Solar Power

* Re “Solar Power Shines Amid Energy Crisis,” March 6: I read with great interest the article on solar energy conversion for residential users, even though the cost, to some, might seem prohibitive. With rebates the cost seems within reason, considering the current power crisis that we are facing.

I was convinced that this would be my next major improvement to my home until I read the paragraph about how the local utilities are not obligated by law to buy the excess power that my system would generate. That very statement flies in the face of this supposed energy crisis. It would appear that this crisis is industry-generated and corporate/Legislature-manipulated to keep the profits up and the little guy out. Are you listening, Gov. Davis?

RON MOYA SR.

La Mirada

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* It’s terrific that solar electricity is being seen as an alternative by many consumers now that grid power has shown us its limitations. However, the prices people are paying for systems are rather outrageous, considering the fact that, for many, having a couple dozen photovoltaic panels, grid inter-ties, etc., is simply overkill. The way I learned about solar was by starting small, with a little 50-watt system in my RV. Even today I have only 600 emergency watts coming into my house via a heavy-duty extension cord. The power station sits in a shed and cost only around $1,000 a few years ago. Today, I could rig up a 600-watt solar system using one 50-watt panel and a $79 inverter for under $500.

A budget emergency system capable of powering lights, a TV and an Energy Start fridge would get many people by in an outage. If we would disconnect our gluttonous fridges and freezers, which drain thousands of watts, continuously, we could live on much less power in our average homes. No one has to suffer because our revered leaders have stubbed their toes. There is a revolution in the making, but only if our eyes are wide open.

BILL SEAVEY

Grover Beach

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* If Gov. Gray Davis would like to alienate a big portion of his constituency in DWP territory--which contains large numbers of voters--he should go ahead and put mandatory energy conservation on the customers of the DWP, the agency that had the foresight (and the luck?) to make sure it had plenty of power sources. Why doesn’t he ask President Bush to have mandatory energy conservation for the entire country, so the whole country can be reminded of the poor decisions of PG&E; and Edison?

DONNA ASIMONT

Sunland

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* Since we California taxpayers are now buying our own electricity, when can we expect to stop receiving those pesky monthly bills from the utility company? I’m sure we won’t be expected to pay twice . . . will we?

DUANE BEHRENS

Rancho Palos Verdes

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* In light of the energy deficit, daily increases in traffic congestion, water shortages and overcrowded schools, why is there is no restriction on development? The need for a moratorium is obvious. Every new house further overloads our maxed-out resources. Developers should be required to pay upfront for infrastructure needed to support their projects, including power plants, water supplies, highways and schools.

JIM AUSTER

Newport Beach