fishythepete t1_jdxjumw wrote on March 27, 2023 at 10:37 PM

Reply to comment by SweatyCockroach8212 in Rep. Boylan introduces bill requiring solar on new construction by GhostOpera406

Cool story. Site isn’t suitable for solar? You’re going to need a variance. That takes time. There’s also a huge difference between the time it takes to get a single job done, and how that job impacts a construction schedule. Blew your install date because roofers didn’t start on time? It’s not gonna be two days once the roof is done. And that’s before even considering the rest of the bill. Don’t plan on buying an EV? Too bad - garage has to be wired for charging.

Again - the financial case is there. You don’t need a law. Educate consumers, and maybe solar companies could get some sales folks who aren’t total shysters.

SweatyCockroach8212 t1_jdxk47q wrote on March 27, 2023 at 10:39 PM

By that logic, we should not ban lead paint or heroin. Just educate people and they'll always do what's best. Cool.

fishythepete t1_jdxkycx wrote on March 27, 2023 at 10:45 PM

Uh nope. Not the same logic. There is already a pretty strong incentive to go solar - you get paid to do it. Removing lead paint and shooting heroin, not so much.

SweatyCockroach8212 t1_jdxmwy5 wrote on March 27, 2023 at 10:59 PM

Except for the part where you don't get paid to go solar. I don't get paid. You pay for panels, you get electricity.

Your argument is people should be free to decide to do what they want. If they want panels, buy em. If they want lead paint, buy it. If not, don't. Same logic.

fishythepete t1_jdxnrb7 wrote on March 27, 2023 at 11:06 PM

>Except for the part where you don't get paid to go solar. I don't get paid. You pay for panels, you get electricity.

What a silly argument. It’s like saying I don’t get paid for work. My employer puts money in the bank, and I get to use it.

I bought my system outright, but if I had financed it over 6 years, I would have saved a little money every month, and then stopped paying anything for electricity after 6 years. If you are net cash flow positive with no upfront investment, you are getting paid, and that’s what solar is for most people with a decent sunroof.

>Your argument is people should be free to decide to do what they want. If they want panels, buy em. If they want lead paint, buy it. If not, don't. Same logic.

My argument is people have a strong financial incentive to do this already. Less so with heroin and lead paint.

I have seen more solar panels go up in the last 3 years than I have in my life until then, and I am middle aged. The incentives are there, and working. Given our legislators and those who will need to implement this law have limited resources, maybe those resources would be better directed at solving a problem that wasn’t already solving itself before some kind savior from Barrington decided we needed her enlightened wisdom.