Ask Solarpunk

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What's the cheapest way to get into solar? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

2 comments fedilink hide all child comments

The reason I'm asking is that, to me, all the ways to get into solar seem really expensive.

Even what many people online call 'cheap' is often beyond my budget.

Is it more about doing a DIY setup, finding recycled solar equipment, or are there other affordable options? Should I just start the self-teaching route and do the work there? I am getting information overload, so I'm not sure where to start.

For context, I'm an older person with an income of less than $25K a year. I work as a teacher's aide in an underprivileged elementary school. So the salary won't increase.

I like what I do, so I'm not complaining, just giving you background to avoid the "get a higher paying job" replies, because I feel the work I do is important to the kids and I want to keep doing it for a little longer.

Is solar realistically within my reach?

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[–] earlgrey0 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

So are you open to solar water heating? It’s the cheapest thing I can think of because it’s basically just running your water through pipes in there sun to make hot water. It’s not ideal for all r environments but it’s an effective way to get hot water.

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/solar-water-heaters

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I'll look into that. It gets quite cold here in the winter, but we have a LOT of sunny days.

I actually had to drop a huge chunk of my savings on a new water heater last year, so this could def be something I'll look into so I can plan ahead. Thank you!