I suspect that those who say that solar power isn't feasible "in the south" may be working for the electric companies. If you believe the "fact sheet" at:

http://web.eps.utk.edu/~faculty/103/1...

Specfically:

"The Southwestern US (Arizona, New Mexico) are the best
locations for sunlight intensity and duration but the Southeastern US is good too."

However, the U.S. wind power map at the bottom of the page shows this area to be relatively poor for wind power. (They must not have measured the velocity that emanates from this blog site at times.)

As to solar, I think one of the biggest hurdles - like the electric car - has been the storage batteries and being able to retain enough to offset days when the sunlight is inadequate.

I have considered getting a big gas-powered generator. But since we haven't had a hurricane alert/evacuation since the late '90's, I haven't been inspired to explore adjunct power any further.

lholmes, keep us posted on what you decide to do if any. I was watching wtoc last week and it showed Pat Prokops house where he had solar panels on the roof and he was bragging about how low his power bill was.

I will never complain about my Georgia Power bill again. My power came back on last night around 9 pm and you would have thought I hit the lottery.

We were lucky - only had a brief (<10 second) outage on Sunday night during the thunderstorm and that was it.

Does it baffle anyone other then me why GA power doubles its rates during the hot summer months and the cold winter months?

When I inquired about this at the local GA power office I was advised that it was the summer rate! WE have a monopoly for power. GA Power or no one... and if you live out in the county its got to be even worse, cause Canochee and EMC buy from GA Power and they add there own profit to it..

I would have to figure if the investment (cost) of adding enough solar panels would pay for itself in my lifetime... I haven't looked into the cost in a few years. Do you have an idea of what it runs for an average size house, say 1500 square foot? I think you would at least have to cover half the roof in order for it to payoff... Just a wag, but I'm thinking $30,000 to $40,000?...

Anyway, as for the power outages and just the idea of living on the coast (storms), a generator comes in handy from time to time...

Hey Murr... Thanks...

I looked into the tax breaks awhile back. The amount is so small compared to what is spent, it isn't worth counting as helping offset the cost...

I know that there was one. Whether or not it is still in affect, I don't know. Tax break or not, when I get ready to do it, they are going up. Although they have been happening less than a few years ago, power outtages still happen. I like having options.

I saw a news report about a methane powered milk farm in California...