Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by bellt0wn98121 on Sunday May 06, 2018 @03:05PM
(#17007814)
Anyone here using solar on their home? What did the initial investment cost?
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Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by rhacker on Sunday May 06, 2018 @03:22PM
(#17007918)
Non-grid-tie set up here. 4 100 Watt Panels on mine, powers everything except for the propane. Generator for cloudy days. Total Cost: $2000 (wiring, kinda expensive MPPT charge, kinda expensive swing-capable brackets, kinda expensive inverter) already had the propane generator. After learning how to do this on an RV I've decided to never buy a stick home again since most states will require a grid-tie (which is the dumbest thing you can do)... So living in a trailer is the best way to live now.
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by toasterlovin on Sunday May 06, 2018 @04:06PM
(#17008222)
Curious: what’s wrong with being connected to the grid (assuming that’s what you meant by “grid-tie”)?
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by electrofdhj on Sunday May 06, 2018 @05:10PM
(#17008562)
So you live in an RV now? Is avoiding a grid tie really enough of a reason to never live in a settled home?
What's the 'dumb' thing about a grid tie?
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by icebraining on Sunday May 06, 2018 @03:39PM
(#17008038)
No batteries?
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by jjeaff on Sunday May 06, 2018 @05:03PM
(#17008527)
So no air conditioning?
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by jdubs on Sunday May 06, 2018 @04:00PM
(#17008183)
My system cost about $15,000 via solar city for a 6kwh system. Austin utility paid me about 3000 and I got a 4000 tax credit. Last month my bill was -20 dollars. Looking back on solar, probably not the best financial decision but I think it's pretty cool and I will be able to run the AC this summer at 70 for a reasonable bill.
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by bellt0wn98121 on Sunday May 06, 2018 @04:49PM
(#17008436)
What was your bill prior to installing solar? (Trying to understand what you're saving per month)
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by jdubs on Monday May 07, 2018 @07:05AM
(#17011778)
From June till September last year(pre solar) my energy bill was near 200. My financing is about 70 dollars a month for the next 20 years... I'm expecting my solar production to cover probably 70% of my bill. Since I'm paying financing plus utility hookup(mandatory $10), plus what ever I use after solar; I will likely not recoup my investment. Imho, it's more feelgood and a hedge against future energy price increases.
I have also noticed that I pay attention more to my consumption. I've debated on buying an energy consumption device like sense, but it seems like a toy...
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by gpm on Sunday May 06, 2018 @04:58PM
(#17008487)
> Last month my bill was -20 dollars.
> I will be able to run the AC this summer at 70 for a reasonable bill.
Does this imply that the -20 is after somewhat intentionally raising power usage?
Re:California to become first U.S. state mandating solar on ...
by jdubs on Monday May 07, 2018 @06:50AM
(#17011714)
The -20 bill was the result of having pleasant weather and not running the AC as frequently in April, plus it was a very sunny April... I'm pretty sure I will not have a negative utility bill in August.