Roofing Estimate Calculator

Opinion: Gov. Chris Christie and the Myth of Solar Subsidies

The Christie Administration's June 7 release of its much-delayed draft Energy Master Plan (EMP) has caused quite an uproar among solar energy advocates.

Understandably so.

The EMP spends too much time talking about what it calls the need to "ease the undue economic burden" on consumers, the ones who pay for solar incentive programs -- pejoratively labeled "subsidies" -- each time they pay their power bills.

The trouble is, if you pay close attention to the draft's own numbers, that "economic burden" vanishes after just a few minutes with a calculator.

Indeed, the plan warns of the "financial albatross" caused by the success of the state's renewable energy push, which has been among the few bright spots in otherwise dismal economic times. Little New Jersey is now second only to mighty California in the number and capacity of solar electric projects.

According to data in the draft plan, some 9,000 solar installations are now in place across the Garden State, silently and renewably producing 330.5 megawatts of non-polluting electricity. That's the equivalent of a mid-sized utility-scale power plant -- but without any of the emissions.

Is too much solar really a problem? If so, it brings to mind a quip attributed to President John F. Kennedy, that "all our problems are caused by all our solutions."

In other words, if only the state's renewable power policies -- which originated a decade ago during the tenure of Gov. Christie Whitman -- hadn't been so successful, then ratepayers wouldn't be reeling under the heavy weight of paying for all those solar panels on other peoples' roofs.

That, in short, is what the draft plan implies: time to cut back on all that success, or at least on the "subsidies" that have made it possible, claiming the solar industry no longer needs them.

But exactly how much of a burden is this solar success story? A better question is whether there is any burden at all, given the many benefits of solar.

Consider that solar produces electricity at "peak periods" -- on hot summer days -- which reduces the high cost of purchasing power while eliminating the pollution that goes with running so-called peaker units full bore.

This solar substitution reduces everyone's rates, whether they have a solar collector on the roof or not. And best of all, the total cost to ratepayers is all but invisible.

Far from being a "financial albatross" or even slightly worrisome to policy makers, solar subsidies come as close to getting something for nothing as can be imagined. But don't take my word for it; here's the draft plan's own data on the "burdensome" cost of all this sun-fed power.

Roof Estimate Calculator | Ebook Roofer

How to use the "cost New Roof Calculator

Repair your old roof is damaged due to natural elements can cost a pretty huge amount and it is wise to obtain a rough estimate of what it would cost to repair the roof. You can use the calculator to estimate the cost of new roof before venturing. First, you must have a rough idea of ​​what you want the roof to look like and you also have some basic measures of some key areas of your existing roof.

Area Calculation

To calculate the cost of new roof, you need to get the width and the length of the roof surface. The calculator will also need inputs regarding the roof pitch or slope of the roof. The roof can be either flat or very steep. The next area of ​​concern is the design of the roof. Some models are complex and take longer, effort, and materials than other models. Thus, the design would be a major consideration as well.

Materials used

The cover material is one of the key ingredients and the cost of new roof will depend largely on materials are used. The price you get the calculator cost new roof could then be used as a reference point and you can reach the figure on the right you may have to pay if you decide to get a new roof installed. However, this is just a rough estimate and price may vary according to the contractor who did the work for you. Bring the old roof will cost you a huge amount and if the materials are difficult to remove or uninstall, then you might be bombing a lot of money.

Factors affecting costs

There are different factors that affect the costs of the roof. For example, contractors will charge you according to different factors and various services available to you. If the contractor takes the material, the cost would be different and if the materials are purchased by you, then the cost will depend on where you purchased equipment.

Measures Roof

Everything in your calculation will depend on the correct measurement of the roof. If there are discrepancies in the measurements, then your cost estimates could also shoot up dramatically. So if you're not on the action, it would be best to get the contractor to give the rough estimate based on its measurements. You can safely use the calculator to arrive at an estimated cost of the new roof, but there are other parameters you must consider while making the calculations. This calculator can not give the exact figure and there are bound some changes in pricing. The key is to get it right.

Heat islands, understanding and mitigating heat in urban areas

Roofing handbook

Custom builder

National construction estimator

Flipping Houses for Dummies