While it has only been in the last few decades that solar electric has come into home use, the first photovoltaic cells were invented before 1900. That is more than a century to get it right. So, the technology is not now by any means.
The break down in that line of thinking is that most people on the street are no more likely capable of building an electric generator than they are a solar panel. The technology angle is just an excuse. The work of a solar installer is no more mysterious than the work of an electrician of a computer repair technician. The lack of understanding of the specifics of a computer doesn't seem to be an inhibition against owning one.
Putting those aside, the real issues remain. Consumers are mainly concerned with issues of cost and benefit. Also, They Want To Know How The experience of have solar will be different.
There are a number of green incentives and tax rebates for those who install home solar. However, these come after the fact. To install solar, the homeowner will initially have to pay out between fifteen and thirty five thousand dollars. Of course, like any large home improvement, their are financing options, either with a bank or sometimes with the solar installation company.
Upkeep can be a little more involved. Roof maintenance is certainly more difficult with all that solar equipment in the way. In cold climates, solar panels heating water can freeze, which necessitates the use of anti-freeze. Also, having a single solar panel go out can drop the production of the entire system by more than a quarter, so that needs to be monitored. If the system has a battery backup, those batteries need periodic checking for fluid level. Fortunately, most solar systems come with a twenty five year warranty.
When a solar installer comes out to quote the business, they can also provide estimates of how long it will take to pay for itself. After that, it's free electricity. With a system guaranteed for twenty five years, there is a long time frame to reap those rewards, and, with diminishing coal and oil supplies, it is unlikely that utility prices will ever decrease.
Ultimately, downside of home solar is the upfront cash outlay. After that, it can add a few simple routine maintenance tasks to the homeowner. If something should break in the first twenty five years, it is a simple warranty call. After that, hopefully, there will be some new technology or incredibly more efficient technology that will make just as much sense to upgrade to as solar does today.
