Sunday, October 6, 2013

Jonathan Larson — Ikea to start selling solar panels at UK stores

This is a solar story with all the great elements. It is proof positive that solar has moved out of the experimental stage. For years I have advised people to follow the Home Depot rule "Don't buy any technology until they start selling it in places—like Home Depot—used to dealing with the problems of the general public." Well, Ikea certainly qualifies. This is really a big deal because MOST Ikea customers are barely qualified to assemble a desk much less install solar panels on a roof and hooking them into the electrical systems—no matter how reliable or cost effective the panels themselves may be. After all, I once heard someone describe assembling a couple of Ikea kitchen cabinets as an "ordeal."

My guess is that Ikea will be providing more detailed installation manuals than their typical pictograph instructions. In fact, they will probably recommend professional installers. Even so, solar is well on its way towards being a normal player in the energy mix. I have been waiting a very long time for this day.
real economics
Ikea to start selling solar panels at UK stores
Jonathan Larson


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