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Originally Posted by retiredguy123
FYI, I did an online calculation for my house using solar-estimate.org. The results showed that the upfront cost, after the tax credit, would be $12,489. This amount is supposed to be an average cost from four local solar contractors. The payback period is 16 years, and the total life cycle energy cost savings over 25 years would be $4,647. But, they did not include any potential investment return that I would forfeit by not being able to invest my $12,489. They also did not include any repair, maintenance, or insurance costs. So, I cannot see how a solar system would make financial sense for my house. Also, I think the 30 percent Federal tax credit is due to expire this year.
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Here is the flaw in on line calculators that I have used.
They assume every watt generated is offset by a watt that would have been purchased. It is not as measured by dollars. You exceed your use during solar noon and sell to the utility at 7 cents a KwH but when you need electricity at midnight you pay 11.7 cents.
To a degree, with this knowledge, you can avoid some, but not all delta. Example charge your electric car at noon, super cool your house, run water heater.
The math changes the economics of purchase, if you thrive on facts, as I do.