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So my question is, what are the pros & cons of solar panels, or was i about to get scammed ??
It's the taxpayer and the ratepayer getting scammed. They take advantage of the tax credits which may lower the installation costs 50%. That power usually generates a gree credit that can be very valuable becsue it's sold to power distributors so they can meet green energy mandates. Not only are you paying higher taxes because of your neighbors solar panels you are also paying a higher electric bill.
As for whether it's legitimate the first questions I would be asking is who is responsible for solar panels and what the contract calls for. Do they say you have to buy all the power or is it set at X amount regardless of how much power is being generated?
No, your understanding is incorrect. Most installations today have a payback period of 4-6 years, mostly depending on what tax breaks and incentives are available,
Correct which translated means the taxpayer and the ratepayer are the ones paying for it. This allows people with the capital for installation to pass their electric costs off and companies like this to profit. Ir's like a Ponzi scheme in reverse, those who don't take advantage are left holding the bag.
Correct which translated means the taxpayer and the ratepayer are the ones paying for it. This allows people with the capital for installation to pass their electric costs off and companies like this to profit. Ir's like a Ponzi scheme in reverse, those who don't take advantage are left holding the bag.
That's quite a biased interpretation.
A more neutral explanation is that incentives have been made available in order to kickstart the transition from using fossil fuels to using renewable energy. Those who are in a position to take advantage of the opportunity, and who believe in the technology, are doing so.
Those who don't believe in the "green technologies", or who aren't in a position to utilize the incentives are predominantly not doing so. Is that any surprise?
But in this transitional period, acceptance of residential solar installations has skyrocketed. Installations have been increasing by over 40% a year for each of the last several years. It has successfully been mainstreamed, after lingering on the fringes for decades. As a result of several factors, including skyrocketing demand, costs have dropped dramatically, over 80% in the last 5 years, even before incentives are calculated in.
No it's just the facts and the sad part is low income people where a large part of their expenses are energy are the ones footing a very large portion of the bill.
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A more neutral explanation is that incentives have been made available in order to kickstart the transition
Since the 70's........ when is it this transition ends?
Make sure you have a real good roof, otherwise you'll end up taking them off when re-roof time comes along. That expense will be on you and it won't be cheap.
Have 10 years in on a 20 year roof? Better think about it all real good. If you re-roof in 10 years, chances are you would be better off getting new panels because by then some advancements will make them far more efficient. Putting panels on anything but a newer roof is just adding lots of money to the roof maintenance when it comes due.
Lots of roofing companies are now offering the solar included if they do the re-roof. Of course nothing is free but it might be worth checking out.
No it's just the facts and the sad part is low income people where a large part of their expenses are energy are the ones footing a very large portion of the bill.
Since the 70's........ when is it this transition ends?
I've seen prices of the panels drop significantly. The problem has been the high install cost. If I forego paying for installation, which means I can't get the incentives, the payback is 5 years and with the installation and the "incentives" it is worse. Since I really don't want to install it myself, I am waiting.
And I agree on the roof part - especially now since your roof can be fine, but old - and insurance companies are still requiring a new roof after a certain age to get home owners insurance. (Also to sell, but if you are doing that much to the house, I can only assume that you wouldn't be looking to sell)
And yes, don't rush into anything. Do your research and make your own decisions. Sounds a little pushy and weird to me as well. If your "this isn't right bells go off", it is usually for a good reason.
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