Originally Posted by mbacfp
Got some quotes to get a new roof today as the paper is gone. I asked about Solar and besides calculating break evens (factoring in 30% Federal Tax Credit) and checking on fees from electric company, etc. is there anything else to consider? Will buy vs leasing. Not well versed in the technology nowadays. My power is usually $200-$360 a month. Might consider if break even isn't too bad. Appreciate the info.
I'm going solar. 12.95kW ground mount system.
Advice I'd have for you:
-Use North American or Japanese made panels. None of that Chinese stuff.
-Check the warranty. They all allege 25 years, but in the fine print, they spell out that this is only for production, not materials. This means in 25 years they guarantee it will produce (typically), 80% of initial power. However, the fine print says in 10-15 years, the company is no-longer on the hook to replace panels that have mechanical failure, such as backing separation, or whatever. I went with Silfab panels.
-Inverters. Not too many of these to choose from, but stick with one of the big boys that have been around a while, like SMA.
My system isn't in yet, still ordering parts, but they have mapped out location, logistics. Will keep posted.
As far as servicing, the inverters need some part replacement every 10-15 years or so. That's about it, unless you have no rain + dust storms, etc. and then you will need to keep the panels clean somewhat.
Also, here is a website that I used to calculate my power production vs usage. I should have a $0 bill for 9 months, and a 50% bill for 3 months. This doesn't quite break even on day 1, but my panels are warrantied for 25 years against all defect, and 30 years for production, and my loan is only 2.99% fixed for 20 years, so after 20 years, it's all just free, and at some point I plan on a PEV when they become technologically viable. My bill averages $189/mo, if amortized for the year. WITHOUT using my federal tax credit (why would I pay back a 2.99% fixed 20Y loan when I can pay off auto, etc. with that money?) I will be at an average of $204/mo payment + whatever the company (electric) charges per month for my new net metering meter (I presume they do? $15-25?). However, this DOES lend stability, as rate increases for the next 20 years on electricity shouldn't really effect me, so in as few as 5 years, I could be pocketing money. Technically I'm pocketing money initially with the 30% tax credit going t o pay off higher interest things, really.
https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
Also consider the impact on home owner insurance. It will increase mine by $140/year, even though it is 75m from my house, as it is wired to the house and thus "part of the house", just like my well, per my ins. provider (State Farm).