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Does anyone has had the experience of having installed Solar panels on one's roof? If so, has it been worthwhile? Which are the major installers in the Triangle area?
Do a search for RDU_Biker and solar panels - he installed them a couple years ago and posted some very detailed information about it. I'm sure you could DM him as well - he's always very helpful!
Someone beat me to it! Ask there on that thread if you have questions. Glad to help out. I'm a big believer of solar panels and reducing energy usage within reason (especially when there are tax breaks involved, )
Thanks everyone, and especially RDUBiker. My basic question is: is it financially worthwhile installing solar panels in this area? What is the estimated break-even period of the costs?
The cost effectiveness and payoff time varies from project to project. Partly because costs have been dropping steadily for the past few years, and partly because of uncertainty or changes in the incentives the government offers or the availability of group buy programs. The amount of sun exposure you have available matters as well.
Here in NC we have good, but not stellar weather for PV. There are occasionally "slam dunk" cases but mostly you need some reason other than financial to go ahead with it, be it avoiding excess carbon, lowering summer peak demand, or just being able to charge your phone and run the fridge when the power goes out (some inverters have an active outlet or two when the grid goes down).
Most folks I know who have done it recently have estimated 10-12 years to break even for mid-sized arrays (3-5 kilowatt). But note that that isn't a great sample set, those are people who decided to go ahead with it.
My system should break even in under 5 years. I did it purely for financial (well, 90%) reasons because incentives were so strong. But down the road, as we live here longer and longer, it will keep on providing free power once I've met my investment, and it helps keep bills low and negate rising electricity costs. One day I'll have an electric plug-in car and it will help with that, too.
Wango Wango, you didn’t mention whether you’re looking at leasing the solar panels or buying them. And so far in this thread, it doesn’t look like anyone has clarified whether they’re talking about leased or homeowner-owned ones. I think it can make a big difference in whether it’s financially worthwhile installing solar panels in this area (or any other).
Since no commenters mentioned leasing solar panels I wondering if NC allows it?
..Since no commenters mentioned leasing solar panels I wondering if NC allows it?
Do not consider leasing - the benefits of buying are much greater. They now have zero down payment options of 1.95% interest rate loans for the down payment.
My system paid for itself with 2 years. Used to pay $240 monthly for electricity. Last bill was $10.95....
i am just considering whether this is worthwhile doing and will consider all options. It has to pay off financially at the earliest. I appreciate the comments of all of you.
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