Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo120
I am interested in going Solar for electricity and did not see any recent threads on this issue. Has anyone installed panels in the last year and if so, how has electric generation been?
After doing some research, I am considering Panasonic Premium Panels with micro inverters half on south side and half on east side. Current quote after 30 percent tax credit is $11,000 for a 5.85 KW system or a payback of 10 years by paying cash
My long range thinking is
1. I can lock in most of my electricity costs
2. I will probably have an electric car in the next 5 years which will draw an additional 1000 KWh which is double my current usage. BTW calculation is 200 miles per charge on a 40 kw battery pack and 5000 miles per year driving.
Comments?
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Apparently, solar panels can make sense today. Even my favorite cheapskate, Clark Howard, thinks so. I would suggest that you read his articles and recommendations about solar power on his website, "clark.com". He has a lot of good information about this topic. I would also do my own payback calculation and not rely on the contractor's claims. Have you considered possible repairs and maintenance in the calculation? Also, have you asked a real estate agent how the panels will affect the resale value of your house? Good luck.