newbie in Athens, GA

[charles2]

I'm a poor teacher...

That's demonstrably false: You clearly have good information to impart, the willingness to share it, and the ability to communicate it. But if you are uncomfortable writing and grading tests, I understand and will just take a stab at the "Equipment for solar electric systems" forum. Please follow me over there!

I know there is a lot to read but IMO better than watching TV anytime.

Amen to that!

[J.P.M.]

That's demonstrably false: You clearly have good information to impart, the willingness to share it, and the ability to communicate it.

1.) Opinions vary on quality of info.

2.) None of us is as smart as all of us.

3.) Question everything everyone says.

[charles2]

1.) Opinions vary on quality of info.

2.) None of us is as smart as all of us.

3.) Question everything everyone says.

More good input. Did you see my 9 questions?

[cracovian]

The only reasonable place in the Athens area is Turnsol with Drew running things. They subcontract for Solar USA in the Atlanta metro and they did my install too. If you go to the source, you'll save money and get a local and very experienced guy to do things for you. They're not the most responsive but it's the best we get in Georgia. For some reason, no one gives a $hit down here unless you're willing to pay 90s prices.

[charles2]

The only reasonable place in the Athens area is Turnsol with Drew running things.

Is his last name Bowen? Somebody told me his name is David, or is that Drew's brother?

They're not the most responsive but it's the best we get in Georgia. For some reason, no one gives a $hit down here unless you're willing to pay 90s prices.

"At Turnsol Energy we are dedicated to providing prompt professional service and turnkey PV systems at the lowest possible price to the consumer. Our staff will always be on time and on budget as well as respectful of your time and property. All calls and email will be answered promptly." LOL

[cracovian]

Definitely Bowen, so probably brothers... It seems like everyone is using them while taking cuts as middlemen, so no wonder they get busy sometimes

[J.P.M.]

More good input. Did you see my 9 questions?

If your question is directed to me, the answer is yes.

[cracovian]

Also, keep in mind that residential solar in GA is very limited. We have no state-level incentives, electricity prices are low, and utilities just do the bare minimum to encourage/discourage you from getting your own setup.

A couple of larger installers (Solar USA, Hannah Solar) are busy doing commercial work, so they're just not interested in serving a few small customers here and there. I wonder what will happen between now and closer to the fed credit expiration next year but I don't expect major changes in our backwaters.

At the same time, your permits may be easier to get than in CA for example, so I'd encourage getting things you need yourself and hiring someone knowledgeable and licensed to do what's needed (run conduit, put up railing, and slap some panels on.) It's not that complicated in the end, especially in the era of microinverters.

[charles2]

utilities just do the bare minimum to encourage/discourage you from getting your own setup.

I'm told GA Power pays Athens residents only 1/4 of their rate for private PV contributions to the grid. But go north a ways into Jackson county, and Jackson EMC pays full rate.

A couple of larger installers (Solar USA, Hannah Solar) are busy doing commercial work, so they're just not interested in serving a few small customers here and there.

I'm told Hannah was at this meeting: http://onlineathens.com/mobile/2015-...wth-could-slow , and that they are also offering leasing as allowed by the new law that just took effect in July.

[cracovian]

I'm told GA Power pays Athens residents only 1/4 of their rate for private PV contributions to the grid. But go north a ways into Jackson county, and Jackson EMC pays full rate.



I'm told Hannah was at this meeting: http://onlineathens.com/mobile/2015-...wth-could-slow , and that they are also offering leasing as allowed by the new law that just took effect in July.

GA Power pays 4 cents/kWh but they also charge almost $3.00 for being connected, so that demands 70kWh/month going into the grid just to cover that useless fee.

Look into leasing but owning usually makes a lot more sense... Technically, neither one makes any financial sense in GA unless you do it for a lot less than the standard $3.40/W.

[charles2]

If your question is directed to me, the answer is yes.

And did you see any opportunities to resolve my ignorance and confusion?

[J.P.M.]

And did you see any opportunities to resolve my ignorance and confusion?

If you are jerking my chain, it just ceased, as did any further response by me to your foolishness.

[charles2]

If you are jerking my chain, it just ceased, as did any further response by me to your foolishness.

Dude, seriously, I do appreciate your input. And I seriously want to get educated about this stuff. Nothing I wrote was intended sarcastically. OK?

[cracovian]

Hey, Charles - if you're still in the market, I found a couple of Athenians that just installed my system. Don't bother with Drew - he's busy with "Solarize Athens" and commercial installs and will never respond. Give me a shout out and I can share some info with you if you'd like.