Exploring Dow Solar Shingles

I've been interested in seeing if we could put solar shingles on the house to make it more energy efficient.  There are two options, and I've been talking with the local (San Antonio) DOW Powerhouse dealer.  The other vendor was relatively non-responsive. 

I sent him the elevation plans and the site plan, and after correcting them -- they had the house turned the wrong way on the site -- we got the proposal you can see here.  What I don't yet have is the pricing.  Our architect was guessing between $20- 25K, but that was with the original which had half as many units.  The builder is guessing closer to $30K. 

Unfortuntly, unlike Austin, the local power companies offer no rebates for installation of solar panels.  That leaves only the Federal Tax Credit -- which isn't that great.  I don't believe we're going to see a good return on the investment, unfortunately.

Here it is.

 And Alese says I should sign my posts, even though it shows who posts.  So, you know this was posted by Ray
 

AAC preliminary approval!

So, even though there are no houses in the development, there is a HOA (Home Owners Association) and there is an Architectural Approval Committee.  The AAC has right of rejection for all construction in the development.  At this point the AAC is basically the developer.  He has said one of us could be on as soon as the house is built.

We've been in contact with the developer, and have had Nick (our builder) talking with him as well.  We heard on Friday that we have preliminary approval.  Final approval is contingent on there being no changes on the engineering plans. 

We weren't worried about approvals, but it is one of those hoops that needs to be jumped through.

And tomorrow, I hope to post information about my exploration of solar roofing shingles.