Feyston, VT Family Confirms Going Solar is Affordable

Guest blogger Jo Lee of Green Machine PR is talking with Vermont residents who have gone solar and have proof that the myths in our free 87 Solar Myths ebook are accurate.

You know solar’s come a long way when it’s affordable for families on tight budgets. Thankfully, that day has come, as exemplified by the Laidlaws in Feyston, Vermont. The Laidlaws are a family of 5 living on two teacher’s salaries with several large expenses, such as an $1,800 monthly daycare bill. Ouch!

Like most families today, the Laidlaws are always on the lookout for ways to save money. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that solar made sense for the environment and a lot of “cents” for their budget.

As a result, Kim and Bill Laidlaw became proud “busters” of Solar Power Myth #1 – Solar is too expensive. Myth #1 appears in the recently launched Real Goods Solar eBook 87 Solar Myths.

By combining a local State Employee Credit Union low-interest solar loan with Federal and Vermont solar incentives, Kim and Bill were able to entirely finance a home solar system. In doing so, they replaced their monthly electricity bills of $120-$150 with a lower monthly loan payment of $91.96. “We definitely don’t fit the stereotype of solar panel owners. I’ve never dreamed of living off the grid and I’m definitely not part of the 1%. But I do like a good deal, which is why I’m powering my home with solar and saving money.”

A wiz with spreadsheets, Kim likes the additional financial control that solar gives her over her long-term budgeting. With a locked-in loan payment, Kim can assume a fixed-cost for electricity for the next 15 years despite rising utility costs. And after 15 years, her electricity bills entirely disappear. “It’s a no brainer,” according to Kim.

Solar also positions her to take advantage of future savings. Currently Kim pays $680 a month in car gas bills. With a home solar installation already mounted on her house, she’s ready to pounce when the first electric station wagon becomes available that can fit her three kids and their booster seats. “Yes, I’ll have to add more panels or pay for more power from the traditional grid but with soaring gas prices, solar gives me financial options to keep my family budget under control.”

Finally, going solar with the Vermont State Employee Credit Union gives Kim the peace of mind that her solar payments are being invested back into Vermont’s local economy. “It feels good knowing that the money we’re spending to power our house makes all of our families, schools and communities stronger.”

Tagged home solar, solar myths, vermont, VT