Solar panels installed today.

13

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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2014
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    So where did you install these, roof, on the ground???

    Residential panels are almost always on the roof and on angled roof faces that are 'south/southwest facing'.

    I have visited my folks in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but because the adobe house styles are flat roofs, the solar panel installations I saw were on the ground on poles like a metal 'tree'.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,328
    edited March 2014
    So how difficult is it to replace a roof if needed
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2014
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    So how difficult is it to replace a roof if needed

    ?

    Replace a roof?

    The solar panels install on top of the existing roofing surface - nothing to 'replace'.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited March 2014
    I think he means later when it is time to replace a roof.

    I don't think it will be too difficult. I would expect a reputable roofer would know how to disconnect and reconnect the panels. The panels are very light, and once removed it should be easy to replace the roof.
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 901
    edited March 2014
    The roof work is where they can get you on the price. If your roof is older (20+) they will mandate that you have your roof reinforce to handle the extra weight of the panels. I have a concrete tile one, so my roof was already built to handle the extra weight.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,011
    edited March 2014
    recoveryone wrote: »
    The roof work is where they can get you on the price. If your roof is older (20+) they will mandate that you have your roof reinforce to handle the extra weight of the panels. I have a concrete tile one, so my roof was already built to handle the extra weight.

    Are ther any state guidelines/regulations for this ? Or is it just at the whim of the installer ? Say my roof is 18 years old, collapses 5 years later and the insurance company refuses to pay because I didn't have the roof sufficiently reinforced. Yet I'm under the 20 years.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited March 2014
    When I had my solar installed the city building code states a roof must be able to support 'X' pounds per square foot. The solar does not weigh much at all, so unless I pour a foot of concrete for a new roof I am okay.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
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    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,011
    edited March 2014
    I'm only asking Fox because here in my state, anything that adds value to the property can have an effect on insurance, and taxes. I would imagine the same goes, if not more so, in areas more prone to natural disasters. Plus here in the Midwest, firefighters are more likely to let the home burn because they can't get on the roof with panels in the way or spread water over electrically charged panels. That also effects insurance.

    At the very least, I would call your insurance company and ask them if the panels are covered or what their policy is on them. Better to know ahead of time. The dollar amount of the panels costs in the insurance world isn't that big a deal. But since they are attached to the home it becomes part of the dwelling which they insure heavily. As we all know when it comes to insurance companies, the policies vary widely.
    HT SYSTEM-
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    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
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    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2014
    For our installation, our ins co. added $30/mo to our premium.

    They asked how many panels we got and the system peak capacity to cover replacement cost.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,011
    edited March 2014
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    For our installation, our ins co. added $30/mo to our premium.

    They asked how many panels we got and the system peak capacity to cover replacement cost.

    That seems reasonable.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
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    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 901
    edited March 2014
    Tony, your concern is very vaild as building codes vary from state to state and even county to county and city to city in some cases. You all know its about making as much money as possible for the contractor.
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2014
    Just some additional info after crunching more numbers.

    Based on power actuals from Jan and Feb 2014 for what the system is actually producing, and based on 2012 actual monthly kWh consumption, I can save about $1500 per year.

    I expect/hope that future power consumption will go down after my boys graduate high school and college and are out of the house!

    After deducting the 2013 Federal tax credit and the CA state rebate, it will take me 8.7 years to recoup the cost of the solar installation.

    IF the system lasts 40 years (the panels and inverters have a 25 year warranty, but they are expected to last longer) - then we will have saved $46,000 - which uses today's power rates and does not account for future increases - so it would really be more over time.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited March 2014
    Don't forget the home appreciation. However, as the panels get older the appreciation declines. On the other hand, once they are installed, replacing old panels with new is relatively trivial.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2014
    Follow up correction - our home owner's insurance went up $30 for the year - not the $30/month I mentioned above.

    That covers the add'l $20K 'value' of the solar install.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited April 2014
    Got my March bill today from SDG&E.

    I generated more power than consumed - got a credit of $30!

    The gas portion of my bill was $27 - so I'm still $3 ahead for March.

    Nice!

