Hi from Plano Texas

[TXAZ]

Hi,
TXAZ here. I've been toying with the idea of PV solar for a long time, and finally see the cost per watt providing an excellent payback time.

We're about to close on a home in east Plano Texas on an acre. The house is requires no work on it so I need a project, SOLAR!

The current idea is to build an HOA compliant 'out building" behind the current home to put the panels on.
There is an HOA, so any advice or pointers to existing threads or resources on sizing and dealing with the HOA would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[inetdog]

Hello TXAZ, and welcome to Solar Panel Talk!
Keep in mind that the cost of permits, etc. and POCO approval for grid tied solar make it desirable to go full size initially instead of starting small and adding incrementally.
However making a big mistake instead of a small one does not make sense either.

[TXAZ]

Thanks Inetdog. Lots of options here, I'll rely on yours and others expertise to help do this right.

[J.P.M.]

On HOA dealings: Read the CC & R's. Then get the HOA on your side by asking for their help in understanding anything you do not understand. You usually get more flies with honey than vinegar. Besides, they're already holding all the high cards.

[Sunking]

TX has no Net Metering Laws and with dirt cheap electric rates makes break even almost impossible in TX. The Left Coast Island of Austin is the only area where it works. Many Coops will not even allow you to connect. So do your homework before you go spending money. Most in TX by going solar only double or triple their electric rates for 10 to 15 years if they get a loan.

Another note about TX and real-estate. Solar is Net Negative equity. After rebates if you spend $20K only increases your house value a few thousand dollars. Many are finding out the homeowners are the ones writing checks at closing time instead of receiving a check. In TX with cheap electric, solar adds no value to property and scares off a lot of potential buyers.

Example Champion Energy (best deal in Plano) today offers a 3 year locked in rate of 8.1-cents per Kwh for the first 2500 Kwh, and goes down to 7.6 cents over 2500 Kwh. Want Solar, they charge 12.2 cents for what you buy, and credit only 6 cents for excess. You loose your arse each month at bill time, and get your arse handed to you if you sell your house.

So be careful what you ask for in TX.

[TXAZ]

TX has no Net Metering Laws and with dirt cheap electric rates makes break even almost impossible in TX. The Left Coast Island of Austin is the only area where it works. Many Coops will not even allow you to connect. So do your homework before you go spending money. Most in TX by going solar only double or triple their electric rates for 10 to 15 years if they get a loan.

Another note about TX and real-estate. Solar is Net Negative equity. After rebates if you spend $20K only increases your house value a few thousand dollars. Many are finding out the homeowners are the ones writing checks at closing time instead of receiving a check. In TX with cheap electric, solar adds no value to property and scares off a lot of potential buyers.

Example Champion Energy (best deal in Plano) today offers a 3 year locked in rate of 8.1-cents per Kwh for the first 2500 Kwh, and goes down to 7.6 cents over 2500 Kwh. Want Solar, they charge 12.2 cents for what you buy, and credit only 6 cents for excess. You loose your arse each month at bill time, and get your arse handed to you if you sell your house.

So be careful what you ask for in TX.

Thanks Sunking.
We just moved from Austin, and solar is a racket down there. We (I've been a contractor) looked at several options and quotes while there, and the prices from approved vendors (to get the Austin Energy rebates) were high enough (even with all their rebates) to where you could hire your own non-approved contractors and get it for a little less. That's pretty typical for Austin.

Thanks for the Champion plug, looks like we're going that way, and I may build an outbuilding that's off the grid.

[Sunking]

Thanks for the Champion plug, looks like we're going that way, and I may build an outbuilding that's off the grid.

You are welcome from one Texan to another.

[TXAZ]

I've been in a fog for 3 years. Tell me solar prices are 50% of what they were last time I posted.