Solar shopper - Newb in San Clemente CA 92673

[russ]

windows, doors, electrical receptacles, built in lamps, attic fans, attic doors, plumbing connections etc

[Chuck92673]

seal leaks

Would not have even given that a thought. San Clemente has the most moderate climate I can think of,
but as I dig deeper, seems in the winter it would help a little. However this past winder was so mild we ddin't even use our heater
(we are cheap, lol) but maybe it would be even more benefifical in the summer. I work from home and think I used the AC
daily for roughly 3 mos in 2014 as it was freaky hot for SC.

Goods idea for sure, will check into that too.

Thanks !

C

Most homes leak hot/cold air like a sieve - sealing can be a big help

[J.P.M.]

Most homes leak hot/cold air like a sieve - sealing can be a big help

+1. Just don't seal the kit./bath vent fans.

[russ]

Most homes leak hot/cold air like a sieve - sealing can be a big help

[Chuck92673]

Sensij

Thanks for the reply Sensij,

If you could forward me the actual installers contact info as well that would be awesome.

I am thinking of getting some decent panels (certainly not Sunpower!) and likely going with SolarEdge.
I am still working on lowering our ongoing elec use and have made some pretty good progesss.
I bought a Kill a Watt and am completing an entire inventory of our usage- it is eye opening.
Once I can post I will share the spreadsheet with other for use as a template...

Chuck

[Alisobob]

I'll call them at some point when I am a bit more ready....

A/C is a big part of their business.

Call the main office, and ask for Jason.

He's enlightened me on my A/C issues... pretty smart fella'.

[J.P.M.]

Will look in the energy audit and will call SDGE to get their advice and bring it up with installers I interview. Have switched over most lighting to LED and we are already trying to conserve by turning off unnecessary computers, home audio systems, pads, unneeded charging units, LED tvs/ appliances etc ; also looking in to an AC unit with a higher SEER rating. Some of these changes are recent /ongoing and have seemed to have an impact on our last bill, but won't know for sure for a few more months when I have more months to compare to the prior year... AC will likely have a decent sized impact.

C

You're welcome. I'd suggest you figure the A/C induced bill reduction into your plans and consider reduction of the PV size. Also know, if not already aware that many A/C systems, like solar electricity, are oversized by vendors. Never a good idea, particularly with cooling equipment for a lot of reasons.

[Chuck92673]

Thanks AlisoBob

Thanks Alisobob for the quick PM. I cannot PM back due to not having enough posts, you know the drill.
I'll call them at spme point when I am a bit more ready and see if I can schedule an on site.

[Chuck92673]

Thanks J.P.M.

Will look in the energy audit and will call SDGE to get their advice and bring it up with installers I interview. Have switched over most lighting to LED and we are already trying to conserve by turning off unnecessary computers, home audio systems, pads, unneeded charging units, LED tvs/ appliances etc ; also looking in to an AC unit with a higher SEER rating. Some of these changes are recent /ongoing and have seemed to have an impact on our last bill, but won't know for sure for a few more months when I have more months to compare to the prior year... AC will likely have a decent sized impact.

C

[J.P.M.]

Knowledge is power. Nicely done so far. How about an energy audit and roof inspec./maint. ? Other than that, IMO, a good example of how to do things correctly. Remember - you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.

Good luck.

[Chuck92673]

First post - number one, I want to thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice. I have found it invaluable !

I have learned a lot in roughly the past few weeks... Have yet to get have an installer come out but after reading a ton of posts here, reviews on SolarReviews, Yelp, Google, and reading up on the various solar technology sites like SPI, PVWatts, SolarWorld et al I am no longer overwhelmed or absolutely clueless... Will be purchasing a system for cash, leases don't seem to cut it.

I really want to start interacting and getting some advice on installers, technology. Am using around 850kWh per month 10K/yr in a 2K sq ft home, south east facing roof (160 degrees), big enough to handle the 6K or so watt system that I figure I'll need (maybe only need 5ish watts not sure?). Have read quite a few threads but there is whole lot here. Am with SDGE here in San Clemente 92673, about the priciest electric utility in the US... Not using as much AC as I’d like cause I am cheap, so expect usage will likely increase some after the install !

I am hoping to choose a company that has been in business 10+ yrs, offers 20+ year warranties on the entire system and 20 –25 yr warranties on the equipment. Most seem to offer 10 yr warranties on the install but some do offer 25 yr on the panels and even inverters (but maybe not for string inverters). If you think the warranty isn't all that important would love to hear your thoughts...

Believe there are maybe a handful of companies locally that seem to do that. I am thinking a good goal would be $3.15-$3.50 a watt installed pre the 30% tax rebate with Tier 1 solar technology co's (e.g., LG, SolarWorld) - that may be doable and yield a payback somewhere around 5-5.5 years and an IRR of around 20% at current pricing (subject of course to a lower potential return if they go to a 2 tier pricing system). Likely I will need to haggle over the cost a 200A panel as mine is a 125 amp.

Anyone with a great installer - Alisobob / Subdriver / Buellwinkle / Sensij ? – missed many others as I have read only 500 or so posts I know, but would love to hear your input and get a PM if possible on recommended installers.

Thanks !

Chuck