EnviroLink Forum

Hello Envirolink community,

I have a little concern that shortens my good nights' sleep lately. When visiting my parents during the holidays, we started to talk about their financial situation a bit - they are both retired, live in their own house and have a decent pension. But they are still worried that the money they get is not enough in case of a disease. So I came up with the idea to slowly transform their house into self-sustainable in terms of energy, water heating and other areas, where we already have solutions to save on. Naturally, the first step was to explore the solar energy. I think from all the renewable energy options out there, this one is the best and offers the most diverse products to small house owners. Now, I didn't know much about it at first, until I started to dig into it and read on internet.

Well, the problem is that it is kind of difficult to find some information that is not too abstract - like "it's good for the environment" or "saves your money". There are many articles of this kind on internet like for example this one > . I get it - it says things that have to be said about solar energy in general, but why I cannot find anywhere an article stating clearly what installing solar panels does for a homeowner. For example, in some discussion I saw it might cause roof leaks, but none of those generic articles mentions this.

So, right now I am not sure what to really think. We are just a common folk, don't want to harm environment of course, but when it comes to making this decision, I want to see some facts. What obstructions to counts with, how my energy supply might change/fluctuate/ based on what conditions...And I do not want to call the solar company to get quote yet, because they would start brainswashing me...I just want to know a little bit more of background information before going for it.

Does someone know about some good source or from your own experience?

Thank you.

Sorry I missed this. I don't come here much anymore. I self installed all solar power 20 years ago. I saved 50% by doing it myself or else it would have been too much. It was not hard, I just studied three books and they can be had from the library for free. The books have changed with upgrades and time, but a search will find what is needed. Then buy the various components with shopping for the best deals. That saves a lot because the same item can vary greatly in price with shipping. Panels, mounts, wires to charge control to battery banks with fuze to inverter(s) to electric panel. Totally disconnect from grid power as it is a rip off with montly fees whether you use power or not. It is not that hard to do. At least it wasn't for me. It took gumption.
I'm retired and it made it so I could use the savings to pay off loans and the mortgage. I could travel more, but it adds to the carbon footprint, so I refrain. I have switched to mostly organic food and very low meat, so that costs more.

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"With every decision, think seven generations ahead of the consequences of your actions" Ute rule of life.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”― Chief Seattle
“Those Who Have the Privilege to Know Have the Duty to Act”…Albert Einstein