topic Anyone have solar? in Home

Anyone have solar?

Robin1869 — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:07:34 GMT

My electric bill is horrible. Over $500 a month. I thinking about going solar. Worth it? I get at least 10 companies calling me every week. LOL

Re: Anyone have solar?

Desertdi — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:26:34 GMT

Check out ALL the details in your area. You may have to lease the equipment, and pay a surcharge to the local power company, and there are things like battery replacement, etc.

I have a very small house, and with all the hidden "extras" in my area, I don't think it's worth it for my situation to change over to solar.

Re: Anyone have solar?

brewhaha — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:27:42 GMT

It's definitely worth it. Our monthly electric bill went from over $350 to under $100 and we got a tax break.

Re: Anyone have solar?

kahootz — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:37:13 GMT

Brewhaha wrote: It's definitely worth it. Our monthly electric bill went from over $350 to under $100 and we got a tax break.

But what did the solar end up costing you and how long will it take to recoup your money? My husband was casually talking to someone who works at a big solar company and he says if you are staying in your home for 20 yrs it would probably be worth it. He also said most people don't realize that over the years, the solar panels do not work as effeciently so after the first year you lose 15%, then maybe 25% and so on. Also, the part I don't like (besides they look ugly - just sayin) is that they only warranty your roof for a year.

Re: Anyone have solar?

gmkb — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:50:23 GMT

My daughter lives in the NE and some years ago her state offered many incentives if you would agree to solar panels on the roof of your home. Utility bills are quite high in the NE so they agreed. The panels are ugly as sin, but saves them a huge amount of money, so they are happy with it.

Re: Anyone have solar?

Kachina624 — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 01:10:30 GMT

I'm sure your electric company can give you information on its cost effectiveness. Give them a call.

Re: Anyone have solar?

Mz iMac — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 02:09:28 GMT

@Robin1869 wrote:
My electric bill is horrible. Over $500 a month.

Your house?

Re: Anyone have solar?

Desertdi — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 07:27:44 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
Check out ALL the details in your area. You may have to lease the equipment, and pay a surcharge to the local power company, and there are things like battery replacement, etc.

I have a very small house, and with all the hidden "extras" in my area, I don't think it's worth it for my situation to change over to solar.

I was just thinking about this again........I live in AZ in an area where it only snows (lightly) about once every 5 years. What would happen if your solar panels get covered in heavy snow, and your batteries run out?

Re: Anyone have solar?

Dumac — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 13:33:24 GMT

If you have the land, mount the panels on the ground.....easier to clean and brush the snow off....and no worries about the condition of your roof....

By the way, i think there is nothing unsightly about them...they are beautiful for the environment....

Re: Anyone have solar?

Puppy Lips — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:51:06 GMT

@Robin1869 wrote:
My electric bill is horrible. Over $500 a month. I thinking about going solar. Worth it? I get at least 10 companies calling me every week. LOL

I am right there with you on the high electric bills Your timing of this post is perfect. My husband has been wanting panels for years but I always protested because I think they are unsightly. My husband had a guy out yesterday and we are sill waiting to hear the quotes. The guy said that the hot water tank uses about 30% of the electricity, so one option was just 1 panel and a new hot water tank. The other option we are checking into is to heat the pool. I am not going to pay or finance a ton of money and wait years for it to pay off.

Re: Anyone have solar?

gardenman — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 19:53:31 GMT

It also pays to check your state government's website for pending, proposed, or recently passed legislation. Some states are now starting to look into taxing solar panels and the income generated by the panels. In some cases those taxes can swing the balance from "this makes sense" to "we'll never come close to breaking even." State legislatures are starting to realize that those putting solar panels on their homes are generally higher income residents and they want their money.

We're moving from homeowners getting tax breaks, to being saddled with additional taxes for putting solar panels on their homes.

Re: Anyone have solar?

lilypadfrog — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 00:18:50 GMT

National Geographics November issue is entirely devoted to climate change and the need for all of us to change our ways. On page 72 it says, Arizona us now second (behind California) in generating utility scale solar power and could get more than 70 percent of its electricity from sunlight. BUT utilities seek and often get higher fees from homeowners who install rooftop panels.

I live in Arizona and I cannot afford those "higher fees" in order to become sustainable.