from Robert in Madison, WI:
#438
I am going to build a new home within the next two years. I would like to incorporate green technologies such as solar water heat, photo voltaic and geothermal. My builder is telling me that the "pay back" times are so lomg as to not make these thechnologies of any value. Do you have a list of pay back times?
Defining the value of a renewable energy system is a personal decision.
Defining the value of a renewable energy system is really a personal decision. There are many things, other than payback, to consider when determining if a renewable energy system is right for you. To see examples of other homeowners who have found value in installing renewable energy systems, you can check out the solar home case study presentations that were recently given at the 2009 Solar Decade Conference.
To get an accurate payback estimate, I suggest that you get bids from two or three Full Service Installers. There are significant grants and tax credits available that may reduce the initial installed cost by 50 percent or more. Feel free to visit the Focus on Energy Web site or call us at 800.762.7077 for more information.
Published Tuesday, November 10, 2009