Shedding More Light on Solar Power

In regards to “Getting a Charge Out of Solar” (May 22), I have the following comments.

First, the photovoltaic (sunlight to electricity) products discussed in the article are, in fact, becoming much more widely used as the prices come down. Many consumer products that make use of this technology are beginning to appear at major home improvement retailers and larger residential systems are likely to appear within the next few years.

Second, contrary to the article, residential solar water heating systems are still being widely used in the Los Angeles area. Some cities, including Thousand Oaks, San Dimas and Placentia, require solar water heating systems on almost all new residential construction. Financing the purchase of a solar system by including the cost in a mortgage creates an immediate positive cash flow since the savings exceed the small monthly payments.

Third, heating a swimming pool using a gas pool heater costs from $200 to $400 a month or more. Solar pool heating systems pay for themselves in two to four years and are an investment in the home instead of a donation to the gas company.

All three technologies reduce air pollution and prolong the supply of fossil fuels for future generations.

LES NELSON, President, California Solar Energy Industries Assn., San Francisco