I just got a DIY kit quote for solar and it’s ~$18,000. That would mean a contractor installing is at least $25,000 if not more. That’s a big chunk of change upfront.

    • RvTV95XBeo@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      11 months ago

      Typically if you can afford a $25k upfront cost, the long term costs are pretty negligible.

      If you’re paying cash, then your monthly expenses are only going down due to your reduced electricity bill, so your savings potential is going up further.

      Additionally the panels are warrantied for at least a decade, with a performance guarantee for 20+ years. If they’re installed on your roof, many also include a guarantee on the roof work.

      Proactive solar maintenance is really just keeping things clean, which costs very little.

      These small costs do add up if you’re barely making ends meet and on a lease plan that costs roughly the same as your old utility bill, but for the group paying upfront, ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

  • jim@lazysoci.al
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    11 months ago

    And no plans are in place for the disposal of panels, batteries, etc after their 25 year useful life…

    • wildbus8979@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      0
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      11 months ago

      Lithium batteries are highly recyclable… The current rate is something like 60% recovery, and that is bound to increase over time.