Ann: Fundraising Announcement , page-38

I disagree - solar is not a no brainer. Retail solar technology has been around a long time and its attractiveness comes from the fact the energy source is free - this is very easy to market, but only recently.

The solar power industry has been entirely dependent on subsidies, and still is, which has allowed it to flourish.

But its only been somewhat cost effective in the past 5-7 years only. Here in Australia, it had the assistance of threefold subsidies for it to be viable. (of course this has now changed, but that's the point, it was required to kick start the industry)
1) direct government subsidy
2) REC (Renewable energy credits)
3) FiTs (with a massive 60c/KWh now reduced)

You can buy a 5Kw of solar power for $8000 now only because of the above which now translates to ~$1.6/W. 5 years ago or so you'd for lucky to get it for ~$2.5/W or over $12000. Add another $3000 for the inverter and you are looking at $15000. Add another min $1000 for frames, $1000 for installation and where are we now...$17000.
Don't forget you need about 33m2 of clear, unshaded, north facing roof space at an optimal angle to get this baby going.

So how much energy do we get for this? I'll be generous and say 4.5 sunlight hours avg throughout the whole year.
Solar energy output expected: 8000KWh per year
This is an optimistic figure as output will be reduced as the panels get covered in grime and output degrades over the years.

Solar power was never a no brainer but an expensive exercise. That's why we had sales people doing everything they can to brainwash people. Don't get me wrong, I love solar, I took it up when I did engineering pre-2001. I also took advantage of 1Kw for $8000 subsidy in NSW and only had to pay about $500 to get the solar meter - now that was a no brainer. Would I have got it otherwise - definitely not!

Now let's consider the bluegen:
- It can reliably and predictably produce ~13000KWh per year
- Takes the space of a dishwasher.
- Reusable excess heat to heat water (and wash away my sins for believing in management)

It would take 8Kw of solar to be able to produce the same output - again at the optimistic level of 4.5 sun hours (in reality its 4).
~54m2 of clear north facing roof space.
The panels alone cost about $12000 (current prices now). Then add, $3500 for the inverter, add frames and installation cost and that's at least $18000. Cheaper with subsidies naturally.

Now tell me how many homes have 33m2 of unshaded, north facing roof space, let alone 54m2!?!?!

So I hope everyone can see that the blugen in fact is not far off! Keep in find that 13000KWh per year is the amount of energy produced @1.5kw and does not include the heat recovery component.

The only thing now required is simply economies of scale. I believe the company should sell these at a loss to generate sales. With the subsidies in place they should sell at a price point that brings the unit down to the self supporting level of below $8000. As the volume picks up, the price of the units will eventually reach break even.

I strongly disagree with the concept of trying to sell to recover cost. What's the point if you don't sell? What interest do I as a customer have in buying a unit that won't give me a decent return on my investment, when I can get more just leaving the money in a back. It's stupid! The company must be willing to take the risk if they truly believe price is the only factor?!

Offer the unit at the price customers want and you'll see the orders go like hot cakes. Hmmm on that point maybe hot cakes will help me sleep...

P.S. My sentiment is hold, as in, holding my head in my hands wondering what the hell is to become of me. lol