Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Curious about solar power?
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Old 01-04-2021, 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by bruce213 View Post
Our solar roof came on line November 2019, South facing side of our house. Our yearly 12 month energy bill before solar was $1,603.39. Our 12 month yearly bill after solar was $474.18. I went with a higher end 9.6kw system $19152.00 after rebate. So that gives me about a 17 years to a pay out. The solar company est a 13-14 pay back(with energy cost increases). My highest monthly bill was $70, the lowest $10.00. So you need to be on the younger side, concerned with the environment or hopefully both. If you decide to do it of course get several quotes and recommendations, and do lots of home work. Hope this helps if you want more info let me know.
Break even is longer if you consider the following. Over time the panels lose efficiency so your solar gain will decline. There is an opportunity cost involved, your initial $19,152 investment could be earning interest and capital gains. You will eventually need a new roof under the panels. Also, that is a system subsidized with a rebate, which is ultimately funded by taxpayers like you and me, which is another hidden cost.