Going solar: General overview

There are many things to consider when weighing whether to install a home solar system. These can be usefully thought of in terms of three broad categories:
Economic considerations
Environmental considerations
Personal & political considerations

Your neighbor’s solar system is saving utilities — and you! — lots of money

Jim Jenal

April 3, 2018

We hear a lot about the "cost" of solar when utilities attempt to weaken net metering rules. "Solar is only for the wealthy," they say. "Poorer ratepayers subsidize every rooftop solar installation out there." "Why should the poorest ratepayers help pay for a more affluent person's solar system?"

Going solar: Introduction

Christof Demont-Heinrich

August 20, 2009

There are many things to consider when weighing whether going solar is for you or not. (more…)...

Going solar: Economic considerations

Christof Demont-Heinrich

August 19, 2009

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...

Going solar: Environmental considerations

Christof Demont-Heinrich

August 18, 2009

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 s...

Going solar: Political and personal considerations

Christof Demont-Heinrich

August 17, 2009

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

Going solar: Putting it all together

Christof Demont-Heinrich

August 12, 2009

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,...