Sunday, September 9, 2001
source: San Francisco Chronicle http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/09/09/RE235866.DTL

Editor - In June I wrote to you questioning the cost estimate of about $5,000 to $6,000 quoted in a June 10 article about solar power.

At the time I was contracting for a 2 Kw photovoltaic system after researching the cost quite carefully. I received several bids, and none came close to
those nunbers.

I have finally received my state rebate and can now give you the actual cost of my completed system: $15,000 for Siemens Corp. solar panels bought
at Palo Alto Hardware; $1,200 for sales tax; $2,200 for installation; $119 for Los Altos Hills permit and $277 for a PG&E E-Net meter - a total of
$18,796.

The California Energy Commission rebate was $9,040.50, making my net costs $9,755.50.

I later checked with Palo Alto Hardware and learned that the present cost is higher than my cost. Panels are up to $18,000 for two. With sales tax,
installation, permit and the rebate, the net cost would be $13,195.

Alvin Janklow,
Los Altos Hills