Valuable Resource: The Geostellar Solar Index

I’d never come across the Geostellar Solar Index until a reader sent it to me just now.  He writes: “Craig, Did you see this in your internet meanderings? I think it’s disturbing that in most states it’s more cost effective to buy T-Bills than to invest in solar. This, more than anything, is why we can’t get enough people into solar power in this country.”

Actually, if I’m reading this correctly, that’s not the case.  They claim:

The Index shows that, in almost two-thirds of states, solar systems pay greater dividends than investing in 30-year treasury bonds; in 86 percent of states putting your money in solar is a better investment than a five-year certificate of deposit (CD); and in only one state is putting your money in solar a losing bet.

But you’re absolutely right: making solar a good investment is critical in getting people to take the plunge.

Here’s another point that homeowners should consider: their cost of traditional energy is not a constant.  Although there are no guarantees, one has to think that one’s electric bill will at least rise with inflation, if not outpace that.