[Paul Ewing]

I'm in the North Texas area as well and the electric prices are going through the roof. I think I am paying 0.14/kwh here. It was like 0.08/kwh last year. Luckily the house has gas heat and a gas waterheater, but I am worried what my summer AC bills are going to be. It pretty much convinced me that when I move out to the country in a couple years, I am going to build my house and shop with an aim of having it as close to 100% solar powered as possible. I might have to add capacity over a few years, but if the tax code stays the same, you get a tax credit each year that you add solar. I figure with eight acres and a 30x40 shop for glass and jewelry I should have plenty of room for the setup. Add a well for water, and I hope to be as independant of utilities as I can get.