last dollar of potential profit; consideration of risk must never take a backseat to return.

Risk is not inherent in an investment; it is always relative to the price paid.

Do not trust financial market risk models. Reality is always too complex to be accurately modeled. [Attention Federal Reserve]

Do not accept principal risk while investing short-term cash

The latest trade of a security creates a dangerous illusion that its market price approximates its true value.

Ratings agencies are highly conflicted, unimaginative dupes.

Beware leverage in all its forms.

Financial stocks are particularly risky. Banking, in particular, is a highly leveraged, extremely competitive, and challenging business.

When a government official says a problem has been “contained,” pay no attention.

The government – the ultimate short- term-oriented player – cannot withstand much pain in the economy or the financial markets. Bailouts and rescues are likely to occur

Almost no one will accept responsibility for his or her role in precipitating a crisis: not leveraged speculators, not willfully blind leaders of financial institutions, and certainly not regulators, government officials, ratings agencies or politicians.

Looks like this house gained nearly a $1M in equity since 2010

BayArea says

Looks like this house gained nearly a $1M in equity since 2010

Do you know how many I-phones need to be liberated to keep up the "Free" money given to the White family that bought it?

BayArea says

Looks like this house gained nearly a $1M in equity since 2010

Do you know how many I-phones need to be liberated to keep up the "Free" money given to the White family that bought it?