Renting solar panels -- citizenre

[Manonash]

http://renu.citizenre.com/index.php

We're really stoked about this! We've wanted to go solar, but there was no way we could afford it. This sounds very promising! Aside from the deposit there seems to be little investment financially. Basically, the cost is approx the same as one's average electric bill .

Shonda

[gr8tfulmom]

That sounds fantastic. We don't really fit their qualifications, but its a great idea.

[aliall]

That sounds neat. Too good to be true really. Does anyone know anything about the company?

We don't have a south sloping roof (our house faces east). I wonder if that would disqualify us???

ali

[SleeplessMommy]

There is one little problem:

Q. I understand that your manufacturing plant is not completed yet, is that right?

A. Correct. The first systems will be ready to install in the middle of 2008.

So you can sign up now and maybe get your solar panels in 2 years ... which could be good! They are suggesting a $500 security deposit. I guess they have a lot of venture capital to burn.

[Manonash]

I want to go solar for environmental reasons, but we can't afford to buy one for our home outright.

The $500 deposit: We didn't have to pay them now. As far as I know (hubby is the one who found this), you don't have to pay until they actually make the panels and it's a done deal that you plan to rent them. I don't have a problem paying a deposit, and feel that it is a small risk to take that we won't like it once we have it or something, since I feel so strongly about wanting to go greener with our energy.

Paying each month in rental fees about the same as my electric bill now: Same as above on the green reasons, plus, the amount you pay at the beginning is the same amt you pay the last month of rental in 25yrs, and I'm betting the costs of energy are going to skyrocket which would have me paying less in energy costs then than if I didn't have the panels.

The plant isn't built yet: I feel like we have nothing to lose by signing up. If they never build the plant, then they don't. But if they do, then we'll be able to convert our home to solar without having to shell out a lot up front.

I think they plant to talk about this company on Living with Ed this season. I'm intersted to see that too. He does a commentary on video on the website, but I'd like to hear more.

[rainbowmoon]

I am calling my power company about this Monday! we aren't on the map but Tucson Power is (which is owned by my electric company) so maybe there is hope we could do this?