Solar questions

[Supra725]

hey guys,

I had contacted a guy for a solar system on our roof.

there was 3 plans.

A. Buy it
B. Lock it for 20 years
C. Lease it but have an opportunity to buy it after 5 years.

buying it would cost about $32k.

lock it would be one flat rate. $140 an month for 20 years.

lease it for $114 an month but have an opportunity after 5 years. it would cost around $15k after 5 years.

We are leaning towards leasing it and then buy it after 5 years..

is there any cons with going solar? cause in the summer, our bill is about $300 an month.. any one that went with solar, are you happy with your decision?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Leasing might be the best way to go...

There's talk about using Perovskite Solar Cells in place of (or combined with) Silicon technology because of how really piss poor current solar technology is.

So at least with the lease option in about five years there may be next gen solar cells available that will be worth the money to outright buy them or "lock in" for 20 years.

Post Note-

Is $32k after government subsidies/rebates? Because that's ridiculous...

 

[LandCruiser]

Do you live where it hails?

 

[Supra725]

Blackwork,

that's before the incentive. is an 24 panel, 6 kw system.

Landcruiser,

I don't live where it hails.. I live in sunny Cali

 

[fourwd1]

32K sounds high.

 

[JKC2638]

I have solar panels for just over 3 years now. I lease them. 20 yr then $1.00 to buy them. All repairs to any equipment is done at no charge. if the roof had to be done they would remove and reinstall 1 time free of charge. Its a 7.8KW system 27 panels. At this point at my electric rate I have saved over $7,000.00 I layed out $2k out of pocket so I am way ahead already. My advice is make sure you get to keep your current electric co. and a "net energy meter" is installed. This will go backwards when your panels produce more than you use. I wouldn't go with a company that wants you to switch to their company and just offer you a reduced rate. Best thing I ever did. They have never had an issue.

 

[Supra725]

JK,

we will still be tied to PG&E (our electrical company.)..

after 20 years, it will only cause a $1 dollar to buy the panel? who's your solar company? and during those 20 years, they take care of everything? repairs and etc?

 

[JKC2638]

My company is Solar City. They take care of any repairs and I have an app for production on daily, weekly, monthly and total. At the end of 20 years I own everything, panels, and all equipment for $1. This was 3 years ago and I think some of the incentives might be different and vary by the state you live in but I would do it again. There are many more options now than when I installed so check them out and see whats best for you. BTW my electric bill for May-June was $77.00 2800sq ft 2 level house w/ central air on the last 2 weeks of June. If you have any questions I am happy to answer them.