Solar: Save Money and Fight Climate Change
Source: https://www.hillrag.com/2022/01/31/solar-save-money-and-fight-climate-change/
Author: Catherine Plume
Ten Hoeve has lived on the Hill with his family since 2015, and he’s been interested in weather and climate from as far back as he can remember. As a homeowner, John is a huge fan of rooftop solar. The solar array on his rowhouse generates 75% of the electricity his family consumes, which is impressive given that his roof also houses an air conditioning system and ductwork. Ten Hoeve explains, “If you took the upfront cost of installing a solar array and instead, invested that money in the stock market, you would need roughly a 11% annual rate of return over 10 years to match the money generated from the solar panels–which is risk free! Ten Hoeve notes, “I bought 100% wind energy before I purchased a solar array for my home, and I continue to purchase wind energy for the 25% of the electricity I don’t generate from solar.” Meanwhile, programs such as the District Department of Energy and Environment’s Solar for All program help low- and middle-income residents - both homeowners and renters- save money by adopting solar energy.