RWE @28…

I’ve looked into the IRR of PV for my house.

Due to 30% unlimited Federal Tax Credit (Form 5695)…

Plus PG&E rebates ( vs capital investment or structured vs peak output )…

My internal rate of return — after taxes — is about 13%.

It’s the crazy Tier 4 and 5 pricing ( $.35 & $.45 per kW-Hr !!!) and the subsidies that make it possible.

Obviously, it’s different everywhere else.

My beef is with staying off the grid with PV. It runs up your cost something terrific. It also means none of the subsidies mentioned herein apply!

Now if you’re out in the wilds and it’s a seasonal residence PV can make perfect sense.

As for myself, a 13% after-tax internal rate of return at low risk is motivation enough for me. I know of no other investment that pays off that rich with Federal, Utility and Personal guaranties, and it’s inflation adjusted, too!

If Taxman Waxman flushes the Cap & Trade through the House then my IRR would be nearer to 19% after taxes. That’s what happens when you are left out of the tax increase on distributed electric power.