I'm really not trying to trick you into anything and sorry if it came off that way. I just speak with people daily that believe science for idea A, but not for idea B. This comes out a lot for climate change, especially. I think a lot of people (not including you in this) know that our actions are causing or exacerbating the problem, but deny it because that is easier than changing actions or they're making a whole lot of money off of the deregulations.
I could write several theses on what I want to do, but none will happen in my lifetime. Most of it is less about changing this planet and putting money into life extension and space exploration, but it's hard to get people to buy into dramatic ideas when so many question the basics. I'm with you in that I like to do my part to keep the environment beautiful, but I don't exactly go out of my way or push that idea on others.
I dislike these de-regulators as much as anyone, but I also see the regulators with the most to gain and benefit at this point of time. Its hard for me to be conclusive about what deregulation and regulations are good and bad as I can probably make a career trying to figure this all out outside of the obvious (massive smoke stacks near communities for a simple example.)
Its a tug of war of lobbyists and bribes. Until we reform the system and take the bribes out of Washington things wont get much better. Government should take the role of consumer protection without money going to politicians campaign financing and other types of bribes. Im not optimistic this is possible in the near future which also means people like me will maintain a low level of trust.
Solutions that work in my own experience is allowing people to keep fruits of their labor, or at least picking their cause and charity. This year there is a 30% Federal Tax Credit on solar, 25% NYS Tax credit and another rebate credit here in NY prior to purchase. These credits on the Federal level are slowly going away starting next year, but they do roll over for up to 5 years if needed.
So this is what I have purchase and how it breaks down, Im posting this as if nobody told me about it I wouldnt have pulled the trigger.
6kW system=
$19,881
-NYS rebate $1,831
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=$18,050
-$5,451 Federal Tax Credit
-$4,512 NY State Tax Credit (NY being one of the best on this in the country)
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=$8,087
-$1,000 manufacturer rebate
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=Total system cost = $7,087 Cash.....I was going to finance it for 10 years at 3.99 but that would have added $3,500 in interests to the cost so I said forgetaboutit. I spend on average $1900 a year on electricity and my production should be 100-110% and Ill be feeding on and off back to the grid. This purchase was a no brainer.
Just putting this out there for all readers (Im sure there are more that read than are active on here) to look into Solar, now is the time although I have a feeling that once Tax incentives are gone manufacturers will reduce cost some and better production may also contribute to that. The Federal Tax credits will go away as of today, I think next year it goes from 30 to 26 and less after until its all gone in a few.