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Solar power in LA
Posted on 7/4/14 at 8:36 am
Posted on 7/4/14 at 8:36 am
With LA credits and fed credits, a $25,000 solar system should only cost $5000 (not that this is chump change). But it seems like a good deal. My roof seems to be good (newish, recently inspected, not too inclined, and plenty facing south). How much power do you think I can get for $25,000?
7
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:08 am to AndyJ
Friend of mine said he was told to expect $100.00 savings per month.
If that proves to be true it's more than you can make putting 5K in a CD right now so not a bad investment.
Now, as to long term, panel damage, etc. I have no idea. I think he said the panels were warrantied for 20 years.
If that proves to be true it's more than you can make putting 5K in a CD right now so not a bad investment.
Now, as to long term, panel damage, etc. I have no idea. I think he said the panels were warrantied for 20 years.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:10 am to AndyJ
Oh and one more thing. It doesn't store power. What it does is back the meter up, if I'm not mistaken. Like, it gives credit towards what's been used.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:19 am to AndyJ
I gave this a lot of thought. With the credits, payback is relatively quick, with an excellent ROI.
The savings are real, but I just didn't like what it did to the integrity of the roof. And of course, shingle replacement would be a mess.
The savings are real, but I just didn't like what it did to the integrity of the roof. And of course, shingle replacement would be a mess.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:32 am to AndyJ
My senior design project was on alternative energy and we ended up using solar power. That was years ago and I've forgotten a lot, but I remember some basics.
I know that your panels have a 20-25 year life, but they'll lose efficiency the whole time.
I know that any storage system makes them not worth it. Batteries are expensive, need replacement every 3-5 years, and are terrible for the environment when they need to be disposed of.
Grid tie in systems are the only thing that makes them feasible. This is where you power your house, but if there's any shortage, the grid helps out, if there's and excess, you provide to the grid and your meter rolls backwards. Good concept, but not all power companies allow it and some places are contemplating a tax on solar power since you are using the grid's infrastructure but not paying the taxes that come with your power bill. That's going to cut into your ROI if it happens.
If I build a house this year, I'm going to put panels on it. It's a helpful cost cutting investment. But its not as perfect as some make it seem. The only reason it's feasible now is due to tax credits. Otherwise, it's 100% not worth it.
I know that your panels have a 20-25 year life, but they'll lose efficiency the whole time.
I know that any storage system makes them not worth it. Batteries are expensive, need replacement every 3-5 years, and are terrible for the environment when they need to be disposed of.
Grid tie in systems are the only thing that makes them feasible. This is where you power your house, but if there's any shortage, the grid helps out, if there's and excess, you provide to the grid and your meter rolls backwards. Good concept, but not all power companies allow it and some places are contemplating a tax on solar power since you are using the grid's infrastructure but not paying the taxes that come with your power bill. That's going to cut into your ROI if it happens.
If I build a house this year, I'm going to put panels on it. It's a helpful cost cutting investment. But its not as perfect as some make it seem. The only reason it's feasible now is due to tax credits. Otherwise, it's 100% not worth it.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:32 am to VetteGuy
quote:I came close to pulling the trigger. I have a huge metal barn/building I can mount them on. I wouldn't consider putting them on my roof. I may be wrong but just can't bring myself to consider that.
The savings are real, but I just didn't like what it did to the integrity of the roof. And of course, shingle replacement would be a mess.
I've seen many nicely mounted on the ground. Kind of an eye sore but for some, money talks and bullshite walks.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 1:46 pm to Geauxtiga
Sorry for bumping, but I want y'all to know that I appreciate the responses!
Posted on 7/4/14 at 1:56 pm to KG6
quote:
If I build a house this year, I'm going to put panels on it. It's a helpful cost cutting investment. But its not as perfect as some make it seem. The only reason it's feasible now is due to tax credits. Otherwise, it's 100% not worth it.
Agree with your statements re: tax credits.
Built mine this year and I spent money on foam and high-effiencey heat pumps with hard ductwork.
Just couldn't see the panels mounted on a roof w/o significantly compromising the rafters and obviously, the shingles.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 3:32 pm to AndyJ
I find all the warranties that these installers offer amusing. I would bet that almost all of them will be out of business when the tax credits end!
Posted on 7/4/14 at 3:42 pm to AndyJ
beware of the hidden speak in the terms of these tax credits...
Let's say you have a net $3k tax liability with the state and $7k with the feds after your taxes are done...
you will only receive up to $10k back of your purchase price of that system...ask the salesman to explain it to you...
Let's say you have a net $3k tax liability with the state and $7k with the feds after your taxes are done...
you will only receive up to $10k back of your purchase price of that system...ask the salesman to explain it to you...
This post was edited on 7/4/14 at 3:43 pm
Posted on 7/4/14 at 3:53 pm to VetteGuy
Most people look at alternative energies as the solution. I feel that what you did with your house is the answer. The design and construction of your house can dramatically reduce your energy use. Increasing efficiency in our homes and appliances is the answer for the short term. I will not cut corners on insulation, water heaters, and a/c units. The extra cost will offset easily over their lifespan. Solar is just icing on the cake with the tax credits. I'm not that concerned with the roof being compromised. Installed correctly, their should be no issues.
Posted on 7/4/14 at 4:38 pm to AndyJ
You could put that 25k in an index fund and have better returns. Now, if you're into alt energy, solar is a great way to offset big energy. But don't go into it thinking it will save you tons of cash.
This post was edited on 7/4/14 at 4:39 pm
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:04 pm to AUCE05
Sounds like a project for a long term home. How easy is it to upgrade as technology improves?
Posted on 7/4/14 at 9:20 pm to KG6
Whatever you do, don't fall for the hybrid (heat pump) water heaters.
A great idea in theory, but they aren't ready for prime time.
A great idea in theory, but they aren't ready for prime time.
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