Going Solar

[Kenfuzed]

I've been researching solar for a while now and I've finally decided to pull the trigger. I will be having a 5 kWh system installed which includes 21 panels and independent micro converters. Even with my big tank I should be able to say goodbye to the dreaded high tier rates of Edison.

The work kicks off in January so I will post pictures as things get started.

 

[marfuerte]

leasing route or did you buy it if you don't mind me asking?

 

[bullitr]

You won't regret it ken!
I am very happy with it.
The only regret I have is not jacking up my electric bills before I get solar so i can get more rebate .
I only have less 4 k and my bills are -$34 this summer.

 

[AlfieReef]

Who did you end up using for the lease/install?

 

[solitude127]

Is the cost involved with the panels(installation, panels, etc) worth it? How long before you recoupe your cost?

 

[bullitr]

Mine will take a mighty long to time 10 years or so since my system is small but like Jeff massive 9khw it's probably less than 5 years.

The best thing to do is consult with the professional before all the rebates go away!

 

[marfuerte]

+1 on the rebates getting used up. But, factor in utility rate increases and pay back may be faster

 

[wishntoboutside]

Awesome. Thanks for going green. I am looking forward to the day of these being on many roofs. Looking forward to see the pictures.

 

[Kenfuzed]

I went with Real Goods Solar (they were at RAP) and these are the same guys who did Jeff and Lawrence's systems. I went with a hybrid lease/buy in program that wrapped in a new roof so my savings starts kicking in after a couple of years.

The reason for only going with a 5kwh system is we only wanted panels on the back of the house. Also our house isn't that big and it is only my wife and myself so most of the usage is my tank and summer A/C.

 

[bullitr]

5 kwh It's plenty just for you and your wife.
My system is only 4 kwh on the 3700 sqft house with 3 kids and it produce enough so my electric bills are still negative. You just have to be conscious of all the electric devices you have at home.

And real goods solar has the best service and price of all of the solar company that I look into, you will be very please with Ryan.

 

[Kenfuzed]

5 kwh It's plenty just for you and your wife.
My system is only 4 kwh on the 3700 sqft house with 3 kids and it produce enough so my electric bills are still negative. You just have to be cautious of all the electric devices you have at home.

And real goods solar has the best service and price of all of the solar company that I look into, you will be very please with Ryan.

Yeah Ryan was awesome, good guy to deal with. No sales pitch BS like I heard from other companies. I also liked how this company won't build you a system unless it makes financial sense on paper. While I haven't reached the point of installation so far I've been pleased with the process.

I hope to document the whole process of the installation and show the before and after of my electric bill. My electric usage for my 180 in-wall and frag tank is a major portion of my bill so I'm excited to turn that usage toward this clean and efficient source.

 

[solitude127]

If you don't mind me asking, what's your electric bill now?

 

[bullitr]

Mine still negative because of the credit from summer months.

Btw there is a few street in my neighborhood that have so many houses with solar
Almost every other house.
And still growing.

Bloom box need to be available soon or they will be left behind!

 

[jabel]

Congrats Ken. You'll love it. I haven't paid electricity since March and I have a huge excess of power right now which should carry over to next year. I have had issues with my micro inverters, but real goods has fixed everything immediately.
Can't wait to see the pics.
Jeff

 

[bullitr]

Congrats Ken. You'll love it. I haven't paid electricity since March and I have a huge excess of power right now which should carry over to next year. I have had issues with my micro inverters, but real goods has fixed everything immediately.
Can't wait to see the pics.
Jeff

Can I have some of yours! Lol
How much do they owe you now?
Also you need to put a picture up of your system.

 

[flyhigh123]

What are the pros and cons

Sent from my HP Touchpad using Tapatalk

 

[bigdaddystar]

Again, I am an electrician and you would have to be stupid not to if you have a home and can get financed which almost everyone can.

Here is the pros and cons.

Basically you will have the same bill every month as you did for your edison bill (about $200) for the financing, for the next 7-10 years then you can expect 10 years of care free electric use. Most companies offer a 20 year warranty on the panels and then they need to be replaced. So its a solid investment in the long run.

 

[pookstreet]

Just out of curiosity, if there is a power outage, will there still be electricity? Is the power generated stored temporarily somewhere or does it just go back into the grid? That would be cool if it can almost act like a backup generator, at least during the day when the sun is still up.

 

[ShellsSD]

Kenfused,

We also just made the pludge and put in a 10.5kw system with the micro processors. 40 panels here in San Diego.

In your first post you indicted that you were not having them install until January - Can I ask why you are waiting?

My concern for you waiting is that one of the top items on the budget cuts for the goverment is the solar incentives. I would not be surprised at all if the federal tax credit went away on December 31 of this year. Again - I don't know this but I would not be surprised. It is my understanding that the solar has to be installed not just bought to get the tax credit.

If you are going to make the pludge I would recommend getting them installed this year just to be safe.

Pookstreet -

most systems manufacture the kW and put them back onto the grid during the daytime then you use your excess at night. Very few have battery backup. Therefore, if the power does goes out, the so does the electricity. when we had our installed we also had them wire in the plug to our panel that allows us to hook up our generator and the whole house has electricity.

 

[socalmonty]

If you guys have had your systems for less than a year, make sure you are reading your Edison bill correctly.Your actual monthly usage is found on page 4 of the bill. There is a big reconciliation that occurs with Edison once a year. If you are showing charges on page 4, they are just accumulating until the reconciliation. A very unpleasant surprise, if you aren't paying the page 4 amount each month (even though the bill says on the first page "Do not pay"). We went solar in December of 2009 (33 panels) and while I don't regret it, they claimed the payback would be 4-5 years after taking into account the tax credit and Edison rebate (I'm Edison Tier 5). It looks to me like it's going to be more like 8-10 years.