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 901
    edited April 2014
    Good deal Erik
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  • amb426amb1
    amb426amb1 Posts: 148
    edited April 2014
    Were I'm at its all about wind energy. I'll have to check into what I have available. I know people are connecting to the grid and selling power back to the utility. In my case if the prop flies off I have a couple neighbors I hope it messes with... blows like hell here sometimes!
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  • jon s
    jon s Posts: 905
    edited April 2014
    In Hawaii, we have a large number of solar panels installed... According to the electric company, 10% of the residents have PV panels installed. Couple of the reasons, consistent daylight due farther south than the continental U.S. plus the fact that electricity costs $0.35/kW. Unlike mainlanders, Hawaii's generation depends on oil. We do not have any water resources to generate power. I think the cost for 20 panels is down to $20,000. After the tax rebates, the savings pay off the system in 4-5 years.
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  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,162
    edited April 2014
    Thanks everyone for the updates.
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  • villian
    villian Posts: 412
    edited April 2014
    I would love to add panels to my house, I have a great south facing roof...but my bill was only $21 this month :(
    Too many good quotes to list..waiting for some fresh ammo. :)
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited April 2014
    villian wrote: »
    I would love to add panels to my house, I have a great south facing roof...but my bill was only $21 this month :(

    You must not use much at all!

    Where do you live?

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 901
    edited April 2014
    villian wrote: »
    I would love to add panels to my house, I have a great south facing roof...but my bill was only $21 this month :(

    Not home much, $21 is just running the frig.
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  • villian
    villian Posts: 412
    edited April 2014
    recoveryone wrote: »
    Not home much, $21 is just running the frig.

    Nope, brand new fridge and I haven't had it plugged in for months! I feel bad enough having the oven plugged in and not using it. Just need that clock :)
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    You must not use much at all!

    Where do you live?

    The power company said I used the lowest they've ever seen (Kinda embarrassing honestly). Averaged 1.4-1.7Kwh for a few months! I currently live in an area with some of the lowest rates (4.5c kwh) but just moved from where I was paying 60-70c kwh. Mindset makes a big difference. I've been doing a lot of renovation work so I don't keep much plugged in and haven't had time to sit at home on the PC or cooking food all night...helps me finish these house projects faster. Replaced all my lamps with CFL's so that and my furnace are pretty much 100% of my usage. I hardly even plug in my phone at home, just charge it up at work. I've had all my a/v stuff siting in place, unplugged, for months now lol. If it wasn't for the ground fee my electricity bill would be effectively zero.
    Too many good quotes to list..waiting for some fresh ammo. :)
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 901
    edited April 2014
    hmmm you failed to mention that one power sucking event..........................................KIDS! must not have any or they all flew away from the coup. LOL enjoy
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited April 2014
    Personally, I don't like the money that I pay to the US Government as income tax going out as tax rebates to these alternate energy sources. If it is so good, invest in it with your own money and pay it back with the electricity that you sell to the grid. Not my tax money!
    Carl

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  • villian
    villian Posts: 412
    edited May 2014
    New bill today...

    Current Charges: $11.23
    (Due May 29, 2014)
    Too many good quotes to list..waiting for some fresh ammo. :)
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  • mlong
    mlong Posts: 134
    edited June 2014
    I bought a geothermal system about 6 years ago and it cost me around 25K. I recouped my money in only five years of saving. In July Solarcity is installing solar panels on my house for free and I will be saving about 25% on my electric bill!
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  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited June 2014
    Not to brag, but I generated 1mWh for May which totally exceeded our estimates for what the setup would generate (22 panels).

    By the end of the year when we settle up with SDG&E, they will owe ME money!

    We will recoup the cost in less than 7 years.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited June 2014
    I just checked mine, and it is 1,261.2 kW for May. On my last bill I made $50, and it should be postive up to around October. Currently, I am about $200 in the hole due to winter electric use, and low solar output, but the summer months should fix that. My first year is up in September, and I expect to be on the positive side.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • Strong Bad
    Strong Bad Posts: 4,278
    edited June 2014
    I have Solar City coming on Monday to check things out and to see if a system would fit my needs. My bills are already VERY low, so it may be tough. I did my usage for the last year (April '13 - April '14)...I had an electricity usage of just under 5500 kWH for the year. I run a pretty efficient ship here.
    No excuses!
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