svetz
Works in theory! Practice? That's something else
Update: Apologies, no option to edit the choices in the poll to make them clearer, but when written originally they were meant as "grid-tied" options (e.g., grid assist), mainly because off-grid usage usually has no other practical alternatives to supply power. The poll has a few additions based on feedback and is now multi-select so you can pick more than one.
Update2: The under $2/W installed is a poorly worded option, it was just picked as a ballpark figure. Really it should be more of "if the payback period is acceptable" as the amount is very dependant on the local net-metering agreement, the cost of electricity, and the need to have backup power.
Previously it made good sense IMO for homeowners to go solar as with a good net-metering plan it was cheaper than the utility and you were doing your bit to reduce greenhouse gases.
But now, utilities are building solar and wind farms (they know it's cheaper than fuel costs) and there is a global mandate to be net-zero by 2050. Whether you have solar or not, you'll probably be taxed into helping to pay for those costs. So, doing it for the environment might not make sense anymore.
Economically, net-metering is constantly under attack. Even if it hasn't been struck down utilities have started separating "power" from the rest of the bill. For example where I live power went from being 11¢ to 14¢ per kWh to being 7¢ to 10¢. The total bill amount hasn't gone down, just the "rate" for the power portion.
"Professionally" installed at anything over ~$3/W isn't that viable at 10¢ (assuming an average insolation of 4, a 7 kW array would generate 28 kWh/d, at 10¢/kWh a value of $2.80 per day, taking 20 years to pay off (the life of the system)). Energy prices will continue to increase, so that's probably a bit pessimistic. It also doesn't include other factors, e.g., the value of having renewable power during a crisis (e.g., hurricane) or when your utility routinely shuts off power due to high winds or other reasons.
DIY solar still seems economical at $1/W (e.g., a panel is 47¢/W, and on average generates 4 wh, an inverter runs about 22¢/w), so a 7 kW array would run ~$7000 and payoff under 7 years at 10¢/kWh.
What do you all think? Would you still recommend solar for your friends?
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