I understand the HOA wants to protect the value of the homes in the neighborhood. I DON'T understand why they believe solar panels would reduce the value; if anything it would increase the value.

The price of solar has dropped significantly in the past 4 years. Four years ago, Jackhammer and JJTX99 may have been right, the prices were around $40,000. The average system installed in San Antonio now costs around $18,750 before rebates and tax credits. CPS Energy will pay a rebate of $2 per AC watt, or in this case $8,200. Then you can take a 30% federal tax credit on the remainder of the system cost ($18,750 - $8,200 = $10,550 x .3 = $3,165). You then have a solar system that costs $7,385 ($18,750 - $8,200 - $3,165 = $7385). Most people see around a 15-20% return on investment when buying solar. I'm not a banker, but I would say that's pretty good.

The price of solar has dropped significantly in the past 4 years. Four years ago, Jackhammer and JJTX99 may have been right, the prices were around $40,000. The average system installed in San Antonio now costs around $18,750 before rebates and tax credits. CPS Energy will pay a rebate of $2 per AC watt, or in this case $8,200. Then you can take a 30% federal tax credit on the remainder of the system cost ($18,750 - $8,200 = $10,550 x .3 = $3,165). You then have a solar system that costs $7,385 ($18,750 - $8,200 - $3,165 = $7385). Most people see around a 15-20% return on investment when buying solar. I'm not a banker, but I would say that's pretty good.

"""""""""""""I don't understand – in San Antonio, where we don't have snow – why every home doesn't use solar panel,” she says."""""""""" Because you ignoramus, they cost 1/4 the value of my current home!! Are you gonna' buy mine for me? FOLKS. Remember, if you spend 25,000$ on solar panels, think how long it will take you in energy-savings to PAY-FOR that installation. If you save 150$month, do the math. How many months will it take for your utility bill savings to pay for it? MANY-YEARS. It's still not worth the expense right now.

There are rebates that can be used to defray the cost, as well as tax incentives. The point, though, is if you can afford to live in a community with an HOA you can probably afford the cost. On a related matter, does any one know if the new HOA rules apply to rainwater catch and store devices (especially with SAWS going up over 50% in the next few years). Storing and using rainwater for landscaping would certainly help cut the cost of the SAWS bill, keep a green yard during the summer and help conserve water.

Why every home doesnt have them?!? well um.... maybe because they can be in excess of 40K!! they are not cheap thats for sure,they will pay for themselves but initial bite is quite huge.