[Restrain]

Neighbor behind us just covered his roof with solar panels. So I decided to look at cost vs return.

Ran the figures. Didn't matter whether it was purchase or lease, I ended upside down. Now I will say that I am on FPL and not Duke Energy, can make a big difference from what I am given to understand. Over the probable life, I would not recover the costs unless the state was to dump a humongous subsidy (someone else's taxes paying for my solar panels).

So before you jump out there when some slick salesman comes around, run the figures. Also, be aware that there are all sorts of pitfalls if you lease, then try to sell the home (what if the new buyer doesn't want the cells-you have to buy out the lease).

[kyle19125]

That's criminal that in FL installing solar is more expensive and doesn't pay a return.

[LifeIsGood01]

I would love to see solar become mandatory for new homes and buildings.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

That's criminal that in FL installing solar is more expensive and doesn't pay a return.

why? It's criminal because there aren't enough subsidies to make up the difference in the cost vs expected life of the panels?

What's criminal is subsidizing something in the first place. If Solar is truly the cheaper long-term alternative, it shouldn't need subsidies.

[d4g4m]

If you install panels for hot water to save $9 a month and the system costs $10,000, pay back is 92 years. If electricity costs doubled, you're still looking at 46 years.
Even if there is a $7500 gov. subsidy pay back is 23 years.
Want to save money on your water heating costs? Install a timer on it.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by chopchop0

why? It's criminal because there aren't enough subsidies to make up the difference in the cost vs expected life of the panels?

What's criminal is subsidizing something in the first place. If Solar is truly the cheaper long-term alternative, it shouldn't need subsidies.

Yeah it's criminal that there aren't subsidies to encourage it versus pillaging natural resources which would seem obvious...to most.

[kyle19125]

Florida utilities say solar doesn't work in the Sunshine State, but it sure does in Georgia | Tampa Bay Times

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Florida utilities say solar doesn't work in the Sunshine State, but it sure does in Georgia | Tampa Bay Times

It's interesting that even tea partiers, libertarians, and christian conservatives pushed for solar in Georgia. I imagine in Tallahassee solar is frowned upon just like discussing climate change.

[d4g4m]

^^^^
The math for pay back doesn't work in GA or any other state.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by d4g4m

^^^^
The math for pay back doesn't work in GA or any other state.

It's not about payback.