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Originally Posted by DAEpperson
What affect do the panels have on your roof? And what happens to the panels if you have to re-roof?
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Panels would reduce heat/radiant load on shingles. Any decent roofing material will survive at least 20-25 years around here, so the roof would need work when the panels go tits up.
shotgunfan, agree with you on the snake-oil aspect to the solar industry. I am depreciating the system over 20 years, so return drops to ~5% with tax credit and higher rate for selling power. Given the variables and hassle of going solar, I do not see jumping until the return hits 7-8% after depreciation.
Basically, I would need panels at $2/watt or less AND be able to save money on the inverters ($8000 for a 10 kw system).
A prime reason for considering solar PV panels is the artificial government forces. The government sees fit to create an artificially low interest rate environment that punishes savers(me). I see little shame in taking advantage of a heavily subsidized solar marketplace, so that I am not forced to accept 1.5% on a savings account. Eat or be eaten.
Regardless, at the pace of price declines, it is very possible to see panels drop to under $2/watt by the middle of next year, if not sooner.
Joeaksa, few of these companies have been around for decades. The value of the warranty lies in the strength of the company. I would be putting down a nice chunk of change, and I would be an idiot to trust the sales pitch word for word.