Solar Panel questions

[BigBadBoJenkins]

I just bought a house in the Lemoore area. Solar panels are everywhere here, and I have been thinking about getting some. Has anyone here done this before? Anyone have any advice? I'm interested in doing it because it can eliminate huge summer California electric bills.

I have heard of programs where you basically rent-to-own, which involves a smaller monthly fee until they are paid off. Of course, that's more expensive in the long run, but the monthly expense could be offset by the savings on the electric bill.

 

[BusyBee604]

I just bought a house in the Lemoore area. Solar panels are everywhere here, and I have been thinking about getting some. Has anyone here done this before? Anyone have any advice? I'm interested in doing it because it can eliminate huge summer California electric bills.

1. Are you sure you will be based at NLC long enough to amortize your solar investment? Although, even if you got transferred and put your home up for sale, it would probably add sufficiently to the home resale value to at least break even.

2. I have heard of both Federal, and in some States... subsidies available for solar installations, reducing initial costs.

3. There are few areas in the country that have as many days of sunshine per year than the central San Joaquin Valley. Of course, solar energy will be kinda' skimpy during the annual 6-8 week Tule Fog season, in which low vis/ceilings can be IMC for days on end, w/ occasional W0X0Fs (Thankfully, there's China Lake)! Geographically, it is classified as a desert (<10" p/yr rainfall), it just doesn't seem like a desert because of all the irrigated agriculture.

4. Because it's a desert, summer 100+ days require lots of expensive juice for constantly running coolers/A/Cs, the major dent in the electric bill. Solar energy will certainly reduce your utility bill significantly.

5. You state that solar panels are everywhere. This leads me to believe they're a smart investment (or they would be scattered around, still unproven)!
BzB

 

[BigBadBoJenkins]

1. Are you sure you will be based at NLC long enough to amortize your solar investment? Although, even if you got transferred and put your home up for sale, it would probably add sufficiently to the home resale value to at least break even.

2. I have heard of both Federal, and in some States... subsidies available for solar installations, reducing initial costs.

3. There are few areas in the country that have as many days of sunshine per year than the central San Joaquin Valley. Of course, solar energy will be kinda' skimpy during the annual 6-8 week Tule Fog season, in which low vis/ceilings can be IMC for days on end, w/ occasional W0X0Fs (Thankfully, there's China Lake)! Geographically, it is classified as a desert (<10" p/yr rainfall), it just doesn't seem like a desert because of all the irrigated agriculture.

4. Because it's a desert, summer 100+ days require lots of expensive juice for constantly running coolers/A/Cs, the major dent in the electric bill. Solar energy will certainly reduce your utility bill significantly.

5. You state that solar panels are everywhere. This leads me to believe they're a smart investment (or they would be scattered around, still unproven)!
BzB

I think that California has had a tax incentive to install them the last few years, but I'm still not sure if I'll be filing state taxes here because right now I'm a resident of Minnesota. I'm not sure how buying a house changes that so I plan on looking into it. That tax break might be going away. Because of the tax incentive, they are numerous in this area. In some neighborhoods almost every house has them. I have heard of some great savings during the summer, though there is a current push by electric providers to implement a flat 10 dollar monthly fee for every household. I guess I was looking at it as an investment, hoping that it would increase the value of the house as well.

 

[ea6bflyr]

BzB gives some solid advice. You have to do the math and figure out how long before you reach the pay-off. Much like a Hybrid car, you have to do the stubby pencil work to see the value and if there is an advantage that can be gained.

I have a friend that did the homework and by renting (20 year rental) solar panels, he was to save $200 a month on his electric bill. One variable is price per kilowatt hour. He used the current rate in his calculations, but in the end, the electric kW/hr rate dropped. He is now saving only $75-$100 per month on his electric bill. The electric company gets less of his money, but the solar company gets most of the rest in rent.

Much like a coupon for 50% off...if you don't buy the item you'll save 100%. When you are on deployment, will you be using electricity? Will this be your lifelong home? If the home is a short term deal, you'll likye not see the return on the investment.

 

[maxsonic]

I worked several years in the energy sector, including a stint with a non-profit company administering the CPUC Self-Generation Incentive Program.
A couple of thoughts to consider before investing in Photovoltaics:

1) Have other more cost-effective energy efficiency measures already been considered/installed? (e.g. home enveloping measures (improved insulation, thermal barriers, dual pane windows), energy efficient lighting and appliances, evaporative cooling to supplement/augment air conditioning). One can lower their electricity (and gas/propane) usage considerably doing these measures first, and they are usually more cost effective. After these cheaper efficiency measures are completed, a photovoltaic (solar panel) system can be sized smaller to meet your needs. Here's a pretty good resource: https://energyupgradeca.org/overview
2) Have you looked closely at the Utility Rate Schedule you will be on with a Photovoltaic System? Read the rate schedule VERY CLOSELY to understand how it differs from the rate schedule you are currently on...and be aware that Utilities change rate schedules frequently. It is not a guarantee that the rate schedule you will be on at the time you purchase or lease the system will be the one you are on next year.
3) Is your roof orientation proper to get best efficiency from photovoltaic (solar) panels? Get smart on this...I'm seeing a lot of solar installers put panels on roofs with very poor orientation for decent efficiency...or worse yet, in areas that are shaded.
4) Utility Incentives/Tax incentives: do they go to you or the installer? Will they be the same in 2014 as they are this year? The incentive structures are complicated and dynamic...some incentive programs are decreasing or going away as photovoltaic costs decrease. Be sure you clearly understand incentives and how they will figure into a return on investment.
5) Find an independent agent to help you work through some of the stuff above...although there are some reputable solar installers who may understand and guide you through the above, there are many who are getting commissions to sell (or lease) you a system. Your best interest may not be theirs. These systems are not cheap...like any large investment, it pays to do your homework before signing on the dotted line.

MAX