Home Energy Loans

[LIBRA]

Ok so Ive been looking into renewable resources for my house and PA has some energy loans that look pretty good. Up to 30% tax credits, to a certain dollar amount. The interest rates on the loans dont seem to bad esp for low income families which is the catagory I fall under.

Keystone home energy loans (http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/incentive2.cfm?Incentive_Code=PA19F&state=PA&CurrentPageID=1&RE=1&EE=1)


Im seriously thinking when I get my car paid off which will be this year or next I dont remember, I going to look into solar and or wind. I really want to get some estimates now but I dont want to waste anyones time.

Im also hoping the incentives will get better and better one Mr Obama takes the wheel.

Anyone else?

[LIBRA]

I also wonder if I would have to get a new roof first, Im going to need one sooner then later and that should be done before solar huh, and what about living roofs? Do they work even on a steepish roof or does it have to be flat? And siding, would that have to be up to par, same with insulation etc... Im thinking it may be alot more involved.

My gears are turning like crazy.

[Unkle_John]

I recommend doing that before looking into mounting anything on the roof. I assume you bought your house, if so I highly recommend metal roof. It maybe a little higher, but you never have to replace it (unless wind or something catastrophic happens to damage it).

If you planned on putting the solar panel(s) on stands out in the yard, then a new roof would be something for later. But it's something to think about. There have been many storms come through our place where the stones did damage to cars, but our roof was spared b/c it was metal. Metal is also better if you are going to collect rainwater.

While a conventional roof is fine, you still have small amounts of asphalt falling into your water supply. Though I don't recommend drinking rain water, if you decide to, please use a filter. Also with a metal roof there will still be dirt, bird poo, and such, I only recommend drinking it as a last resort (for emergencies of course, and again, with a good filter). I would best use it to water the flowers/garden and use to flush the toilet (again in emergency purposes).

I say go for it!

[LIBRA]

I was thinking metal roof too. Ive got barrels now that I want to make into rain barrels, just havent yet. For my garden etc..

Its alot to think about for sure!

[LIBRA]

well just for the hell of it I called a local solar guy who also installs gray water systems and composting toilets. I told him I dont have the funds right now and wont for a few years (give or take) But Im going to get an estimate anyways. Cool huh. Im really really interested to know how much, I have no clue and I am SURE I will be floored by the sticker shock.

And I dunno if Id wanna be off the grid or have it so my meter spins backwards, I gotta see pros and cons for both I guess.

Im pretty sure he is going to come by this weekend, so lets all guess at costs?

My guess would be $15,000-$20,000 for Solar, Grey wtr system and composting toilet system. But again I have NO clue So to me Im guessing high.