Strongly Considering Solar

[Justjames]

Come to think about it, it is kind of okay with me. I might use about 1000-1500 kw over my sustem can generated but mostly will be in the rate of tier 1. It should take long before the kids finish their degree and move on (cross my finger because one of them will be a doctor). After that i might be in plus side and might consider EV afterward.

[Willaby]

Im not sure what your permit requirement but mine, moreno valley, we can install solar upto 100% usage of last 24 or 12 months

In Moreno Valley - will you be able to get the $1/AC kw rebate? I've got a rental there that will be needing some roof work soon and was curious about rates and saw the solar incentive program. Looks like it is waiting for new funding though, any word on that? Because it's a rental, unlikely I'd install solar, but with that rebate it is tempting enough to pencil it out. Could be something like <$7k for a ~$5kw system!

[solar_newbie]

In Moreno Valley - will you be able to get the $1/AC kw rebate? I've got a rental there that will be needing some roof work soon and was curious about rates and saw the solar incentive program. Looks like it is waiting for new funding though, any word on that? Because it's a rental, unlikely I'd install solar, but with that rebate it is tempting enough to pencil it out. Could be something like <$7k for a ~$5kw system!

I do not think you get tax credit for rental property

[Willaby]

I do not think you get tax credit for rental property

Yup, you're right. Probably can't get the rebate either.

[Justjames]

In Moreno Valley - will you be able to get the $1/AC kw rebate? I've got a rental there that will be needing some roof work soon and was curious about rates and saw the solar incentive program. Looks like it is waiting for new funding though, any word on that? Because it's a rental, unlikely I'd install solar, but with that rebate it is tempting enough to pencil it out. Could be something like <$7k for a ~$5kw system!

Im kind of dont put too much hope on that, the first program which last only 1 months period, this program just for waitting list and dont even have fund yet.

[maximizese]

Update:

I've read through Solar Your Home for Dummies, 2008, at J.P.M.'s suggestion and received another bid today from another solar installer. The consultant was confident that any array design under 5kW wouldn't be scrutinized by SCE and that I should install what for the future instead of my immediate needs. I'm currently an energy miser, but will likely double my demand in a few years with the addition of a PHEV and using my central AC as a normal person would.

He stressed his recommendation for a system consisting of Solar World panels (Sunmodule Plus SW 285 Mono) and SolarEdge SE3800A-US inverter with P300 optimizers (though I don't think shade is an issue for my roof), which accounts for about 90% of the residential installs. He drew up a 3.705 kW DC system and another system using 3 more panels & optimizers to reach a 4.56 kW system. He explained that as the system gets larger, the cost per watt decreases. I was hoping to see ~$3.50/watt, but was getting closer to $4.15/watt before federal tax credit. I would love to find a high quality outfit at a lower price, but I'm not having much luck here. I'll get a few more bids, but I'm leaning towards this installer because they have 38 years of experience as a roofing company and have stellar reviews on both Yelp and Solarreviews.com

I've learned a lot from this forum and I'm very grateful for everyone's help.

[J.P.M.]

I've read through Solar Your Home for Dummies, 2008, at J.P.M.'s suggestion and received another bid today from another solar installer. The consultant was confident that any array design under 5kW wouldn't be scrutinized by SCE and that I should install what for the future instead of my immediate needs. I'm currently an energy miser, but will likely double my demand in a few years with the addition of a PHEV and using my central AC as a normal person would.

He stressed his recommendation for a system consisting of Solar World panels (Sunmodule Plus SW 285 Mono) and SolarEdge SE3800A-US inverter with P300 optimizers (though I don't think shade is an issue for my roof), which accounts for about 90% of the residential installs. He drew up a 3.705 kW DC system and another system using 3 more panels & optimizers to reach a 4.56 kW system. He explained that as the system gets larger, the cost per watt decreases. I was hoping to see ~$3.50/watt, but was getting closer to $4.15/watt before federal tax credit. I would love to find a high quality outfit at a lower price, but I'm not having much luck here. I'll get a few more bids, but I'm leaning towards this installer because they have 38 years of experience as a roofing company and have stellar reviews on both Yelp and Solarreviews.com

I've learned a lot from this forum and I'm very grateful for everyone's help.

Smaller systems such as 3-5 kW tend to cost more/Watt but, unless there is something unusual about your situation, $4.15/Watt for SolarWorld still seems a bit steep to me. Also, That equip. may account for 90% of that vendor's installs, but, while good, SolarWorld is not the only decent product.

I'd root around in the new CSI database, and sort by zip/county/vendor/price/etc., for some insight.

[maximizese]

Smaller systems such as 3-5 kW tend to cost more/Watt but, unless there is something unusual about your situation, $4.15/Watt for SolarWorld still seems a bit steep to me. Also, That equip. may account for 90% of that vendor's installs, but, while good, SolarWorld is not the only decent product.

I'd root around in the new CSI database, and sort by zip/county/vendor/price/etc., for some insight.

The only thing unusual is that my 200 amp electrical panel has the shutoffs in the center, but he said that wouldn't be an issue and the proposal was written before he saw the panel. I'll keep looking. I've used the "Cost per system size" database through the Ca solar stat site. It seems that most of the <$4/watt installers for a <4.56kW system are not listed on Yelp, Solarreview, or in many cases Google. I'll make some calls tomorrow.

[J.P.M.]

The only thing unusual is that my 200 amp electrical panel has the shutoffs in the center, but he said that wouldn't be an issue and the proposal was written before he saw the panel. I'll keep looking. I've used the "Cost per system size" database through the Ca solar stat site. It seems that most of the <$4/watt installers for a <4.56kW system are not listed on Yelp, Solarreview, or in many cases Google. I'll make some calls tomorrow.

Understood. Good luck.

[inetdog]

The only thing unusual is that my 200 amp electrical panel has the shutoffs in the center, but he said that wouldn't be an issue and the proposal was written before he saw the panel.

If your AHJ and POCO allow what is called a "line side connection" or "supply side connection" (same thing) your center fed panel will not be an issue at all unless the solar will be coming first into an existing subpanel and from there to the main panel.

But if you have to connect through a backfed breaker in your center fed main panel you could be forced to either switch to a smaller main breaker if one is available or replace your panel.

For example: 200A center fed panel with 200A main breaker.
You could not add any solar PV backfeed.
If you replace that 200A main with a 175A main then you could fit in up to 25A of solar. (25A x 240V = 6kW)

[josephmay842]

Yes you should really consider Solar for your house. I also have been planning to install in our house. But you must first know many facts about it before getting it.

[SunEagle]

Yes you should really consider Solar for your house. I also have been planning to install in our house. But you must first know many facts about it before getting it.

josephmay842

It is not polite to make your first post on an existing thread.

Please introduce yourself in the New Members section of this forum and tell us more about yourself.

I am also not sure why you attached a "roofing blog" in your signature location.

[inetdog]

josephmay842

It is not polite to make your first post on an existing thread.

Please introduce yourself in the New Members section of this forum and tell us more about yourself.

I am also not sure why you attached a "roofing blog" in your signature location.

The "Roofing Blog" is also advertising for a particular roofing company. I am removing the link from the OP's signature.