I've always wondered why, other than Exeltech, which is based in Texas, most of the manufacturers of PV equipment are based in the Pacific Northwest, where there is not much sun. It's kind of of an oddity, but of course there are viable explanations, since PV electronics grew out of audio and other microelectronics.
I do believe there are some tax incentives for equipment manufactured in Washington...
see a bit down the page http://www.nwwindandsolar.com/residential-solar-power/residential-solar-energy-systems-incentives-and-credits/
It's not a tax incentive (no state income tax in WA) but an actual production incentive that is payed out each year if you are a WA state resident.
It only applies to inverters, solar panels and wind turbines . Since I have an Outback inverter I get an extra $0.03 per kWh ($0.18/kWh total). ;D
Too bad there is only one (expensive!) WA based solar panel manufacturer - since using WA manufactured PV pays an extra $0.36/kwh for at total of $0.54 per kWh!!! :o
There was a state sales tax exemption for all solar equipment (not just WA manufactured) but this expired :-[
Bottom line though is that I think the reason for Outback and Midnite being here is more historical than due to these incentives.. Surely Robin or Bob can confirm this.
There is another Washington state PV manufacturer... Itek Energy in Bellingham...
http://www.itekenergy.com/
The maximum incentive is something like $0.54 per kW-Hour if the PV and inverter is
"manufactured" in the state off Washington. Limit ceilings apply for how much you can
receive per year but it is something around $6,000 I think.
One reason we have so many alternative energy companies up here is that the sun
doesn't shine much and so we go inside and work instead of play !
boB
Cool - I didn't know about Itek Energy. It looks like they're new. I can't find any pricing info online. Are they priced competitively and easily available?
When I was buying panels last, I tried to find out how much the Silicon Energy panels would be and how to get them but it was very difficult. Must buy through specific dealers/installers only. Not DIY friendly. Finally found out how expensive they were!! :o
I'm willing to pay a premium for USA and especially WA made given the incentive program but I could not justify paying 4-5 times as much!! In the end a pallet of Evergreens for $0.78 per watt won out....
QuoteOne reason we have so many alternative energy companies up here is that the sun
doesn't shine much and so we go inside and work instead of play !
And why some of us spend too much time on the internet on a rainy Saturday... :(