BW's Advice -- Solar energy???
- Thread starter Burrs5
- Start date
Benefit is tax break
Con is you are probably an asshole
Con is you are probably an asshole
Big fight in my neighborhood at the moment over solar panels. You're looking at 12-15 years before you save any money. I would be weary of anyone giving them away. How long will they be around and if you have issues you're stuck with them. Once Congress takes additional whacks at their tax status they become less attractive. My advice, if you are trying to save the world, go for it. If you're looking to save money you should pass.
you wont try indian food but you are interested in a progressive form of energy?
Burrs - what's your email address? I'm in the industry and happy to give you some info. No charge is not the way to go if you're thinking about this. The SolarCity model is predatory and the fine print really bends the home owner over.
ADP - you're in DC right? DC has one of the best programs in the Country right now and paybacks for purchasing or financing range from 2-4 years for most systems. Side note - I'm not in residential solar installation or sales so I have no skin in the game. I just like to clear misconceptions, both good and bad, about solar.
NickleDimer
Post 'Til Your Fingers Bleed
Eh, I kind of got into it by luck. Started off in commercial real estate, company developed a plant/HQ for a panel company, and ended up getting into the components side when an opportunity presented itself about ten years ago. More and more universities are offering classes on renewable energy/sustainability. Penn State has a masters program for renewables. Given the growth of the industry I'm assuming there are kids going into college who see an opportunity or just think its cool and want to work in solar right away. I personally could never have guessed that is what I would have ended up doing if you had asked me in college.
Not but I did some work for the solar guys.
OB, I live in Northern VA and speaking to residential.
VA in general doesn't have a great program. So you're 10 - 15 years is about right for residential in your area. Solar is really state incentive dependent. Even commercial in VA isn't that great as you're relying on the ITC, accelerated depreciation on equipment, and the small program offered by Dominion.
Burrs, there are other far less expensive things you can do to reduce your utility bills - tankless hot water heater, additional attic insulation, Nest or other learning thermostat, LED light bulbs.
Appreciate the advice. It's not something I set out looking to do. I'm not even saying that I'm doing it. This company is in the neighborhood. Supposedly, they have all this money from the government that they have to use up by a certain date. I believe it's a California-based company. They come out and do a survey on your house to see how much direct sunlight you get. If you qualify then you can take next step.
I was only curious to hear if others here have experience with this.
I'm more curious than anything.