Anyone have Residential Solar Panels?
- Thread starter West1
- Start date
We installed an 11kw array on the barn roof, which covers 30-50% of our electricity needs depending on the time of year. The leasing option came to about $180 a month after state subsidy. That covers the panels, the installation, the inverters, new meter, everything.
Now, a lot of people will complain that the leasing option is total BS, its a bad idea, etc etc. the deal through this particular company is that you enter into a contract for 15 years at a set price (in this case, the $180 per month). At the end of 15 years, you can either return it back to the company, or extend the lease at the same price for an additional 5 years. At that point, you have the option of either returning the panels back to the company or buy them outright for fair market price. The idea is that in 20 years from now, solar panels manufactured today are going to basically be worth dirt, so the buy-out option should theoretically be super cheap.
Out of the box, we saw about a $15-20 savings on the bill, so off the bat (i.e. we pay $180/month to lease the panels and they create a net $200 worth of energy), so we're not really saving a huge amount right away. However, as things tend to, electricity costs (along with most other forms of conventional energy) will most likely increase, so the margin between the price of that same amount of energy will increase while the lease stays the same price.
You can see some pics of the installation and finished product here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202133
Now, a lot of people will complain that the leasing option is total BS, its a bad idea, etc etc. the deal through this particular company is that you enter into a contract for 15 years at a set price (in this case, the $180 per month). At the end of 15 years, you can either return it back to the company, or extend the lease at the same price for an additional 5 years. At that point, you have the option of either returning the panels back to the company or buy them outright for fair market price. The idea is that in 20 years from now, solar panels manufactured today are going to basically be worth dirt, so the buy-out option should theoretically be super cheap.
Out of the box, we saw about a $15-20 savings on the bill, so off the bat (i.e. we pay $180/month to lease the panels and they create a net $200 worth of energy), so we're not really saving a huge amount right away. However, as things tend to, electricity costs (along with most other forms of conventional energy) will most likely increase, so the margin between the price of that same amount of energy will increase while the lease stays the same price.
You can see some pics of the installation and finished product here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202133
I am thinking about it because my monthly bill is $350. We are on the budjet plan so it is always the same. My house is all electric, heat, dryer waterheater, 5 fish tanks.I would love if I only had half of that
Thanks for the info. I have not yet checked out the links but will do a lil later 
I am going to do this, its just a matter of when. I do plan to put in extra as I plan to add some other things so better do it all in one shot.
In your contract, what does the warranty cover? Weather, damage, maintenance etc... (im sure city/states have diff things on warrantys but just curious)? Interesting, I never knew comp did that (lease). I was planning to buy but obviously whatever makes sence for my situatuation
I am going to do this, its just a matter of when. I do plan to put in extra as I plan to add some other things so better do it all in one shot.
In your contract, what does the warranty cover? Weather, damage, maintenance etc... (im sure city/states have diff things on warrantys but just curious)? Interesting, I never knew comp did that (lease). I was planning to buy but obviously whatever makes sence for my situatuation
jsodwi;4082630; said:
Yes sir, same here. Except the stove is gas but we usually just BBQ out back
I think what kills us is the dishwasher, washer/dryer (even though they are suppos Energy Effic Lol) and ADT... they are always on
Oh yeah the tank too but those are mandatory and get no negative responce Haha
Ash;4084687; said:
Depending on price and how much space it will take on my roof (good thing I live on a corner house so the roof catches a good amount of sun
), I am mainly looking to connect my major appliances to it... If I can get everything then great. Next will be a way to recycle my water Lol
