$2/W breached and now my system is FREE

[Minnesota]

In the process of doing an initial notional system design for a 2.5KW grid-tied system, I ran across an Evergreen panel at Solar Blvd (great prices), 205w, for $399.

http://www.solarblvd.com/p2401/Evergreen-ES-A-205-fa3b-200-Watt-12-Volt-Solar-Module/product_info.html

So 12 of these, 1 Sunny Boy SB3000, plus parts and it tally's to under $5K after the Fed 30% credit. Subtract the local electric coop's rebate of $2/w and it's down to $2500. Then there is the MN rebate of $2/w making this system essentially free. (My brother the electrician will install; 1/2 day's work).

This is a certified (legal) system too.

In my area this "small" system will provide an estimated 375kwh/m which is about what my family uses each month.

Not saying I'm going to do this, but the government is making it very tempting!

[Sunking]

Congratulations .

You have figured out a way to extort money from your neighbors legally making them pay for your good fortune. Sounds like an Al Franklin plan to me.

[Minnesota]

Well here is Senator Al at a new MN solar startup that has a panel where each cell is independant (like a disc in a large disc array) and managed smartly, unlike the moronic serial strings of cells and panels out there today that will soon be as obsolete as 300/1200 baud modems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SKZTc1-6WY

Minnesota innovations .... these panels even shed snow on command.

[sprmk12]

Be sure you look at the order of operations in your math - You only get to take the 30% credit on what you actually pay, after local/utility rebates.

[russ]

Glad I am not there to have to help pay for a neighbors solar PV system! The biggest rip off yet unless it is the FIT arrangement some states have.

Anything sen Al is fond of is questionable at best!

[silverhorsefarm]

Is that the case? My installer said that the federal tax credit was 30% of the contract price. No mention of Maryland grants or county real estate tax credits.

[Minnesota]

In the calculator here:

http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme

Enter your zipcode and a sample monthly KWH need (such as 1000 KWH), choose your grid supplier and when the calculator is done check the "incentives" tab to see the rebates and credits that apply in your area.

[sprmk12]

Is that the case? My installer said that the federal tax credit was 30% of the contract price. No mention of Maryland grants or county real estate tax credits.

I'm not a tax attorney, better check with yours, but why would you get a tax credit for money you didn't actually spend?

My tax person says I have to take the contract price, subtrace the local rebates, er welfare, and then the 30% credit applies to my costs.

[russ]

I would suggest using the official site for rebate/incentive information rather than some for profit site.

http://www.dsireusa.org/

From there you can get to either state or federal information.

[pdmoney]

$125 shipping kinda throws a wrench in the system for those panels

[russ]

Quote: My tax person says I have to take the contract price, subtrace the local rebates, er welfare, and then the 30% credit applies to my costs.

Your tax person is definitely correct! Many of the enthusiasts get a bit carried away.

[Sunking]

Come on guys, they are using politician math, not real numbers or accepted accounting practices that the IRS will accept. Let them learn the ole fashion expensive way at the audit negotiations. They will never forget it

[Mike90250]

Come on guys, they are using politician math, not real numbers or accepted accounting practices that the IRS will accept. Let them learn the ole fashion expensive way at the audit negotiations. They will never forget it

That's a harsh lesson... I sure wish I could hold politician tax promises to the court - "No family making less than $240K will see any tax increase". Do you think I can add that to my 1040 this year ?

[Sunking]

That's a harsh lesson...

Yes it is. But as the ole saying goes; You've been told, now it is time you learned. Or; Experience is the best teacher. A good education is not cheap.