Ziplock bags & ice
It doesn't have to be paid off for it to save you money. My power bill was $450 every month on average, the payment to the finance company is $350. I'm net $100 every month and I'm paying off something instead of just handing the power company money for no return. Then in 10 years for me, I will have no payment and actually have free power. Also if you are worried it won't add value, which the appraisal institute and fanny mae have released reports it does, you can get a pace loan which puts it as a special assessment. That way the payment for the system transfers to the new owner and it doesn't go off your credit. Just a thought since you are having power issues which I also was.
Don't want to clutter up this thread so last reply. I actually work all day calculating returns on investments and I fail to see how you don't get a return on your investment for 12 years. It starts making power the moment you put it on your house. Power you are currently using and paying more money for than what you would be paying for your solar system. So if your power bill is $300 month and your bill for your solar system is $200 a month you are positive $100 a month from day one until you pay off the system when you would be positive $300 a month.
Gotcha, if I had to pay for the system up front I would have told him to kiss my you know what. They offer financing now and the panels are much better. Unfortunately for me the PACE loan wasn't available when I got mine put on. I still pay less than my utility bill was, however my parents are putting a larger system on their house when pace is in my area August 15 and their payment is less than mine.
