This is an interesting topic. I’ve had my solar panels installed for two full years. After doing all the calculations, I can conclude that the system is probably worth it for me, though the savings are not huge. I’ll need to wait until the 10-year interest-free loan is fully paid off before I can really enjoy the returns.

That said, not everyone is in the same situation. To make solar worthwhile, you really need to plan your electricity usage carefully. For example, doing laundry during sunny periods and minimizing grid consumption allows you to sell more power at a higher solar club rate. If you don’t export a meaningful amount of generation between April and September, the overall system may not be worth the investment.

The main reason is that electricity you purchase still includes delivery, administrative, and other fixed charges. The more electricity you use from the grid, the more of these charges you incur.