The #1 Reason Why The Solar Industry Has A Trustworthiness Gap? Costs! Part One - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica explores the primary reason behind the trustworthiness gap perceived by consumers in the solar industry: the high and often opaque costs associated with solar installations. Through reader feedback and analysis, it highlights that consumers struggle to determine the true return on investment (ROI) of solar systems due to a lack of transparency in pricing and savings projections. While solar is generally expected to offer strong financial and environmental returns, many find it difficult to get clear, straightforward information when shopping for solar solutions. A significant factor driving up costs is labor and permitting, which can constitute a large portion of the total expense beyond just the solar panels and equipment. One reader noted that equipment costs were only about 45% of what they paid installers, with labor accounting for substantial additional charges. Comparisons with other countries reveal that U.S. solar installation prices are significantly higher—about three times those in Australia and double those in the UK—partly due to regulatory and infrastructure differences. Furthermore, excessive spending on marketing and