Want a Cheap Roof? Go Solar!

[It Aint Necessarily So]

Solar power generation is attractive, but the economics
of it are far from cost effective when one considers capital cost, life, maintenance, & the cost
of borrowing money.

We're about fourteen months from having recovered our initial outlay. After that, our power will be free (we don't pay for it now, and don't expect to again for at least four the next dozen years - the life of the warranty. There have been no maintenance expenses.

That's pretty cost effective by my standards.

 

[Revoltingest]

We're about fourteen months from having recovered our initial outlay. After that, our power will be free (we don't pay for it now, and don't expect to again for at least four the next dozen years - the life of the warranty. There have been no maintenance expenses.

That's pretty cost effective by my standards.

I don't know your situation, but nothing available here works for me.
But I do use solar for charging my many vehicle batteries.
It's a spendy way to go, but I like the convenience of it.
Tis the same for others I know, who invest thousands in solar
systems for their RVs, but this is for going out in the boonies.

Also, for personal use there are tax advantages unavailable to us commercial types.

 

[It Aint Necessarily So]

I don't know your situation, but nothing available here works for me.
But I do use solar for charging my many vehicle batteries.
It's a spendy way to go, but I like the convenience of it.
Tis the same for others I know, who invest thousands in solar
systems for their RVs, but this is for going out in the boonies.

Also, for personal use there are tax advantages unavailable to us commercial types.

You have to decide what's best in your case.

Solar was right for us. We put eight panels and a solar water heater on the roof of our home in November, 2012 for $8000. It would likely cost less today. We got (and required) no subsidies. Also, we donate back to the power company the excess power we collect compared to what we use.

We immediately saw a 100% reduction in our purchase of electric power, and reduced our propane consumption by 75%. We don't heat the water in the washing machine, dishwasher, or sinks and showers using propane any more. Propane is now used only for the range indoors and the grill outdoors.

Two factors other than the environment to consider are the price of the power you consume and the number of hours of high sun and clear skies you enjoy per year. We have about 2000 hours/yr. of high sun here, which accelerates the payback rate.