Rooftop solar's dark side : Planet Money
How has consumer focus shifted in the solar panel industry?
The consumer focus in the solar panel industry has shifted from initial enthusiasm for adopting eco-friendly technology to concerns over high costs and reliability issues. The business model of large solar companies, which prioritized rapid growth and new financing models, inadvertently led to increased consumer costs and a lack of emphasis on ensuring the functionality of the solar panels. This has left some consumers disillusioned with their solar panel systems.
What feelings do some consumers have about their solar purchases?
Some consumers feel disappointed with their solar purchases, as they find the panels more expensive than expected and face difficulties getting them fixed when broken. This sometimes unsatisfactory customer experience is attributed to the residential solar business model, which prioritized growth and financing models over ensuring the panels' functionality.
What benefits do most solar panel customers experience?
Most solar panel customers experience reduced electricity bills, energy independence, and environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, solar panels can increase property value and provide a great return on investment over their lifetime.