Repro
Solar Enthusiast
I have been asked this question way too many times: Does solar power really pay off? Especially my neighbors, they still ask if my investment and work on my solar power system pays off.
The simple answer is a resounding YES!
I have invested a lot of time and money into solar, and I have made many really expensive mistakes as well. But what I have learned along the way was priceless. And this forum proves that everyday. This forum has been the one source I can rely on for straight forward information. Of course YouTube and many many other sources have been key in my education on solar power, but this forum is great, Thanks Will!
This past winter, and even in the recent weeks/days, our solar power has been relentlessly powering on day and night without a hiccup providing us with heat, light and power to the most common of needs. We had power outages over the past four months that are surely a sign of things to come. Just in the last three days, we lost power twice for several hours each time in the middle of the night. My wife and I didn't even know it until morning, when the power was back on. How did we know? Some WiFi lights in our house turn on when power is restored, and some clocks are blinking as well. Our off-grid systems only powers the most critical components. We have ran electric to several rooms like our kitchen, living room, bedroom, utility room and garage. It keeps our furnace, sump pumps, fridges and freezer and much more running with everything we need, and do not go without.
Now to the question, is it worth it. My neighbors get up when there is a power outage, and see that our outside security lighting is still on, also they can see that our furnace is still running by the steam coming from our furnace exhaust on the side of the house. Now they are all interested in how this works. The interest has really peaked. Everyday I am hit with questions, how much does it cost, is it hard to install, can anyone do it, do I need a company, and the biggest, can you help me if I want one like yours? Even my nosey neighbor who caused me BIG problems when I started this project who reported me to the local code enforcement office, and payed me a visit. They want to know how this all works. Naturally, I will tell them to get lots of AA, AAA, D and C size batteries, as well as a fireplace.
My wife and I have lowered our power bill by 65%, and always have power when others don't. In wide spread outages, my family members living close, pick up and move to our house when it is cold to camp out till the power comes back on. Free heat, light, warm showers and hot food at our house. We even installed a roof antenna to pick up 30+ channels if cable is down. So we have local news and entertainment for all.
So, I ask you, if you ever question if your solar investment was worth it, what do you think now?
The simple answer is a resounding YES!
I have invested a lot of time and money into solar, and I have made many really expensive mistakes as well. But what I have learned along the way was priceless. And this forum proves that everyday. This forum has been the one source I can rely on for straight forward information. Of course YouTube and many many other sources have been key in my education on solar power, but this forum is great, Thanks Will!
This past winter, and even in the recent weeks/days, our solar power has been relentlessly powering on day and night without a hiccup providing us with heat, light and power to the most common of needs. We had power outages over the past four months that are surely a sign of things to come. Just in the last three days, we lost power twice for several hours each time in the middle of the night. My wife and I didn't even know it until morning, when the power was back on. How did we know? Some WiFi lights in our house turn on when power is restored, and some clocks are blinking as well. Our off-grid systems only powers the most critical components. We have ran electric to several rooms like our kitchen, living room, bedroom, utility room and garage. It keeps our furnace, sump pumps, fridges and freezer and much more running with everything we need, and do not go without.
Now to the question, is it worth it. My neighbors get up when there is a power outage, and see that our outside security lighting is still on, also they can see that our furnace is still running by the steam coming from our furnace exhaust on the side of the house. Now they are all interested in how this works. The interest has really peaked. Everyday I am hit with questions, how much does it cost, is it hard to install, can anyone do it, do I need a company, and the biggest, can you help me if I want one like yours? Even my nosey neighbor who caused me BIG problems when I started this project who reported me to the local code enforcement office, and payed me a visit. They want to know how this all works. Naturally, I will tell them to get lots of AA, AAA, D and C size batteries, as well as a fireplace.
My wife and I have lowered our power bill by 65%, and always have power when others don't. In wide spread outages, my family members living close, pick up and move to our house when it is cold to camp out till the power comes back on. Free heat, light, warm showers and hot food at our house. We even installed a roof antenna to pick up 30+ channels if cable is down. So we have local news and entertainment for all.
So, I ask you, if you ever question if your solar investment was worth it, what do you think now?
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