|
Lawson works on the Central Coast as an analyst for residential renewable energy systems.
|
|
Good Time to Invest in Solar - Energy Prices Up, Panel Prices Down
by Lawson Schaller
When has there not been concern about rising energy costs? That concern always seems to be present, especially recently. Headlines showing daily electric wholesale rate going up forty times in the Eastern U.S.? Wow! Now that may be a rare result of extended cold snap, other circumstances etc. etc., but still a rather startling increase. Other articles are reporting California will be hard hit. One recent study suggests California rates could go up forth-seven percent in the next sixteen years, and stay up.
The energy market seems to be as dynamic, turbulent, and unpredictable as ever. Nuclear plants are in question, the drought is impacting hydro production, fracking for natural gas is under fire, and "clean coal" is being pushed more and more.
I know of no better protection from this volatility than solar. Solar is reliable and predictable and provides an excellent tax free, inflation protected return on your money for decades — and a very low risk investment. I just put twelve SolarWorld panels on my roof and this will zero out my electric bill. Best investment I ever made. A tax free return of about 9%, inflation protected . . . and reliable, clean energy.
Costs for this size of a system can vary between $15,000 to $20,000 depending on which type of panel and inverter you choose, type of roof on your home, and other site characteristics. In my view, it is an unbeatable rate of return and extremely low risk as you own the equipment; a tangible asset bolted to your property producing a "sunny dividend" month after month for decades. The panels and inverter on my home are warrantied for twenty-five years. I chose SolarWorld Panels because of their quality and longevity in the field. They still have panels producing after almost forty years. SolarWorld panels are U.S. Made, efficient, robust and reliable, never a recall in almost forty years in the field.
Perhaps the best time to invest in solar is right now as panel prices are at an all-time low – thanks to the aggressive pricing by China in the last few years. However, prices are starting to increase slowly due to the Chinese tariff. The 30% Federal Tax Credit is due to expire in 2016 but many in the industry are hopeful it will be extended. No better time than now.
Of course energy prices will continue to go up. You can combat that by investing in solar. With solar you are essentially buying a generator, and the fuel is free, quiet, and clean. No moving parts and the only maintenance is to rinse the panels off as needed.
If you have not considered solar I recommend you give it a look as this is a great time to invest and see a low risk, tax free rate of return, inflation protected . . . for decades . . . and the environmental benefits of cleaner air, water, and soil.
For More Information
Solar World USA
More Solar World Videos
|
