Do The Math

Deciding if solar power makes sense for you means calculating how long it will take to pay off the installation cost.

Remember, you won't save a nickel until the day when the electricity generated by your panels pays back every dollar you spent in financing, installing, and maintaining them.

Even at very sunny latitudes, like the low southwestern deserts, you can only count on an average of 5 sun-hours per day striking your new solar panels. In practice it is likely to be less due to partial shade, less than perfect orientation, etc.

Because electricity is less expensive in Arizona than many states, this will actually increase the payback time for solar panels.

As you can see from the graph, even at 20¢ per kWh you won't break even for 22 years, but in Arizona the average rate is only 12¢ per kWh, which means you won't break even for almost 37 years!

Is this a sound use of your investment dollar?

Why Go Solar?

Solar power is a great idea as a social goal and as an infrastructure-saving mechanism for your power company, but unless your house is only 5 years old and built to green standards, is it the best use of your limited funds?

What Will Solar Do For You?

As you listen to that Solar panel sales speech, just keep asking this simple question: What is in it for me?

Will my family be more comfortable or secure because I have panels on my roof? Will my house be warmer in winter or cooler in summer after I install solar panels?

Over the next 20 years or so, the electricity generated will slowly pay off your panels; assuming a hail-storm, the need to repair your roof or advancing panel technology don't render them obsolete first!

By comparison, installing high efficiency windows in your house will make your home more cozy in all seasons, cut hundreds of dollars off your energy bill every year, reduce art and fabric fading by 95% and look pretty every day!

Add in smooth operation and ergonomic security locks, and that you will spend only half the cost of a solar install and the view is really starting to shine!

Our replacement windows are fully guaranteed for as long as you own them - including glass breakage. Installation can be performed without stucco or drywall repair!

No obligation quotes for professionally installed replacement windows.solar math