Going Solar? (Bellingham: credit, homes, heat pump)

[diver110]

Some friends of ours in Bellingham went solar/heat pump, but several years ago when WA offered subsidies and the federal tax credit was higher. They said their break even was around 7 years. When I run the numbers, break even could be in the 17 year range, depending on assumptions, which probably exceeds my expected lifespan. Anyone out there do solar recently?

[Disgustedman]

"Exceeds expected life span"

Reminds me of a 65 year old man who moved into a neighborhood where many older residents were planting trees and other long term greenery. When asked when he'd be planting trees or shrubs, he replied "OH no, I'll be gone before they grow much"

The 80 year old neighbor said "We'll miss you!"

The meaning is, you don't really know how long you have. So do it now! The longer you wait, the longer nothing is done.

[StealthRabbit]

17-20 yrs is the current payback. Mostly due to the "sharks" who have increased installation costs to match rebates and incentives. If the gov was not artificially causing this inflation, competitive costs would have been driven down about 60-75%. I was quite surprised to see the same sharks emerge 20+ yrs later that were on the solar scene during Jimmy Carter incentives.

Solar Washington .org is a good resource for information.

Even swwa hosts a Solar Day in the fall season where you can tour homes and installations.