> The $2,000 plug-in solar system installed on Dwyer’s backyard deck in March consists of two 400 watt panels, an inverter, a smart meter and a circuit breaker. It saves him around $35 per month on his power bill because he is consuming less energy from the grid, but he said reducing his carbon footprint was his primary motivation.
so about 5yrs ROI
And in germany a similar 5yr ratio (With some german cities subsidizing installation):
> Weyland spent around $530 for his 600-watt-capacity system. While he’s happy with how his south-facing panels perform during balmy weather, such days are rare in northern Germany. He estimates that he’ll save around $100 in annual electricity costs and recoup his investment in about five years.
The article mentions the main motivation in Germany is also climate change and a feeling of independence, not so much economics
It's nice that it is both. You do something good and also save money. Everyone with a plug at their balcony is throwing money away when not installing some panels, if there is no roof installation already ofc.
Not an answer to your question, but I was amazed at how wildly varied the pricing was when I was getting estimates. This was a few years back and I didn't go with it at the time, so I forget what the exact estimates were. But I remember that the highest was literally double the price of the lowest for all the same equipment. All I'm saying is don't trust any pricing you get from folks online, and do get a lot of estimates.
Probably prices now are much lower than they were a few years ago, since solar modules are now at a historically low price that is one third of their price in early 02023.
so about 5yrs ROI
And in germany a similar 5yr ratio (With some german cities subsidizing installation):
> Weyland spent around $530 for his 600-watt-capacity system. While he’s happy with how his south-facing panels perform during balmy weather, such days are rare in northern Germany. He estimates that he’ll save around $100 in annual electricity costs and recoup his investment in about five years.
The article mentions the main motivation in Germany is also climate change and a feeling of independence, not so much economics