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re: Solar Panels - Yay or Nay
Posted on 7/14/23 at 2:43 pm to MisslePig
Posted on 7/14/23 at 2:43 pm to MisslePig
My experience:
- the 30% tax credit up front creates a huge windfall so you’re cash flow positive nearly the whole way through
- energy companies are scaling back buybacks greatly so you shouldn’t over size for what you generally use during the day. Ideally you use everything you generate.
- battery is expensive. If you want cheap back up power go with a portable generator.
I’m generally happy with what I have due to the tax credits. Without govt subsidies it’s a loser in most of the USA as that Infograph shows.
- the 30% tax credit up front creates a huge windfall so you’re cash flow positive nearly the whole way through
- energy companies are scaling back buybacks greatly so you shouldn’t over size for what you generally use during the day. Ideally you use everything you generate.
- battery is expensive. If you want cheap back up power go with a portable generator.
I’m generally happy with what I have due to the tax credits. Without govt subsidies it’s a loser in most of the USA as that Infograph shows.
2
Posted on 7/14/23 at 2:52 pm to C
quote:
Without govt subsidies it’s a loser in most of the USA as that Infograph shows.
People really should ignore that map. Irradiance is to site specific to make any decision without an Aurora, Suneye or something similar. A real solar setup isn't just some bros that come out and throw some panels up on the roof. They're designed a power plant for that homes needs with consideration for that homes specific energy resource factor.
It misleads people into thinking that TSRF is the only thing that matters. There are enough solar offerings that charge based on kWh rather than kWp so any efficiency loss from a lower TSRF is mitigated.
Posted on 7/14/23 at 2:57 pm to C
If going solar, keep in mind a few things.
Its not so much a scaling back, but a change in net rate. Prior to 2019, you could get a 1 for 1 credit. Now, its includes avoided costs. So, there is a line item in all bills for maintenance of poles, transformers, hardware, thats built into rates. By removing this from the net rate, you are still paying this line. Your discount is coming from not using generation fuel.
So yes, size to use what you generate. Your payback on generated is not as cost effective.
Keep in mind that even the best solar panels are 23% efficient. If they are giving you a wattage capacity, be sure they are clear as to which rating they are giving you.
Your inverter needs utility power to operate. Your panels will not power your home in a power loss situation unless you have backup generation or battery storage.
Use reputable solar companies and installers. People are getting scammed. Are the panels themselves a scam, no. Usually, its the installers or solar companies. Make sure they contact your utility company and set up a net rate contract with them. Also, be sure they know the utility company's specifications for allowing a solar connection to their grid. The utility does not have to put your meter in even if you pass inspection.
quote:
energy companies are scaling back buybacks greatly so you shouldn’t over size for what you generally use during the day. Ideally you use everything you generate
Its not so much a scaling back, but a change in net rate. Prior to 2019, you could get a 1 for 1 credit. Now, its includes avoided costs. So, there is a line item in all bills for maintenance of poles, transformers, hardware, thats built into rates. By removing this from the net rate, you are still paying this line. Your discount is coming from not using generation fuel.
So yes, size to use what you generate. Your payback on generated is not as cost effective.
Keep in mind that even the best solar panels are 23% efficient. If they are giving you a wattage capacity, be sure they are clear as to which rating they are giving you.
Your inverter needs utility power to operate. Your panels will not power your home in a power loss situation unless you have backup generation or battery storage.
Use reputable solar companies and installers. People are getting scammed. Are the panels themselves a scam, no. Usually, its the installers or solar companies. Make sure they contact your utility company and set up a net rate contract with them. Also, be sure they know the utility company's specifications for allowing a solar connection to their grid. The utility does not have to put your meter in even if you pass inspection.
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