PV Gap

Julio Said:

Wanting to add solar panels to my home?

We Answered:

Unless there has been some major breakthrough in solar panel efficiency - Forget it.

I had looked at some "utility interactive" systems where the electricity generated by the solar panels went through a special inverter and into the electrical system of the house, any power you didn't use went backwards through the meter and into the grid.

I figured that even if it was sunny every day, it would take about 20 years to break even on the system. That is, if I had invested $5,000 in a small system, to save $5,000 off the electric bill would take 20 years. If I had $5,000 to invest, this wouldnt be the place! It would take much more than 20 years of electrical savings to match even a modest investment. Then, don't forget what happens if 10 years from now the inverter or some of the panels fail and need replaced.

Invest in fluorescent lights, maybe even LEDs. You will see a much quicker return on investment. Install more insulation, put in a heat-pump system.

I appreciate you desire to save some energy, solar just isn't going to be worth doing, at least not yet.