Here’s a photo of my solar system in Oak Bay, BC. Its been producing about 1500 kWh per year since 2005. Our power bill in July was $37. I love it!
There is a certain beauty in solar electricity. Given that the main ingredient is sand (albeit very refined, to make silicon and glass), they last virtually forever. What other product out there has a 25 year warranty? Nothing I can think of. So once a solar electric, or PV panel is installed, it starts producing electricity, and will continue to do so for a long time. Sun comes up – electricity comes out. No fuel, no bearings or oil changes, and so no operating costs.
If you buy a generator at Costco (say $500), and pay for fuel ($1 per kwh), you pay as you go, so it seems cheap. With solar, you’ve paid for 25+ years of electricity up front, and it seems expensive. Thats the tricky side of solar systems – paying today but receiving the benefits over a very long time. But the cost of solar is compared to oher choices, like a generator.
However, being in the solar business, we have become associated with many people who have spent the money up front and added solar to a home connected to their local utility. For them the decision to use solar was not just about cost, but other things. Solar reduces their electric bill, yes. Solar makes sure the power they do use comes from a source they are happy with. Who in Alberta really likes coal fired electricity, or in Ontario nuclear. Solar says we care, and we are leading by example.
Solar is getting cheaper and utility is getting more expensive, so we will see grid parity pricing. I am 50 years old, and I believe we will see that happen in my working career. And if nothing else, as a busineman and an industry activist I hope to help push towards programs that decrease the cost of solar installations in Canada.
If you want to talk about grid-tie systems for your home or business, call me! This is our passion. We can and will make this mainstream in Canada.
Dave Egles, President, HES Home Energy Solutions.
October 15, 2011 at 7:01 am
I am trying to understand the mind set of a person that is willing to plunk down $30,000.00 for a new car but thinks solar is too expensive. Solar makes so much sense when it comes to really getting your money back. It is possible to pay yourself 3 time over in a 40 year period after the initial investment.
I am in solar sales here in the Nashville TN USA area. Actually I’m next door in Lebanon TN. USA. For over 14 months now I have been keeping appointments on people that say they are tired of paying high electricity bills but once the price for solar is on the table the deal and the conversation is over. It’s always the same end result. I leave frustrated and feeling hopeless.
What tips and pointers have you found useful in tapping into the solar customer mind set? What makes them tick? Who are they and what can I do to bring them to me as a salesman in this industry? Any advice would be so much appreciated.
Thanks.
March 17, 2013 at 8:02 am
Hello Stanley—–As a solar installer in British Columbia I have many times presented quotes for solar work to be told the payback was too long or it costs too much yada yada yada. BUT one customer said: Well i can see that at our
low utility rates the payback would be at least 80 years! But maybe there are reasons to do it more IMPORTANT than money!” He had two young sons who had participated in learning to reduce electricity CONSUMPTION by more than HALF the year previous to my quote, Their parents really wanted them to grow up in a home that was careful about power use and to learn about sustainable technology.. The happy ending to THAT story is they deciced to proceed with the grid tied solar installation (by me) and now they are my FIRST NET ZERO customers! I love THAT reason for going solar. Nick Houser Off Grid Services
Powell River BC Canada.