Solar panels, have we discussed lately?

Solar panels are popping up/being installed on the homes around us, in our area and everywhere we go.

There have been news reports of those folks who rented the equipment, only to find out the company had some type of lien on their property, and they could not even re-finance their homes without approval of the solar company. That loop hole has been addressed, so many folks are now going that option and touting the little to no amount due to the electric company.

My sister opted to purchase the equipment. Cost of around 25K. Pay back is reportedly about 5 years, due to tax credits, etc. Rick is tempted, I'm not.

My reasons. I don't want to part with the cash and I don't want to get into the rental of equipment aspect. I don't like the appearance on the roof, we have a new roof, but if we have issues, we'd have to deal with the panels. We don't plan on moving, but solar panels may not be an attractive option for some buyers. In some cases I think these things are a fad, like wood stoves were back in the day. The price of these things may come down.

I spoke with the contractor who did our roof. He has not yet run into customers with issues. He personally says not paying an electric bill every month would not change his life significantly, he's not interested. I'm with him...what about you?

 

In the land of gray sky I don't give them a seconds thought. Maybe if I lived in TN, or some place with lots of sun I would. Personally, I think our utilities, elec/natural gas, are a terrific bargain. Less than $300/mo and I kept a separate garage heated all winter.

 

Even with a $10000 credit (not tax credit) that would mean your electric bill would have to be $250 every month. Our bill averages $60 over a year! Plus you have to take in to consideration the replacement of the panels and the loss of watts due to degradation. I'm not ready to make that move any time soon

 

Yep! Our bill might average around $100.00/month. Low in spring/fall, a bit higher in winter and higher in summer with AC. As mentioned, we don't plan on moving, but one never knows and I'd hate to toss that much $ up on to the roof, so to speak, with the uncertainty in life. Years ago, we got rid of a water bed. It had leaked twice and I told Rick it wasn't something I wanted to deal with as we got older, especially if something happened to him.(Do they still sell waterbeds?) It's kind of the same (on a larger scale) with solar panels on the roof. I just don't want to deal with them. The older I get, the more I want things simple!

 

I'm holding out for a Mr. fusion reactor!

https://www.thegreenhead.com/2014/09...or-replica.php

 

 

I would consider it if I had a lot of property and could put the panels some where besides my roof. I don't want anyone messing with my cement tile roof. It leaked before on the prior owners, plus I'm not certain of the weight issues panels would create. I'll pass.

 

We finally got natural gas and dumped propain. We have very high efficiency heaters and A/C. Our heating bills have dropped drastically this year and our electric is very reasonable. No solar energy here.

 

I think this is a better solution than roof mounted panels over existing shingles