Energy prices continue to soar, and my most recent energy bill was $500. I don't like it, and I'm here to research the feasibility of a solar system installation. I know nothing and will spend some time reading your sticky posts and performing general research. I have a background in technology, an inquisitve nature, and a desire to learn. I reached out to my energy provider, asking for basic info and if they provided any rebates. They responded with this canned email that feels like they're trying to talk me out of solar. I don't know maybe they're just trying to be helpful, but I'm just aggravated in general. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide. Cheers.
"No sir, but if you decide to research solar installations, a few questions you can ask yourself and some research based on your personal situation are important:
1. How much does the solar unit cost (plus installation) that I would like to purchase?
2. What expenses may exist when I replace my shingles on my roof if I have a roof-top solar unit?
3. How many kWhs do I use in any given year? And how many kWhs will this particular system generate if located on my roof (this is tricky, because the representative of the installer may tell you something based on national data and not know the specific production level in south Louisiana). A realistic number is crucial here.
4. How long will this unit last?
5. You can use the answers to the above questions to determine how much this solar unit will cost you per kWh. This number can be compared to your utility bill to see if it will workout mathematically for you.
6. From this resource a basic solar unit (6-kWh) costs $16,000 - $21,000 (
https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/guides/home-improvement/are-solar-panels-worth-it/ )and produces between 400 to 1,000 kWhs per month (
https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-a-6kw-solar-power-system-cost-and-how-much-electricity-does-it-produce ). With the center of these estimates a calculation could be as such:
a. $18,000 to produce 700 kWhs per month.
b. If a utility rate is at *13 cents per kWh then each month of 700 kWhs would be valued at .13 x 700 = $91.00 per month value
c. At $18,000 to install (remember this does not take into account additional charges of maintenance and charges associated with reroofing your home with the panels attached) earning ~$91.00 per month, $18,000/$91.00 = 198 months to recoup your investment. That is 16.5 years. If you feel this unit will last longer than 16.5 years and will generate at optimum levels in South Louisiana, then the investment may be worth it.
*this dollar amount is accurate at this time and at record levels, but was ~1.5 cents less in January and even less in 2021."