Solar Panel System Disposal

[Amy@altE]

I recommend calling multiple installers in your area from the approved installer list from MassCEC, and have them come out to do a quote for you. Ask for references, how long they have been in business, how they intend to flash the rack to prevent roof leaks, and just get a general feel for how you feel about them. Also, this forum's host has a review section for installers, you can see if they are listed there. https://www.solarreviews.com/installers

[Lexnice]

Thank you for your insights.
How does one choose one solar system company over another? What criteria would you suggest that we could use in Pittsfield, Ma. (Western Massachusetts) to choose the best solar company?
The only people that I know who have solar around here, are Solar City, and all are happy, although all have fairly new systems less than one year old.

[Amy@altE]

SolarCity is primarily a leasing company, which can skew the numbers. I don't feel right naming specific companies on a public forum, as many of them are my customers, so I may be a little biased and pick my favorites. I see many excellent installers on the list.

Keep in mind the solar panels will be shading the roof, so it can extend the life of the roof.

[Lexnice]

Who are some of the other great installers in Massachusetts? What is the reason that Solar City is not on the list?
All of the research that I've done says that Solar City has installed more systems in the Northeast than all of the other companies combined. Also, their company is backed financially by Google, and Tesla, among others.
Yes, I need a great installer, but just as importantly I'll need a company that stands the best chance of staying in business at least as long as their warranty, which is 20 years.
The panels that they install are 30 year panels, but I figure that in 20 years, my 23 year old roof will need replacing, and technology will have advanced such that I will want the newest solar panel system.

[bcroe]

In regard to recycling the panels, many solar panel manufacturers do offer a recycling program.
But your panels are expected to last around 40 years, I'm sure things will have advanced more by then.

Recycling any kind of glass is my biggest problem. There is somebody to take about anything else that I can't burn. And
there are lots of dead PV cells around, left over from earlier experiments. Maybe I could ship them somewhere? Bruce Roe

[Amy@altE]

In regard to recycling the panels, many solar panel manufacturers do offer a recycling program. But your panels are expected to last around 40 years, I'm sure things will have advanced more by then.

[Amy@altE]

Get an installation quote from an installer other than SolarCity. They are notorious for high quotes for purchased systems to push people to their crappy lease. $4.10 a watt is too high, you can do better. There are some great installers here in MA, there's a reason SolarCity isn't on the MA approved list. Run away from them.

[farokhboston]

PS: Re - Taxes

"According to one SREC aggregator’s contact with the IRS, the proceeds of SRECs should be considered an offset to the purchase of the solar energy system, and are therefore not taxable. The IRS also stated that the sale of SRECs does not fit within the transaction types that would initiate the generation of a 1099. If you are uncertain, please contact a tax professional."

If its not 1099'ed, IMHO, its not taxable...

[farokhboston]

a) There are NO income limitations, to get the 1.5% financing. The income limitations are ONLY if you are "low income" and want the state to pay 20-30% of your loan.

b) If Solar City isnt on the MA Solar Loan installer list, GET ANOTHER INSTALLER.

c) I've not heard of any calculations showing TAX on SREC sales. Will need to research this.

d) No, but I wouldnt worry about panel disposal for 20+ years.

[Lexnice]

Thanks for the info farokhboston.
1)As for financing through the Ma Solar Loan Program, there are income limitations, and Solar City is not on the Mass Solar Loan Installers List.
2)Yes, the tax is on the incentives according to Solar City.
3)Are you positive that roofers would dispose of solar panels, and that they're not hazardous waste?

[farokhboston]

If you are in MA, then financing the system thru the MA Solar Loan program, run by the state, at 1.5% for 10yrs, is a no brainer.

And why do you say that there is TAX on the incentives? I havent heard of anyone saying that the SREC's are taxed.

And who cares about how you would dispose of the system after 20 yrs. Replace the roof, and have the roofer take care of the system disposal.

[Lexnice]

I live in Massachusetts, and am considering having a Solar Panel System installed on my home, by Solar City. I am weighing all of their options. They propose a 6.24 KWH system with 25 panels. Right now I am paying .21/kwh to Eversource. Average monthly bill is $105. 20 year costs (if there are zero rate increases for next 20 years) would be $25,200.
#1)Purchasing the system would cost $25,594, credits would be $7678 Fed, $1000 State, $7097 SREC, then tax on incentives would be $1890 Fed, and $297 State. Bottom line would be (ideally) $12006. My worries are that I'd have to finance the entire amount, wait for tax return next year to recoup tax credits, wait to recoup SREC sale through a broker, and also how will I dispose of the solar panels and system after 20 years or so? The only other costs would be minimal monthly charges to Eversource for having an account.
#2) Full Pre Pay would cost $11,285. The only other costs would be minimal monthly charges to Eversource for having an account.
I am thinking that Full Pre Pay is the best way to go.
Any thoughts or ideas about this choice?
Thank you