My energy provider increased our rates as of Jan 1 by 18%, so got a quote for solar panels on my 1200 sq ft house. My HOA does allow this with some very reasonable aesthetic restrictions. (We have a great HOA!)

The presentation was very comprehensive and convincing. The cost came to a little over $11,000 AFTER state and federal incentives. I could pay cash or finance at 3.99% for 25 years for a monthly payment of $124.00.

The presentation factored in the months when I would not pay anything to my energy provider (7 months/year) and I would pay a small amount to the energy provider the other (colder or hotter) 5 months. This energy provider does not "buy back" if one uses less energy than generated by the panels.

The salesman was very professional and did not apply undue pressure. I said I would think it over and let him know the following Monday.

So I averaged my annual bills for 2023 and added 20% (including all the junk charges beyond cost of energy used), then added 20% to that for the next five years. After FIVE years of annual 20% increases (which is pretty extreme and unlikely to happen), my monthly electrical bill would still be less than $124/month (let's not forget there are months when I would be paying the utility provider over and above that $124 fixed payment).

So if you are thinking of looking into solar, do your due diligence first so you have a true comparison on hand before signing anything.