Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I looked at the link, and it doesn't cover my address in Mt Home yet. I did look up my old address and it said I could expect $1,000 savings over 20 years. That's an average of just over $4 per month!!
Over 20 years there would be a pretty good chance you would be doing a roof replacement at some point and the extra labor for moving those solar collector off and on again would take a chunk out of your $4 a month savings.
Individual roof-top solar doesn't make sense in Idaho. We have some of the cheapest electric rates in the US at around 8c/kWh. For comparison, we were paying around 35c/kWh in California. During summer we just let that AC spin and spin, and don't worry about it.
On the environmental side, Idaho generates more power from renewables (81%) than any other state except Vermont. Despite all it's loud virtue signalling, California is less than 50% renewables by comparison. Plus, there are growing number of solar farms and wind farms poping up on the Snake River Plan. It just makes a lot more sense for solar to be in the desert outside the city, away from mature shade trees (they don't call Boise The City of Trees for nothing), where this stuff can be managed as part of the overall grid.
Individual roof-top solar doesn't make sense in Idaho. We have some of the cheapest electric rates in the US at around 8c/kWh. For comparison, we were paying around 35c/kWh in California. During summer we just let that AC spin and spin, and don't worry about it.
On the environmental side, Idaho generates more power from renewables (81%) than any other state except Vermont. Despite all it's loud virtue signalling, California is less than 50% renewables by comparison. Plus, there are growing number of solar farms and wind farms poping up on the Snake River Plan. It just makes a lot more sense for solar to be in the desert outside the city, away from mature shade trees (they don't call Boise The City of Trees for nothing), where this stuff can be managed as part of the overall grid.
For central air in CA can cost over $300. per month in summer.
For central air in CA can cost over $300. per month in summer.
Yep, that was our experience in CA in a well insulated house, kept the AC thermostat on the warmer side (78F during heat waves), LED lights and Energy Star appliances and all that, and yet our bill was still often over $300/month. And rates have gone up and look likely to continue increasing in the future. Winter didn't bring relief either, since natural gas rates were ~4x/therm what we pay in ID ($2.3 vs. $0.54). How are middle and working class folks supposed to live with rates like that?
East West is not the problem. Yes South is better. But if you are thinking you will save money over the years I think you are mistaken. I do have solar and will not break even but I knew that when I installed them. Now the salesman may say you will break even but add in maintained cost, removing for a new roof and value at the end of their life and you will not break even.
Yep, that was our experience in CA in a well insulated house, kept the AC thermostat on the warmer side (78F during heat waves), LED lights and Energy Star appliances and all that, and yet our bill was still often over $300/month. And rates have gone up and look likely to continue increasing in the future. Winter didn't bring relief either, since natural gas rates were ~4x/therm what we pay in ID ($2.3 vs. $0.54). How are middle and working class folks supposed to live with rates like that?
yES and PG&E is continously raising the rates. Better off in Idaho for lower rates on utilities.
Ran my address, and it basically said "don't bother"
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
