Leasing's a fool's game. We'll eventually install on our garage roof, but need to clean out several decades worth of crap in the garage to find the breaker panel. Will probably also install a substantial motor-generator.
Solar Panel Leasing
- Thread starter Pesqueeb
- Start date
Leasing isn't really an option because of all the freedum living in Republican wonderland affords me.
Instead of a generator, this new battery system is an option
https://gigaom.com/2014/10/21/startup-aquion-energy-shows-off-the-next-generation-of-its-battery-for-solar-the-grid/
https://gigaom.com/2014/10/21/startup-aquion-energy-shows-off-the-next-generation-of-its-battery-for-solar-the-grid/
I'd have to look at specs.
Want three days minimum holdup at -30 F.
We are ready for our project, probably this summer if all goes as planned.
Some tips FWIW:
-Do yourself a favor and find solar installers that don't sell any of the Lease/PPA style systems. Work with installers that provide systems for ownership only.
-Any installer salesperson that comes to your home, and does not provide an on site survey up front to design the system and provide an accurate quote (some say they can get the "data" using google earth)...run. run very fast. One of the companies I worked with to get pricing even provided me with a report showing the surrounding tree growth in my yard, noting specifically that one tree would affect annual production during up to 2 winter months; valuable information, and I will likely go with them.
-If you dont have all of the up-front cash to do project, there are a few financing options, that still leave the tax & rebate benefits with you. Admirals Bank is a good option; Dont forget to add in SRECs, etc when you do the numbers. You may even find something that gets you really close to net-zero cashflow to own.
Good luck!
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My FIL had solar installed Dec 5, and the electrical inspector has yet to inspect the job. Then, the power company has to install the net flow meter, which could be another month after that.
So far I've weeded it down to two different installers:
and
I have company #2 scheduled for the onsite on the 20th, still working on company #1. They tried to come by earlier this week but we got a ton of snow and they were understandably reluctant to spend time on my roof. Since it looks like the 30% federal tax credit will expire in 2016, if I decide to buy, what stops me from taking max exemptions on my W2 for the remainder of the year and using the tax credit to cover my tax bill for 2015? Anyone?
Any idea what the efficiency is from the panel through the inverted are? Things can get tricky in the AC world. If there aren't things like power correction factors you can output power that isn't useable, (voltage and current out of phase). I'm no electrical engineer but that would be something I would check into.
Are you referring to "Net metering"? Basically where the meter spins backwards? My understanding is that the way it works with my local utility, is any system I have installed cannot be larger that 120% of my last 12 month average. You get "credit" for what ever you put back into the system to be used if you ever have to draw from the grid, but it's not like CSU is going to cut me a check every month. It's my "plan" to go with that 120%, then in a year or two, purchase an electric vehicle of some sort. Hopefully what we would produce with the solar panels would offset what ever additional use having an electric car would would cause.
'squeeb, both quotes sound in the right ballpark. I note somewhat warily that $8,100 is neither 30% of $26k or $28k re the second quote. Credit perhaps is off gross price ex state sales tax?
Westy is referring to the efficiency of the inverters, I believe, rather than net metering.
About the 120% upsizing limit: if you say you're going to get an EV I think they let you tack on another 20 or 25%, if that's something that appeals to you.
Finally, what would limit you is if your overall tax burden is less than the credit amount, as I believe it's not a refundable credit or one that carries forward to future years if not taken entirely. Whether you withhold nothing via W-4 trickery or withhold the normal amount and get the credit as a lump sum at tax time doesn't change this math.
Westy is referring to the efficiency of the inverters, I believe, rather than net metering.
About the 120% upsizing limit: if you say you're going to get an EV I think they let you tack on another 20 or 25%, if that's something that appeals to you.
Finally, what would limit you is if your overall tax burden is less than the credit amount, as I believe it's not a refundable credit or one that carries forward to future years if not taken entirely. Whether you withhold nothing via W-4 trickery or withhold the normal amount and get the credit as a lump sum at tax time doesn't change this math.
However, at least in our commercial projection, the depreciation credit for the system could be spanned over more than one year. There was some unique deprecation schedule you could use. I'm not aware of how that works for solar residential systems.
BTW, we exported 320,251 kWh to the grid in 2014.
BTW, we exported 320,251 kWh to the grid in 2014.
$8100 is 30% of $27000. Since the quote an approximate range, I assume they are using 27000 to split the difference.
I asked about the EV and the 120% thing. I was told that that was the best I could expect from CSU. I suppose if we're going to get serious about that I better start leaving some lights on during the day.
I did do some further reading regarding the tax credit. It does carry through 2016, but probably not longer. Round approximate figures lead me to believe we'd get our entire tax burden back next year, with probably pretty close to $700 credit for the following year as well.
this is assuming you stay connected to the grid, yes?
Without storage you have to stay connected to the grid. If you have less than adequate storage you still could have enough for emergency use with a disconnect setup rather than an overpriced natural gas generator setup you'll probably never need...
what kind of asshat would go solar and just get panels with no storage?
yes.
Off grid systems are significantly more expensive. Batteries are not cheap.
why would you do something stupid like that?
Because money.
I can't believe you like money too. We should hang out.
Plus net metering. Though here they've ripped off people. Switched from allowing you to bank your credit and get retail rates to end of the year clearance at wholesale electricity price. Robbing us...
Colorado Springs Utilities would prefer that you call that "standard industry practice", please.
Company #1 was out yesterday for site inspection. It seems that our home only has enough roof space for panels to provide 58% of our average use, and not the 120% I had hoped for. I could probably get it by putting panels on our garage, which is detached, but I'd have to talk my neighbor into cutting down two pretty large trees. Doug and Kim are good neighbors, but that seems like a stretch. Waiting to hear back from Company #1 with more figures now. Pretty disappointed by what I learned yesterday.
When you need good advice go to the monkey. Cut down the damn trees to. We have enough air.
He could also downsize his energy needs by 40% or so. Just have the wife wash the clothes by hand.
I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.What about an awning with solar affixed to get the remaining 42% +
She is Mexican........
clearly you just need to expand your house to gain the additional sf. don't half-ass it with that lean-to! 'murica!
If that is the case it may be more of a financial benefit for her to get a 4th or 5th job.I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
She is Mexican........
On a serious note, handwashing and line drying clothes helps. Most people don't realize that automatic dishwasher actually saves water and energy over handwashing dishes etc:
https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=dishwash.pr_handwash_dishwash
Pesqueeb can help with the laundry too:
http://www.homelessdave.com/hdwashingman.htm
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Dishwashing? That is why I have a dog.
vacuuming too!
Your dog must suck