Woody65
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2012
- Messages
- 482
- Location
- East Northport and Oneonta NY
- Tractor
- John Deere 4300 HST 4wd
I want to run this proposal by you guys. I was approached by a salesman from Vivant, a solar company sub contracting for PSE&G. PSE&G is taking over the distribution of power on Long Island and are mandated to have 30% renewable energy. A survey was done by them of my area. A salesman came to my home and informed me that I was one of the homes they were looking to offer solar to. I have a large south facing roof with no obstructions. Also, my annual usage is above their minimum requirements. My roof is only 5 yrs old and I installed Timberline lifetime shingles which they also liked. This is beneficial because the panels would not have to be removed for a roof replacement for some time.
So, I listened to his offer which was the following. They will install the system including, solar panels, wiring, electrical, permits etc for no charge. They will own and maintain the panels and roof. There will be no property tax increase since they own the system. My home will generate power which will go into the Grid. I will purchase 80% of my power from Vivant for .15 cents a kilowatt. I currently pay LIPA . 21 cents a kilowatt. The 20% left I must purchase from LIPA. I have to sign a 20 yr contract to purchase the aforementioned power from them. There is a 2.9% cap on yearly rate increases. If I wish to cancel the contract I would have to pay a $500 fee to have the system removed. They estimated that I would save about 20% a month on my electric bill. That sounds good because LIPA has the highest rates in the country. I own a residential home improvements business so I am not concerned about damage to the roof or siding. I would just repair it myself and bill them. I would not put the system on the front of my home but since it will be on the rear of a 2 story residence with a 12/6 pitch, you cannot see the panels.
I was an LEO for 25 yrs in NYC and have a cynical streak in me. I like the idea of solar and want to know if you guys see any inherent problems with the above.
So, I listened to his offer which was the following. They will install the system including, solar panels, wiring, electrical, permits etc for no charge. They will own and maintain the panels and roof. There will be no property tax increase since they own the system. My home will generate power which will go into the Grid. I will purchase 80% of my power from Vivant for .15 cents a kilowatt. I currently pay LIPA . 21 cents a kilowatt. The 20% left I must purchase from LIPA. I have to sign a 20 yr contract to purchase the aforementioned power from them. There is a 2.9% cap on yearly rate increases. If I wish to cancel the contract I would have to pay a $500 fee to have the system removed. They estimated that I would save about 20% a month on my electric bill. That sounds good because LIPA has the highest rates in the country. I own a residential home improvements business so I am not concerned about damage to the roof or siding. I would just repair it myself and bill them. I would not put the system on the front of my home but since it will be on the rear of a 2 story residence with a 12/6 pitch, you cannot see the panels.
I was an LEO for 25 yrs in NYC and have a cynical streak in me. I like the idea of solar and want to know if you guys see any inherent problems with the above.