I guess I'm from a different era, but to me it's sad to see grown men seeking permission and approval from their wives, and then getting beaten up about a solar project they worked really hard on for whatever reason. This reminds me a little of the thread with the guy wringing his hands because his solar project uses some extension cords and his wife doesn't like them. Is this universal nowadays? Maybe I'm just out of the loop.
Does it work both ways? What if the wife wants to go to Paris for her holiday, or she wants spend more than you spent on the solar system to buy a pink Lexus. Does she ask you for permission? Is she telling her friends "My husband gave me the go ahead to buy a pink Lexus. I got all the extras, it's loaded. Ended up costing 40% over budget and he's unhappy about it, but I think he'll be more approving after he's had a ride in it."
And it's sad that you did
such a beautiful job on that solar install, and your wife can't just sit back and give thanks and appreciate what a wonderful job you did. How about "Wow, how lucky I am to have a genius for a husband who can build a system like that!"
Don't get me wrong. I've never met your wife and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it. I'm sure your wife is great. But me personally, I guess I come from a different generation. Of course I discuss things with my partner, and I take her input and ideas, especially if it's a big project or something expensive, but I don't ask for permission. And my partner is super appreciative and excited about having a lower electric bill. Anyway, congratulations on a really beautiful job!