I wrote off solar panels for my shop until I crunched the numbers last fall

I've been running my electrical shop in Akron for 8 years and always figured residential solar was too expensive and finicky to bother with. Then my buddy who installs them showed me his actual bills from the last 2 years, and the payback period was under 6 years with the tax credits. Has anyone else here been surprised by something that actually worked way better than you expected?

3 comments

3 Comments

williams.kim2mo agoMost Upvoted

That "payback period under 6 years" is what got me too. I think a lot of people just look at the upfront cost and stop there without factoring in how much rates go up every year. What nobody talks about is how solar actually changes your roof's lifespan too since it blocks UV rays and hail damage. I've seen some roofs with panels last way longer than bare ones, so you're saving money on that end as well. Plus you don't get hit with those surprise rate hikes from the utility company every time they feel like it.

john_cooper2mo ago

Exactly right @williams.kim. My roof held up way better under the panels too.

perry.evan26d ago

Read an article from one of those energy research groups that said unshaded roof solar can cut heating and cooling bills by like 15% just from the panels blocking the sun. That part surprised me even more than the electric savings. Makes sense though, the air gap underneath creates a buffer. Never thought about the roof lasting longer either, good point.