I am considering solar power. My electric bill averages around $200, if amortized over a year. The goal of the solar installer is to have a "net" zero, made possible because my electric company buys power I produce in excess from me for "credits", which roll for 12mo, and the goal is for that to cover my winter months, at least partially, which is my highest usage time.
Cost: Still awaiting actual estimates, spit-balling $25K after tax break (30% of cost this year, 26% if done next year). Financable at 2.99% fixed for 20 years.
Sustainability/liability: Panels are warrantied to produce >80% initial power by 25 years, and come with a 25 year manufacturer AND installer warranty for 25 years on parts, labor,all of it. Adding it to my home warranty should be a minimal expense ($40/year)
Benefit: Amount financed will result in payments of $138/mo, which is lower than any electric bill I have yet received. Net savings assuming it actually zeroes me, is $62/mo. Allegedly, home values average a 17% increase with professional solar installation. The cost of electricity in America, has gone up from 6.X cents per kilowatt hour, to over 10 cents, in the last 25 years. If this trend holds true, or increases (more likely due to "Green Deal" type business, which we won't discuss as it's politics, but it bares mentioning for technical reasons), then my electric bill would go from $200/mo average, to $280/mo, by the time the solar panels are paid off, provided I make no early payments. At this time, it would be reasonable to presume they would AT THE VERY LEAST cut my bill in half, and likely much more, and at that point the panels available would be cheaper, and more efficient, if I had to replace them.
Potential plan: Finance the solar panels. Take the 30% tax credit, and apply it to a property loan (legal and doable) which is at 6.5% ballooning every 5y. Pay the full amount of the solar loan at 2.99% 20y/fixed. Use the electrical savings for this to equate to a "financially free to beneficial" move, on a monthly basis.
The solar array would be ground-mount, so no structural considerations need taking into account in my case.
I am curious what this board knows about solar, and where my theory may meet with a cold reality, or if it's a great idea.
Cost: Still awaiting actual estimates, spit-balling $25K after tax break (30% of cost this year, 26% if done next year). Financable at 2.99% fixed for 20 years.
Sustainability/liability: Panels are warrantied to produce >80% initial power by 25 years, and come with a 25 year manufacturer AND installer warranty for 25 years on parts, labor,all of it. Adding it to my home warranty should be a minimal expense ($40/year)
Benefit: Amount financed will result in payments of $138/mo, which is lower than any electric bill I have yet received. Net savings assuming it actually zeroes me, is $62/mo. Allegedly, home values average a 17% increase with professional solar installation. The cost of electricity in America, has gone up from 6.X cents per kilowatt hour, to over 10 cents, in the last 25 years. If this trend holds true, or increases (more likely due to "Green Deal" type business, which we won't discuss as it's politics, but it bares mentioning for technical reasons), then my electric bill would go from $200/mo average, to $280/mo, by the time the solar panels are paid off, provided I make no early payments. At this time, it would be reasonable to presume they would AT THE VERY LEAST cut my bill in half, and likely much more, and at that point the panels available would be cheaper, and more efficient, if I had to replace them.
Potential plan: Finance the solar panels. Take the 30% tax credit, and apply it to a property loan (legal and doable) which is at 6.5% ballooning every 5y. Pay the full amount of the solar loan at 2.99% 20y/fixed. Use the electrical savings for this to equate to a "financially free to beneficial" move, on a monthly basis.
The solar array would be ground-mount, so no structural considerations need taking into account in my case.
I am curious what this board knows about solar, and where my theory may meet with a cold reality, or if it's a great idea.
