Took the plunge. Finally going solar!

[Turbys_1700]

I've run the numbers...
At my current energy expenditures solar is not viable...
Here is an estimator for the Raleigh area...
If it is accurate...which I question...the numbers are not there...
How Much Does a Solar Home Cost?

 

[TractorGuy]

I have been interested in doing this but have never figured out how to make it cost effective even in Florida.

Would very much like to hear your experience and numbers. What type panels does your system have?

 

[houstonscott]

I have 6.405KW system up. If you don't have net metering in your location it's very hard to make a financial argument for a system. If you have net metering, and plan to remain in your home for 12-16 years more, or think you can recover your capital investment upon departing in increasing home value, it's a winner. I wouldn't borrow money to do it... With the cost of the money added in, it's not viable. If your tax savings drop you into a lower tax bracket that could be something to consider too, realizing it's a one time event. I have 21, 305 LG panels up and use SolarEdge system. Fully investigate SolarEdge, it's simply the best way to go, no need with net metering for batteries, unless you want to use battery like an emergency generator, in which case you'll be weighing cost of batteries and their maintenance against a ICE generator and its maintenance and cost. Again, if you don't have net metering, it's a loser!!!!

 

[Soldier415]

I'm not sure how practical solar is in a northern state like Vt. I've known several people who thought they could go off-grid, and they ended up running a generator a lot more than they thought they would, especially in the fall & winter. Can you reduce your reliance on the grid? Yeah, but ISTM the payback period is gonna be quite long, probably coinciding with the need to replace the batteries.

Our house was built with solar in mind. We get direct sunlight 95% of the day. Already has a passive solar setup to heat the house. South facing with big windows in the front. When sun is lower in the winter sunlight comes in and heats the floors which retain it well. It can be -20F outside and 80 degrees inside without the heat running.

We are not doing an off grid system. Net metering system. Excess power generated gets fed back onto the grid in the spring/summer/fall earning credits from the utility which we draw against at night and during winter when production is lower.

Did you buy a professionally installed system? I知 in the market for something or my off the grid hunting camp. Biggest draw is my 220 VAC pump. Other than that, just led lighting and an occasional power tool or charger.

Yes

SunCommon - Solar Energy Solutions in Vermont and New York

Does VT offer a state tax credit?

Later,
Dan

I don't believe so

 

[houstonscott]

Our house was built with solar in mind. We get direct sunlight 95% of the day. Already has a passive solar setup to heat the house. South facing with big windows in the front. When sun is lower in the winter sunlight comes in and heats the floors which retain it well. It can be -20F outside and 80 degrees inside without the heat running. We are not doing an off grid system. Net metering system. Excess power generated gets fed back onto the grid in the spring/summer/fall earning credits from the utility which we draw against at night and during winter when production is lower. Yes SunCommon - Solar Energy Solutions in Vermont and New York I don't believe so

Credits or selling back is NOT net metering! Only net metering makes it work financially.

 

[dmccarty]

Does VT offer a state tax credit?

Later,
Dan

I don't believe so

Take a look at this link for VT tax credits, DSIRE

This site has a bunch of information about alternative energy, including tax issues, that might be of use by other people, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency(R) - DSIRE

Later,
Dan

 

[Soldier415]

Credits or selling back is NOT net metering! Only net metering makes it work financially.

Yes, it is the very definition of a net metering system

From: Net Metering | SEIA

What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. For example, if a residential customer has a PV system on the home's rooftop, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. If the home is net-metered, the electricity meter will run backwards to provide a credit against what electricity is consumed at night or other periods where the home's electricity use exceeds the system's output. Customers are only billed for their "net" energy use. On average, only 20-40% of a solar energy system’s output ever goes into the grid. Exported solar electricity serves nearby customers’ loads.

 

[Soldier415]

How many years estimated for ROI?

About 12 years average just based on energy production/savings

Please share numbers if you do not mind. Living in coal country along with two active power plants our electric rates are some of the least expensive in the US so it probably wouldn't make as much sense for us vs. living somewhere like vermont where I suspect power bills are atrocious. What do you do for heat?

For a 7.59KW 22 panel system with installation it comes out to $29k. after federal tax credit of $8,600 takes total system cost down to about $20.5k

We have high electricity costs. First 200 kw hours are at 10 cents per, after 200 its 23 cents per.

Instead of paying the electric company each month I will now be paying that money into a system I own. Did the 12 year loan option at 2.99% interest through a local credit unit and my monthly payment is equal to that of my average electrical costs

 

[TractorGuy]

This is the net metering agreement from our coop. https://www.talquinelectric.com/wp-..._3_1-NET-METERING-TARIFF-Original-7-01-09.pdf

 

[MossRoad]

About 12 years average just based on energy production/savings



For a 7.59KW 22 panel system with installation it comes out to $29k. after federal tax credit of $8,600 takes total system cost down to about $20.5k

We have high electricity costs. First 200 kw hours are at 10 cents per, after 200 its 23 cents per.

Instead of paying the electric company each month I will now be paying that money into a system I own. Did the 12 year loan option at 2.99% interest through a local credit unit and my monthly payment is equal to that of my average electrical costs

Does your total system cost include the interest you'll be paying back?

Not trying to pick it apart. Trying to justify it in my pocket book.

Here in Indiana, the point is moot, as they changed the laws and anyone not in by the end of this year won't be able to get the benefits of net metering like they used to. The utilities have a good point, to some degree. The more people using net metering and not buying electricity, the fewer customers paying for the infrastructure that they still have to maintain. Kinda like the gas tax for road use. The more fuel efficient or electric cars, the less gasoline purchased, the less gas tax paid, the less money for road repairs.