People can start saving money in the first month after installing a solar electric system. Over time, the cost difference between paying PG&E and your solar electric system becomes even more significant. This is why solar is an excellent investment. Many sources and studies show attractive payback periods and return on investment with solar electric systems. Paybacks are often in the five to seven year time frame. Future payback and savings are even greater. Once installed, a solar electric system will reliably produce power for decades to come with inflation protection.
California electrical rates, over the last thirty years, have increased approximately 6.7% (much higher than the Consumer Price Index which has been 3.5% annually). At this 6.7% rate, your electrical charges will double every ten years. A solar system acts as an excellent inflation hedge, and protects you from the ten year doubling of your monthly charges. I think most adults would agree that ten years can pass pretty quickly.
A solar electric system adds market value to your property, yet at the same time it is exempt from property tax increases in SLO County. The system is a tangible fixed asset that makes it easier to sell your home when that time comes. Many people are moving funds from paper assets—the bond/stock market—that often return less than two percent per year. They, instead, invest those funds in a solar electric system. Many solar electric systems are showing ROIs (return on investment) of five to 10 percent depending on your monthly electrical usage, cost of the system, etc.
By having a solar electric system on your property, you help protect our national security and our national/ natural resources. By investing in solar, we can greatly reduce the demand on coal, foreign oil, natural gas, and nuclear generation facilities.
Many studies show significant reduction in air pollution by utilizing solar electricity over fossil fuels. Ones carbon footprint is reduced by using solar electricity. Regardless of ones view on global warming, it makes sense to keep our air clean. It also helps keep our waters clean. Studies show the negative effect that fossil fuel burning has on our oceans and surface waters. Clean energy makes sense, financially and environmentally.
Now, if one does not have the funds to buy a solar electric system up front, there are home equity lines of credit or a "zero dollars up front" option. These allow one to take advantage of all the reasons for going solar. Solarponics is a well established local company that can help with these choices. With no money down a homeowner can save money, add value to their home, protect against inflation, protect our national resources, our air and water quality. It is a fairly straight forward choice.
Mark Lakeman, founder of The City Repair Project, will host a presentation/workshop on actions related to implementing the technology of water conservation on Wednesday, April 6th at the South Bay Community Center in Los Osos from 6:00pm-8:30pm and again Thursday, April 7th at the Ludwick Community Center, San Luis Obispo from 5:30pm-8:30pm. (See flyer.)
