Off topic, Going Solar

[Tucson Reef]

Those that know me know I'm not a "Greenie" but this is too good to pass up. We have some money in a 457 and due to present Administration spending us into bankruptsy, we were looking for a way to get some of it out before the VAT Tax and income taxes come out after November elections. Well hello Solar, At present TEP will pay half, the Feds will give you a 30% tax credit that you can take in one or up five years and Arizona will throw in another $1,000. So we are looking at a 7.26KW system for about $46,00, after all the incentives it will be $11,000 to $17,000 out of pocket depending on how you file the taxes. This will cover 80% of our average bill and TEP will give you a credit of 1 for 1 for what you produce over use. The way it works it should break even in less then 6 years. Be nice to only pay TEP $7.50 a month for electricity ( You have to pay for the meter ) instead of $140+. Reef Tank can run longer and AC down a few degrees. If this sounds good to you don't delay, Phoenix has already reduced the incentive amount they pay.

 

[prickles]

I find it absolutely ridiculous that solar in AZ would cost 46k to install and will only cover 80% of the usage of one house. In my opinion, if it doesn't make sense here, which it doesn't without all the ridiculous incentives, then they should stop promoting it until the tech or costs change. Drill Baby Drill!!

I would do it too, but I hope to move in less than 2 years. Maybe next house.

 

[Tucson Reef]

Its 80% of average usage

Its 80% of average usage

With highs and lows it balances out to close to zero. They don't recomend going past 80% because credits get zeroed out at $.25 on the dollar in Oct so you don't want to get too many, not cost effective. Yea, no way I would pay $46,000 but with the incentives its a good deal.

 

[killafornia]

I was thinking of doing this its a really good idea I would need to get a loan tho do you work 4 the solar company

 

[jefathome]

I don't know if they opperate in AZ, but I did a Solar install (3.7kwh system) and it cost me next to nothing.

We went with Akeena Solar who has a plan with a company (SunRun) called a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement). For only $1000 up front, I locked in my price per KWH for the next 18 years... and the rate that I locked it in at is LESS than what I'm paying right now. SunRun owns the panels and takes responsibility for any issues for the next 18 years. No cost for new inverters (they only last 12 years while the panels last 25). If the power generated by the system is under the initial estimates, then I pay less as well. If production dips then they come out and clean the panels. Anything goes wrong... THEY have to deal with it, not me.

Right now I'm saving about $20/month... Then, as Edison (the local provider) raises rates on everyone, we just keep paying the same amount and our savings goes up and up and up (estimated at $300/month in 10 years, $500/month in 15 years).




PM me if you are interested in more details.

 

[Tucson Reef]

I'm retired and never even looked at solar as an option till I saw where things were going here tax wise and inflation wise. Then when I saw the incentives, or as Obamma people would say "Give me my Obamma money",I started researching. We signed today for a 8.58 kWatt system, they come out Monday to start the prep work. Do your research, it was fun talking to the different companies and getting the different knowledge/attitudes. Some were very knowledgable but sounded kinda handyman, knew their stuff, might work great but might be glued and duct taped together. Prices were all over the place too, but check the manufacturer's and history.

 

[aquaph8]

very interested please keep us updated and thanks for sharing.

 

[killafornia]

How much are you putting out for this system before income taxes. Is it half down and the rest on install or a down payment and monthly like a car.

 

[Bifferwine]

If you want to start small, you can always get a solar water heater, which is what I'll be doing shortly. Between the federal and state credits, you'll end up paying out of pocket what you would pay for a plumber to come install a regular water heater. It won't shave a ton of money off your gas or electric bill, but it does save some.

And doing your whole house doesn't have to be as expensive as 46K. I have a friend in Phoenix that did his whole house for less than 20K, and he sells excess electricity to the electric company every month, as they are obligated to buy back any excess that your home produces. He MAKES money off of it, and he estimates his system will pay itself off in about 6 years -- after that it's just money in his pocket every month. As was mentioned, the prices of the systems will vary by company, and there are cheaper ones out there.

BTW these renewable energy credits were around a long time before Obama came into office. These particular credits are not "Obama Money", but were implemented during the Bush administration.

(I work in a field where I deal with alternative energy sources for residential and commercial applications).

 

[Tucson Reef]

No its not obammy money but his spending and future tax increases and crap and tax plans decided us to get as much money out as possible before the storm. Things are going to get bad inflation wise and tax wise so we are doing everything we can now. Are you old enough to remember "Peanuts" in the 70's? This storm will make the Carter years look like a booming economy. This will pay back in less then 6 years and is a positive cash flow after that. Most want anything above what TEP pays up front($3.00 a watt) which is half total. You will get 30% tax credit from Feds and $1,000 from state when you file and can take up to 5 years to take the fed credit. Another reason we did this now and posted it is the Fed law expires in 2012 and most utilities are cutting back the subsidies. I believe Phoenix only gives $.85 a watt now, so TEP might cut back also.

 

[jefathome]

BTW these renewable energy credits were around a long time before Obama came into office. These particular credits are not "Obama Money", but were implemented during the Bush administration.

(I work in a field where I deal with alternative energy sources for residential and commercial applications).

Thank you for setting the record straight. If you listen to some folks, "Bomma" is responsible for everything from the common cold to Vietnam.:rolleye1: