Arizonan weighs in on solar, affordable energy

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OPINION — In response to Margarita Silva’s opinion praising solar, there are some things she didn’t mention.

Tax breaks: There are tax incentives for solar installations. However, not all people qualify, and most don’t have a quality tax professional to advise them. Even if they do, they may go ahead with the project just to be informed at tax time “you don’t qualify.”

Not all people receive the same “credits” from power companies. Some receive a dollar-for-dollar credit for the energy their system produces; others may only get 35 cents on the dollar.

Did the Silvas buy or lease their solar? If they bought it and didn’t pay cash outright, or are leasing, what are their payments? If one’s electric bill was $350 and is now “only” $150 but they have a solar payment of $200, where’s the savings?

If there is a lease or a loan tied to the solar system, prospective buyers must qualify for that financial obligation in addition to the mortgage. This rules out quite a few homebuyers.

We have solar on our home. It’s been paid for since we moved in eight years ago. We are also grandfathered under APS’ old agreement that ensures we get dollar-for-dollar on the electricity we generate.

We are not energy conscious. We have had bills in the $30s to the $300s, which most would say is good for a 2,500-plus-square-foot home with summer AC set at 75.

While solar is nice, it’s not for everyone. It shouldn’t be subsidized by the government. 

If Mrs. Silva is concerned about seniors, does she donate to SRP or APS programs to help the less fortunate or to other charitable activities that support seniors financially?

Also, is she doing anything to urge the Arizona Corporation Commission to quit allowing power companies to continue raising rates? 

The best way to lower summer electric bills is to have a properly operating AC system, good insulation in walls and ceilings, and be energy conscious (LED lighting, time-of-use plan) if you can’t afford solar outright.

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