Quote:
Originally Posted by brk-lnt
Many energy-saving/cost reduction things like solar, tankless heaters, etc. are more like "one big upfront payment". You pay up front, but then have reduced operating costs over time. If your net goal is the absolute lowest total cost of ownership over time, then these systems rarely pay back, particularly if you consider earning potential of the money used for their up-front purchases.
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Disagree, from direct experience. Two years in, my solar panels are out-performing expectations that they will pay for themselves in 6 years. Then I will have almost free juice for another 20 years or so. Annual financial return is >15%. Similarly, my heat pump inverters have less than half the energy cost of my old oil burner and ducts (and I needed to buy new anyway).
Opinions on the forum are great and varied, but you really need to ask a good sales person to show you the numbers and spell out the savings for your own situation. If you trust the guy, go with it.