Solar for the House

Twenty-five years ago my wife and I built our retirement home – after working and raising our family. We were saving and looking forward to our retirement. Each of us had worked for over 30 years at that time (we retired after each of us had worked for over 45 years) . Our plan was, and still is, to live out our lives in this house.

When we built our house we looked to make it energy efficient and be durable. We chose a clay tile roof because it came with a 50-year guaranty and was durable as well as energy efficient. We also chose a stove and heater that used natural gas. Boy, we may have screwed (sorry – messed) up. Now, all these climate zealots are after us.

Okay, I get it. So the first thing I did was contact two solar companies to take advantage of wonderful solar power. Both came out to look and both came in with about the same cost/bid. And both said solar would cut my electric bill by 50%! Cool.

Here is what would have to be done: 1. Remove a substantial part of my tile roof possibly destroying the integrity of my roof. 2. Re-shingle the part of my roof that was removed. The shingles only have a guarantee of 20 years. 3. Hang the panels and run the wiring.

Now the kicker: the upfront cost to me would be about $50,000.00. There goes retirement travel. Don’t worry though – I get $17,000.00 back from the government! That means I pay them $50,000 and then wait a year to get my $17,000 back. I’m only out a paltry $33,000.00! I pay $33,000 and cut my electric bill by 50%. Am I lucky or what? Where do I sign?

But wait. To make up that $33,000 will take 23 years! 23 years to break even. Each solar rep told me they had never encountered anyone who thought like that. Then the big question from me: “Look at me. Do I look like I have 23 years left on this planet?” Silence. Crickets. Silence. Haven’t heard from them since.

Climate folks don’t seem to understand basic economics. I guess it is nice to bark mandates and cram your beliefs down everyone’s throats. It is a funny thing – while we are still a little healthy my wife and I would still like to enjoy some of our retirement. There will come a time, soon, when it may not be possible.

But then I’m an old guy – and I don’t get it.