5 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

Solar companies have knocked on my door 3 times in the last 2 weeks. 

 

One company leasing and another selling. 

 

I haven't done a lot of research on it, but it seems that the cost is too high vs the return. 

 

Am I wrong?

 

Has anyone done it?

 

If so, lease vs. own? 

 

Worth it? 

[DougP]

I haven't done the math in SMUD territory, but in El Dorado Hills (PG&E land) you'd be nuts to not have solar.

 

I've owned two homes in El Dorado Hills -- both with solar installations just large enough to keep us in tier 1 or tier 2 of power usage.  

 

Prior to being granted permission-to-operate, we were on track for $600 a month electric bills in the summer months with 3 residents.  With solar we're on track for an average true-up bill of $100 a month with 5 residents.  

 

We'd likely have no monthly expense if the home were not occupied 24x7.

 

Now, not all months will be $600, but assuming a more reasonable monthly average, we're still on track to be net positive in 4 years.  (Our 3.2kW system cost $15k)

 

Everyone's home and situation is unique -- finding the right balance for ROI is of course key.

 

I will say that in my opinion, owning is the way to go.  All of the leasing deals I've seen do not fare well in the math department.  And I believe trying to sell a home with leased panels would be a nightmare.  An owned solar system is a positive attribute for a home, a leased system causes enough doubt and uncertainty about what you're buying during resale, I'd avoid a home in that situation.

[ambrno33]

I doubt in Folsom you really wouldnbenefot, especially during the winter and spring. Since moving to Shingle Springs, we've had an electric bill that is triple what it was in Folsom. We will be going solar soon, as we have been living without using our air conditioner and heat pump just to keep the bills managable.

[4thgenFolsomite]

i figured it would take 30 years to break even.  So I figured might as well wait five or ten years for the technology to catch up and make it cheaper and more efficient.

[ghost35me]

Each time I have evaluated this, for my house and my usage patterns, it doesn't make financial sense. Especially since I would like to move out of CA if the opportunity arises.

 

I would not do it for financial reasons given today's circumstances. YMMV.

 

That being said, I still consider it for other reasons. Primarily: 1) not sure what price shocks are coming down the line given domestic energy sources are being pushed out the door; 2) not sure if we'll see sudden shortages due to other reasons (global social-political climates). So, I'm considering some options for at least short term self sufficiency -- solar and/or generator.

 

For me, buying makes more sense because of the ease of selling the house.

[2 Aces]

Many people liken the *green industry* to a house of cards since they are largely "successful" only due to subsidies. But subsidies eventually end. And the money disappears. It's rife with corruption. Why do you think there are all those solar ads on radio and TV ??

I suspect we're going to be hearing more bankruptcy stories like these (below).

http://www.forbes.co...y/#28cceea74cb9

http://www.cnbc.com/...ptcy-fears.html