4 ms·

Of course, haven't you done the math with a zero down loan and 30% tax back? Would be silly not to at least look into it with a good roof layout and quote...

Aeolun 4y ago
I don’t think there is any detached house in the US that wouldn’t somehow qualify for solar panels somewhere.
- BadCookie 4y ago
  How about homes in forested areas? Trees can pretty easily shade an entire roof for most or all of the day.
- skhameneh 4y ago
  Some don't have an ideal roof layout (which can easily double costs). Even more so, trees can sometimes be in the way, which can be even more inhibiting. 2-3x cost can still see an ROI, but when you get into 5-10x cost things tend to break down. Check out Google's "Project Sunroof" to see.
codazoda 4y ago
I’ve done the math multiple times. It makes no sense in my area. I would pay more for panels then I would save in electricity. Once the panels are paid off they need to be replaced. If you don’t buy a battery you have to rely on the good will of the power company to pay fair rates for 30 years. Those rates were cut in half last year. The battery only has a 10-year life expectancy so needs to be financed over that time period or less. You’ll have to pay for removal and re-installation when your 15-year roof needs replacing. Until prices come down, it makes no sense for me.
- skhameneh 4y ago
  It also depends where you got your quotes and estimates. Retail sales reps are a complete disservice to the industry, often quoting double what an installation _should_ cost. I highly recommend EnergySage for quotes. It's free and unbiased for sourcing local installers while skipping the sales reps. And do keep in mind warranties cover 90% efficiency on panels and they'll continue working beyond warranty at reduced capacity.

4 ms·

Of course, haven't you done the math with a zero down loan and 30% tax back? Would be silly not to at least look into it with a good roof layout and quote...

by skhameneh 4y ago

Aeolun 4y ago
I don’t think there is any detached house in the US that wouldn’t somehow qualify for solar panels somewhere.
- BadCookie 4y ago
  How about homes in forested areas? Trees can pretty easily shade an entire roof for most or all of the day.
- skhameneh 4y ago
  Some don't have an ideal roof layout (which can easily double costs). Even more so, trees can sometimes be in the way, which can be even more inhibiting. 2-3x cost can still see an ROI, but when you get into 5-10x cost things tend to break down. Check out Google's "Project Sunroof" to see.
codazoda 4y ago
I’ve done the math multiple times. It makes no sense in my area. I would pay more for panels then I would save in electricity. Once the panels are paid off they need to be replaced. If you don’t buy a battery you have to rely on the good will of the power company to pay fair rates for 30 years. Those rates were cut in half last year. The battery only has a 10-year life expectancy so needs to be financed over that time period or less. You’ll have to pay for removal and re-installation when your 15-year roof needs replacing. Until prices come down, it makes no sense for me.
- skhameneh 4y ago
  It also depends where you got your quotes and estimates. Retail sales reps are a complete disservice to the industry, often quoting double what an installation _should_ cost. I highly recommend EnergySage for quotes. It's free and unbiased for sourcing local installers while skipping the sales reps. And do keep in mind warranties cover 90% efficiency on panels and they'll continue working beyond warranty at reduced capacity.