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  • free solar financial software analysis

    OpenSolar Orientation Video - YouTube

    www.Opensolar.com


    Other companies charge $50 a month for similar functionality of Open Solar.
    There is also
    www.pvcalc.org

    solar estimator used to be a good site, but it's nothing more than a scammy sales lead generator now.

    Any other good solar software out there that doesn't have expensive monthly fees for calculating ROI on a grid tie or battery system?



  • #2
    > Any other good solar software out there that doesn't have expensive monthly fees for calculating ROI on a grid tie or battery system?

    Sadly, I suspect anyone who needs a website to perform basic math for them (even if it involves 15 years in the calculation) is going to be so gullible, the first scam artist that says "green" and "solar power" is going to pocket their money.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by khanh dam View Post
      OpenSolar Orientation Video - YouTube

      www.Opensolar.com


      Other companies charge $50 a month for similar functionality of Open Solar.
      There is also
      www.pvcalc.org

      solar estimator used to be a good site, but it's nothing more than a scammy sales lead generator now.

      Any other good solar software out there that doesn't have expensive monthly fees for calculating ROI on a grid tie or battery system?

      SAM from NREL has some pretty fair financial analysis in one of the modules.

      Not for the feint of heart and a user will need to input an entire case for the financial analysis to make any sense, but the included references provided are a tour de force of financial analysis methods as they may pertain to solar, and for that matter just about any alternate energy financial analysis.

      Pros:
      - Good methods with lots of backup.
      - Very flexible once you know what you're doing.
      - Free.

      Cons:
      - Lots of input required.
      - Learning curve for SAM is rather lengthy and twisted.
      - If you don't know the basics of what you're doing and why, you're wasting your time with SAM.

      GIGO applies here, at least with respect to required effort.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Mike90250 View Post
        >I suspect anyone who needs a website to perform basic math for them (even if it involves 15 years in the calculation) is going to be so gullible, the first scam artist that says "green" and "solar power" is going to pocket their money.
        I used to think like that, but with some of these Net metering contracts you have to be a freaking accountant to figgure out the ROI.
        Residential Service (georgiapower.com)
        Above link is a simple example.
        winter rate is almost half the summer time rate!
        And then there are escalation charges if you go over a certain kwh/month.
        but if you switch to net metering the basic service charge increases.

        when is excess energy refunded? is it rolled over every month, every year? what happens to excess production at end of year, etc.

        its' far from simple math.

        I got all A's in high school math up to calc , and I've been studying researching this for a couple days.
        todays issue is what is the formula to determine what your electricity bill will be 15 years from now with a 3% increase every year?
        Using pvcalcs bottom input field :

        Energy Price Inflation (%/year)

        Even when I put in a ridiculous number like 100% increase on year it does not affect the payback period.

        But if one puts in a higher number for feed in tarrif price Price (per kWh) ROI is decreased rapidly.

        looked at every single solar forum out there and have not found answers yet.
        if you have a simpler way then please let me knwo.

        Comment


        • #5
          I'd forgot about the TOU rates. But still, with a bit of spreadsheet skilz .... But my focus is off grid, and I've forgotten all the billing subtleties .
          Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
          || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
          || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

          solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
          gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

          Comment


          • #6
            several people told me spreadsheet on other forums, but when I ask for formulas, dont' hear any response. easier said then done I guess.

            Comment


            • #7
              how does this solar sale work for example? whopping $5.50 cost per watt, but numbers show $80 saved the first year
              5% annual increase in electricity. Quote also assumes inverter will always be replaced for free under warranty.


              loosing money.jpg

              Comment

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