We are getting quotes for solar. After rebates, we're being told it'll cost anywhere from 15-20k, installed.
Our monthly electric bill (with a heat pump and EV) hovers around $125-150. It will maybe hit $225 in the winter (haven't had the heat pump that long, so I'm not 100%). My napkin math says that it would take around a decade for the panels to break even, assuming $0 in maintenance.
Granted, our electricity prices are pretty average in Colorado, but I'm really surprised that solar is this expensive. I've been told multiple times that "it's a no brainer with a heat pump and EV to get solar" but I guess I'm not seeing why? The savings just aren't there.
I've also noticed a number of homes that are in desperate need of other maintenance/repairs, are getting new solar systems put on the roof. That too has me scratching my head because if a solar system costs upwards of $15k, and the "break even" is a decade, why would people be spending that kind of money? These aren't houses with heat pumps and EVs either, so presumably their electricity usage is even less.
Is there a different way to think about this, or a calculation I am missing?
Does it ever make sense to only partially offset our electricity use with solar?
Our monthly electric bill (with a heat pump and EV) hovers around $125-150. It will maybe hit $225 in the winter (haven't had the heat pump that long, so I'm not 100%). My napkin math says that it would take around a decade for the panels to break even, assuming $0 in maintenance.
Granted, our electricity prices are pretty average in Colorado, but I'm really surprised that solar is this expensive. I've been told multiple times that "it's a no brainer with a heat pump and EV to get solar" but I guess I'm not seeing why? The savings just aren't there.
I've also noticed a number of homes that are in desperate need of other maintenance/repairs, are getting new solar systems put on the roof. That too has me scratching my head because if a solar system costs upwards of $15k, and the "break even" is a decade, why would people be spending that kind of money? These aren't houses with heat pumps and EVs either, so presumably their electricity usage is even less.
Is there a different way to think about this, or a calculation I am missing?
Does it ever make sense to only partially offset our electricity use with solar?
Statistics: Posted by MtnTravel — Fri Jul 26, 2024 6:25 pm — Replies 21 — Views 1557
