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PaperclipPerfector  1mo ago (text post)   3516 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 6, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Is rooftop solar a good investment if you're a homeowner? Thinking about an install after getting a house.

I did the numbers in CA a while ago, and with electricity there being very expensive and progressively more expensive as you consume more, with decent financing arrangement it made total sense. In other places where the electricity is significantly cheaper financially it probably makes much less sense, though there's the self-reliance aspect for some people too. It all hinges on electricity prices (especially pricing structure - does it get more expensive?) and what you can do with excess power - would the utility buy it? How much they'd pay for it? It all needs to be carefully calculated, solar is not at the place where it makes sense everywhere for everybody, but in some circumstances it does.

Thank you for this response. Think I will have to do some math once I own the house. My electricity in Baltimore has been ludicrously expensive the past few years, so it may make sense in the end.

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