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Tech Thread

Andrew Tate has now offered to train Elon

I wasn’t there but I think this is similar to how the Roman Empire fell
 
A photograph from the era:

GR5Kevj.jpg
 
what do the options in solar panels look like nowadays? because longevity seems to be a big issue with them, no?
 
Only sorta kinda worth it if you go completely off grid. Fees for just being connected costs more than the hydro itself and most places don't let you go off grid.

Even with the loan and rebate it may take a lifetime to pay it back. The maintenance ain't fun either. Not to mention it isn't perfectly ideal for Canada. Being in Canada you would probably have to go for high voltage panels which are much more expensive than a 12/24v panel, for example. Either that or you need a bunch of extra panels and those are gonna take up space + if your house is facing the wrong way, even more challenges arise.

TLDR: If you're doing it to save money it will take years and years to pay itself back, if at all. ROI isn't really there IMO.
 
how about windows. is it worth applying for any rebates if you just want to replace one or two windows/doors?
 
zeke said:
how about windows. is it worth applying for any rebates if you just want to replace one or two windows/doors?
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That 100% all depends on how old and leaky your current windows are. Triple pane are pretty great. Windows these days are really nice and super soundproof but expensive even after rebates so it's kinda like getting a new car. It may take a long time to "pay itself back" because of the high upfront cost but it has other benefits like aesthetics, soundproofing, and nice and smooth and easy to open/close.

Best bang for your buck in that government program is probably air sealing and attic insulation. You get a good amount back for those depending on what you qualify for and they make a huge difference for energy savings in the winter. I suspect my attic insulation will pay itself back within 3-4 years whereas my windows could be 15-20+ years if ever. But they look cool at least.
 
Preston said:
Only sorta kinda worth it if you go completely off grid. Fees for just being connected costs more than the hydro itself and most places don't let you go off grid.

Even with the loan and rebate it may take a lifetime to pay it back. The maintenance ain't fun either. Not to mention it isn't perfectly ideal for Canada. Being in Canada you would probably have to go for high voltage panels which are much more expensive than a 12/24v panel, for example. Either that or you need a bunch of extra panels and those are gonna take up space + if your house is facing the wrong way, even more challenges arise.

TLDR: If you're doing it to save money it will take years and years to pay itself back, if at all. ROI isn't really there IMO.
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This is no longer the case, or at least in the Maritimes.

I have one friend who is completely off grid. Solar with a propane generator backup. Since he refurbished the existing panels a few years ago pretty sure maintenance costs have been zero.

And my old boss just installed some too. He had investigated it previously but held off cause of the cost:benefit. But that has apparently changed now in his favour so he went ahead with it.

Dunno how difficult it is in Ontario but becoming more and more popular out here.
 
Wayward DP said:
This is no longer the case, or at least in the Maritimes.

I have one friend who is completely off grid. Solar with a propane generator backup. Since he refurbished the existing panels a few years ago pretty sure maintenance costs have been zero.

And my old boss just installed some too. He had investigated it previously but held off cause of the cost:benefit. But that has apparently changed now in his favour so he went ahead with it.

Dunno how difficult it is in Ontario but becoming more and more popular out here.
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Yeah I misspoke about the maintenance. It's a lot better these days. But I ran the numbers myself and discussed it in depth with an expert that I know who does it for a living, and we both came to the conclusion that the ROI really isn't there at least in Ontario. And I particularly wasn't interested since my roof is about 50% through its life (the only reasonable time to do it is when you're doing your roof because uninstalling and reinstalling the panels every time you do the roof sucks and ain't cheap). It's not a guarantee or no brainer to pay off by any stretch. I wanted to do it but I couldn't twist the numbers enough in my favor. Same goes for the heat pump. Both could work out but neither are guarantees and/or would take a long time so I passed for now.

Being entirely off grid helps a shit ton tho. I think that probably would have pushed it in my favor over time. Truth is I think most experts in Ontario (if they're any good or honest) are transparent about the fact that this may not be a money saving kind of deal in the end. May be a reason why it hasn't really taken off in Ontario. Because I was told that tons of people inquire about it but few follow through.
 
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