Solar City

[oilerlord]

My bad !!!

Yeah, I was afraid of that...pulling subsidies for kids, farmers, health, etc, into the discussion. Keeping (somewhat) on topic, my focus was about solar subsidies. I've only been a member on this board for a few months, but I'm amazed at how accepted and normal these subsidies have become. I'm a self-proclaimed capitalist and believe that most industries should find a way to survive without taxpayers having to foot the bill. In this case of a $26,000 tax credit...who benefits more - US taxpayers or Solar city?

Again, no disrespect intended to the OP. I think anyone would cash that check regardless of your political stripe.

[rhedayi]

How dare you try to bring sanity back in the midst of all our non solar, off topic ranting !

My bad !!!

[J.P.M.]

was this thread about solar city or something else, what happened ?

How dare you try to bring sanity back in the midst of all our non solar, off topic ranting !

[rhedayi]

Yes and there's also the child tax credit = $1000 per kid under 18.

was this thread about solar city or something else, what happened ?

[Ian S]

As in subsidizing breeding via the personal exemption ?

Yes and there's also the child tax credit = $1000 per kid under 18.

[russ]

Whining and BS from the loony left?

[J.P.M.]

I agree with you. Those complaining the loudest about solar incentives seem to clam up when it comes to the myriad other tax incentives. As for the mortgage interest tax deduction, I suppose an argument - not very string IMHO - can be made that incentivizing home ownership is in the public interest but what on earth is the public interest in the mortgage interest deduction for a vacation home?!!!

As in subsidizing breeding via the personal exemption ?

[Ian S]

Meh. Look at the mortgage interest deduction. Welfare for the affluent. Like many people I get all kinds of tax breaks that lower income people can't access. I even get farm subsidies and I'm not a farmer.

The question is whether incentivizing certain activities with tax dollars is in the public interest.

Solar leasing is a competitive market. No one "pockets huge profits" for long in any easy to enter business. Other peoples businesses are viewed as easy, while one's own area of expertise is difficult and competitive.

I agree with you. Those complaining the loudest about solar incentives seem to clam up when it comes to the myriad other tax incentives. As for the mortgage interest tax deduction, I suppose an argument - not very string IMHO - can be made that incentivizing home ownership is in the public interest but what on earth is the public interest in the mortgage interest deduction for a vacation home?!!!

[Ian S]

Again, BS - Leasing is a business - whether it is solar or anything other product it changes little. These guys are claiming a benefit that really should go to the buyer.

The lessor IS the buyer.

[russ]

Meh. Look at the mortgage interest deduction. Welfare for the affluent. Like many people I get all kinds of tax breaks that lower income people can't access. I even get farm subsidies and I'm not a farmer.

The question is whether incentivizing certain activities with tax dollars is in the public interest.

Solar leasing is a competitive market. No one "pockets huge profits" for long in any easy to enter business. Other peoples businesses are viewed as easy, while one's own area of expertise is difficult and competitive.

Again, BS - Leasing is a business - whether it is solar or anything other product it changes little. These guys are claiming a benefit that really should go to the buyer.

[J.P.M.]

To your point, google "Solyndra" and how they stuck taxpayers with a $535M bill.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politi...yndra-scandal/

I was citing 2 of many examples. There are as many as there are people with opinions to not like something they feel is B.S.

[bberry]

Since you're looking for "any" feedback...I continue to be amazed at how much of a sales racket that renewable energy has become.

Meh. Look at the mortgage interest deduction. Welfare for the affluent. Like many people I get all kinds of tax breaks that lower income people can't access. I even get farm subsidies and I'm not a farmer.

The question is whether incentivizing certain activities with tax dollars is in the public interest.

Solar leasing is a competitive market. No one "pockets huge profits" for long in any easy to enter business. Other peoples businesses are viewed as easy, while one's own area of expertise is difficult and competitive.

[oilerlord]

To some extent, it probably has always been a racket much like for-profit diploma mills that prey, build and survive on the ignorant belief of the self perceived undereducated that a magic bullet exists for their perceived shortcomings. Both solar frauds and diploma mills may be examples of unscrupulous peddlers sucking up public (and private) funds, and harming what they purportedly are there to improve by using lies, half truths and false hopes to overcharge for what may well be an inferior product.

To your point, google "Solyndra" and how they stuck taxpayers with a $535M bill.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/specialreports/solyndra-scandal/

[J.P.M.]

Since you're looking for "any" feedback...I continue to be amazed at how much of a sales racket that renewable energy has become. Solar city bills $86,000 and pockets a huge profit while taxpayers subsidize $26,000; and we generally accept this as normal. I'm not at all judging anyone, or inviting a political rant because I'd also take advantage of tax credits if they were available in my area. I'm only making an observation about how solar providers are gaming the system in what has become a solar power gold rush. Because I don't have those subsidies (or a $60,000 budget), I was forced to research / procure a system I could afford. I bought 9.4kW of pre-owned 5-year old Sunpower modules. Including new micros, mounts, racking, labor (including some of my own DIY), etc, my project is going to come in under $15,000.

All the best, and good luck with your installation.

To some extent, it probably has always been a racket much like for-profit diploma mills that prey, build and survive on the ignorant belief of the self perceived undereducated that a magic bullet exists for their perceived shortcomings. Both solar frauds and diploma mills may be examples of unscrupulous peddlers sucking up public (and private) funds, and harming what they purportedly are there to improve by using lies, half truths and false hopes to overcharge for what may well be an inferior product.

[russ]

Solar city bills $86,000 and pockets a huge profit while taxpayers subsidize $26,000;

The great Musk stealing public funds