Looking for some thoughts on a grid tie system in Oklahoma. The coop did send me an interconnection agreement which basically shows the requirements and fees. its basically a $1m liability policy and an additional fee of $20/month to do net metering. Along with a host of other requirements and a $25 application fee for systems <5kw, or $50 for 5kw-100kw.
Currently my usage averages about 800kwh/month and we pay about .10/kwh. plus a $30/month customer charge. so we'd pay about $120/month on average.
I'd plan to do the install myself and could fit about 6-8kw of panels easily on my south facing metal shop roof. And we have plenty of acreage for expansion later if needed. I already have a small <1kw system setup with batteries that I run my small shop with, fridge and lights, etc. It works well and was a fun small project.
Some of my initial questions to start planning are as follows:
1. Do we always have to go through the same approval process from the PoCo for interconnection even if we don't plan to export power (i.e. using a zero export capable inverter like a solar edge)? I think the answer is yes but couldn't get a firm answer yet from the engineer. He did tell me that he has customers who connect just certain circuits in their panels to their solar equipment and he doesn't have to require any agreement with them. I would not plan to isolate circuits like this as it is not very practical.
2. Is it worth the expense? I've seen similar DIY systems costing around $9000 and with tax credits would put it around $6k invested. So about 6 year ROI. assuming electricity costs remain constant. But I know there will be other equipment expenses, maintenance,etc.
3. How detailed of a plan do they want to see for the application? And is it worth paying for design services on solar web sites like Renvu that offer full permitting plans for a few hundred bucks?
Any other thoughts are appreciated. I'm looking at solar edge and sunny boy for inverters, and renvu and a couple other sites for panels.
Thanks!
.
Currently my usage averages about 800kwh/month and we pay about .10/kwh. plus a $30/month customer charge. so we'd pay about $120/month on average.
I'd plan to do the install myself and could fit about 6-8kw of panels easily on my south facing metal shop roof. And we have plenty of acreage for expansion later if needed. I already have a small <1kw system setup with batteries that I run my small shop with, fridge and lights, etc. It works well and was a fun small project.
Some of my initial questions to start planning are as follows:
1. Do we always have to go through the same approval process from the PoCo for interconnection even if we don't plan to export power (i.e. using a zero export capable inverter like a solar edge)? I think the answer is yes but couldn't get a firm answer yet from the engineer. He did tell me that he has customers who connect just certain circuits in their panels to their solar equipment and he doesn't have to require any agreement with them. I would not plan to isolate circuits like this as it is not very practical.
2. Is it worth the expense? I've seen similar DIY systems costing around $9000 and with tax credits would put it around $6k invested. So about 6 year ROI. assuming electricity costs remain constant. But I know there will be other equipment expenses, maintenance,etc.
3. How detailed of a plan do they want to see for the application? And is it worth paying for design services on solar web sites like Renvu that offer full permitting plans for a few hundred bucks?
Any other thoughts are appreciated. I'm looking at solar edge and sunny boy for inverters, and renvu and a couple other sites for panels.
Thanks!
.
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