Residential Solar Power in Indiana

[Mark Wilcher]

As many of you may know, Indiana has few government funded incentives for switching to alternative power generation. But suppose we don't care about government incentives and we just want to do something positive. Does anyone know where to buy solar modules for our home?

[Margaret Stout]

I was at the home show 2 weeks ago. Green Way Supply in Indy had some solar panels on display. I guess you can check them out. http://www.greenwaysupply.net

[Lynn Jenkins]

Besides Green Way Supply which sells solar panels, you might want to talk to Michael Greven from Eco Source inc. His website, shows a recent residential project in Indy.

[Lynn Jenkins]

Hmmm... I tried to include his website, but it didn't show up as a link...
I'll try again!

www.ecosource-inc.com

Lynn

[Joe Shoemaker]

Michael Greven is the REAL DEAL. He stands as a terrific example of a local builder/developer who is completely committed to supporting sustainable living practices.

I'd trust him with any project.

[Louellen Ramey]

Interestingly enough, there are some local neighborhoods and their developers who are PROHIBITING any such alternative additions to houses....can you believe the IGNORANCE and the control issues? I will be watching for your responses to this, because I want to buy such modules myself. This site may be the best way to convince developers and neighborhood associations to get with it and encourage such innovations! I'll be watching!!!
Are you familiar with the name of architect Paolo Soleri, or his innovative community at Cordes Junction, Arizona, named "Arcosanti"? You may find some interesting information on those sites. Best wishes.

[Louellen Ramey]

Thanks, Lynn. I met them and visited their FABULOUS store a couple of weeks ago, but wasn't specifically looking for solar items during that quickie stop-in. Thanks for this!!

[liz]

I too am interested in using solar panels, and plan on doing so in the near future. I think they are lowering in price the longer they have been around, the more competition that they have, and the more smooth their production will be to reduce costs. It will be a harder sell here in Indiana, because we don't get the sun that the west does. The fact that it will take longer to recover our costs in savings will make Indiana a harder sell. When the initial cost to the consumer reduces, then we can sell it's value more to mid-westerners. Right now, the sell has to be that you want to do what's right for the environment and take advantage of one of our amazing earths natural and beautiful resources. Thanks for your interest in both. I hope that you infect your neighbors. :P

[Louellen Ramey]

Thanks so much! I hope we ALL DO!

[liz]

thats the plan! :P

and apparently I am totally wrong about the solar panels not serving the midwest as well. I have been corrected twice today by my brother who is a conservations specialist/ environmentalist and by Joe... there does not need to be full sun to collect it.

in this instance - I love being wrong.

[Mark Wilcher]

In a related matter, I recently read about a portable solar cell for your I-Pod that recharges it fairly quickly in full sun, but also recharges it on cloudy days. Until I had read this, I did not believe a solar cell could work through clouds. But as mom always said, "put on sunscreen because you can still get burnt on a cloudy day"