Any members into solar enegery

[quicksandfarmer]

I installed a grid-tied rooftop system almost four years ago. It has already paid for itself, I haven't received an electricity bill in over three years, and I get a check every month.

At the time I did a financial analysis and estimated that 90% of the benefit was due to tax breaks, government subsidies, or government mandates. Except for the federal credit all of those are at the state level and vary tremendously from state to state. If you don't live in a state with generous benefits the payback period is going to be decades not years.

Definitely have your CPA look at any numbers the solar installer provides you with, those guys play fast and loose.

 

[Firemanbuck82]

There are a lot of calculators on the internet. IMHO, solar makes sense where it makes sense. As far as I can tell central Wisconsin fails that test. Too far north.

Germany produced 15% of its total energy production with solar in April this year, and reached 85% of total production through renewables. Detroit is latitude 42 degrees N, Munich in southern Germany is lat 48 N. So maybe not too far north after all.

 

[Budweiser John]

Just a quick up date.
We herd the solar pitch and has been stated on this forum, the tax credits and accelerated depreciation schedules significantly erode the up front instillation cost. In our case bringing the system into the 20K
Bracket to produce our consumption of 35,000 KWH annually using all American made components thus eliminating all utility costs for the farm, house, and shop. Note that the 35,000 KWH includes Home heat and AC as we have geothermal heating and cooling.
Not factoring in future increased electric costs, at present rates it would appear (subject to CPA audit) we should be enjoying a significant income increase within five years.
Lots of details yet to explore so more later.
B. John

 

[dmccarty]

...
Bracket to produce our consumption of 35,000 KWH annually using all American made components thus eliminating all utility costs for the farm, house, and shop....

Are the money savings based on you selling your power back to the power company? If so, I would verify the amount of money paid by the power company for your power, and find out what you have to do to get the money. Some states make this worth while and easy. Other states, not so much.

Later,
Dan

 

[houstonscott]

Without net metering solar is most likely a loser finically for most all situations in the US. Reducing electric bill may not be the only reasons to put up solar.

 

[dmccarty]

Without net metering solar is most likely a loser finically for most all situations in the US. Reducing electric bill may not be the only reasons to put up solar.

Yep. I would love to have solar to provide power during a power outage but that would require batteries and that is another can of worms...

Later,
Dan

 

[TnAndy]

Yep. I would love to have solar to provide power during a power outage but that would require batteries and that is another can of worms...

Later,
Dan

That was the main reason I installed my system initially. I have 6kw on battery backup, and another 5kw that is grid tied only using micro inverters.

 

[Budweiser John]

Dan our proposal is biased on net metering. Simply stated, for every KW produced the meter is reversed the same number of KW.
The matter of stand by power is already covered as we have a 20K stand by power plant. It’s great knowing your beers cold and the shower’s hot when the weather or some idiot takes down the grid.
One further point of enegery clairfication, the generator, gas stove, patio fire pit, and great room fireplace all draw off a 500 gallon underground propane tank that gets filled every two years.
B. John

 

[cdaigle430]

I am doing some research now, tired of 160 dollar monthly electric bills. I am considering a 5-6kw system, no battery as I have a 16kw natural gas generator. Also want a ground installation as apposed to roof. I live in Maine-anyone recommend a contractor to install it from start to finish?