A crucial factor to consider when weighing whether going solar is for you or not are the out-of-pocket costs you, as a consumer, will pay, and the return on investment you realize for a solar system. These vary widely according to a number of factors.

Unlike coal – the most likely primary source of most of your home’s and EV’s/PHEV’s electricity – solar energy does not create any emissions at the moment it produces electricity. The zero emissions aspect of solar energy makes going solar extremely attractive, environmentally speaking.

Political and personal considerations are typically linked to the environmental considerations when making the decision about whether going solar is for you or not.

Environmental and political and personal considerations, plus the practical consideration of being grounded in our current home by a 15-percent drop in its value since we bought it in 2005 ultimately pushed me, along with my somewhat begrudging wife, into going solar despite the substantial upfront costs.