• Staccato@lemmy.world
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    2 years ago

    I actually appreciate this article. I’m not near where I need to be to invest in solar, but the details of the corporate fuckery that goes on in rooftop solar providers is helpful to learn.

    • Maximilious@kbin.social
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      2 years ago

      Yeah, I had a pushy door to door salesman shove a tablet in my face telling me that the solar “purchase” would be completely free. I’m interested in solar but know “free” always has a catch and told him to pound sand. I checked it out later that day and the website for the company he represented (I forget which) and they started nothing “free” about it.

      I did learn that solar is quite expensive, from the install process to the leasing of equipment. And very little to no information is available regarding repair of the panels, from malfunction to hail damage. And what happens if it’s time to redo shingles on your roof? No idea, but I’m sure the salesmen will tell you something along the lines of “it’s covered” or “don’t worry about it right now”. Well that’s the way my brain works. I plan for long term and think of any obscure variables that may come along the way.

      There’s also the ROI on solar. When you purchase or lease the panels it takes about 10 years before you can actually see a benefit in your bank account.

      I’d love to go solar, but until it’s actually affordable and makes sense I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger. Maybe in 2030 when the US’s current tax incentive is due to expire I may take another look.