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Anyone Have Solar Panels?
- Thread starter NYwdwfan
- Start date
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
Don't you need sunshine for that?
Apparently it works where you send back energy to the grid during the summer months and your meter runs backwards and then you draw off that credit in the winter months when the sky is apocalyptic grey.
MinnieM123
Premium Member
Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who currently has solar panels, but I always thought they were a great idea. Here's an interesting article (link below) from USA Today (Feb. 19, 2014). It addresses different aspects of solar, including surcharges that some electric companies are looking to charge, etc. There may be more up-to-date information out there, but I thought this article was pretty good at breaking down the various points. I guess some of the solar route can vary quite a bit from state to state, with individual regulations, etc.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/19/stateline-utilities-solar-power-fight/5608689/
It sounds like a great idea - the panels are leased for 20 years, they fully guarantee the roof for leaks etc. where the panels are installed, there is a contract where they lay out exact energy payments for the 20 years and it's about 2/3 of what we pay now - I feel like there must be a downside I am missing.
Thanks Minnie - this will definitely help. I'm completely ignorant on how this all works - and I am not comfortable going into anything without being educated. That's how you end up having things be unmagical!!!
TomHendricks
Well-Known Member
When we were living on Long Island I looked into this as well. Our house was perfect for it, back of the roof situated facing south and no trees or building to block the sun at all. Unfortunately we then moved to Syracuse NY before having a chance to do it. However I talked with NRG Home Solar and Solar City and I liked both. You should also check around to local installers and even LIPA or National Grid.
Yeah we're on Long Island - same situation with house facing South and large roof to accommodate the panels. Thanks for the tip - we definitely need to do some more due diligence.
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
Yes. I've been using them to keep my wife alive for years.
Only you would have found that picture!
I can't see it - I'm guessing I should consider myself lucky?!
Yes. I've been using them to keep my wife alive for years.
I was quoting to say I couldn't see the image - but when I quoted it the image appeared?! Sorcery!!
And this - my friend - is how you got the title of King of Google!!
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
No that would be another poster here...apparently visually impaired?
We have looked at them a few times.
If I was building a new home, there is no question that I would add solar. I could design around maximizing it, own it outright and have it rolled into the mortgage.
Adding it to in existing house is always a bit dicey and really has to be researched in depth. The house is not always ideally set up for it and that always seems to lead to concessions in performance. You need to make sure that you can actually produce enough power to offset the cost.
Then there are always issues with attaching it to the roof. Shingles only last so long and have to be periodically replaced. That is expensive enough in its own right. Add the removal and re-installation of a solar panel system and it can get really insane.
Leasing a system seems to be a safer option (depending on the terms of the lease), but the benefits are significantly less than owning the system.
The biggest thing that scares me is the entire premise of solar power with no battery storage only works when the power company buys your excess power. I fear that this practice is on very shaky ground. There have been a number of local governments trying to add taxes to solar panels and/or reducing or eliminating what power companies pay for the power you generate.
If I was building a new home, there is no question that I would add solar. I could design around maximizing it, own it outright and have it rolled into the mortgage.
Adding it to in existing house is always a bit dicey and really has to be researched in depth. The house is not always ideally set up for it and that always seems to lead to concessions in performance. You need to make sure that you can actually produce enough power to offset the cost.
Then there are always issues with attaching it to the roof. Shingles only last so long and have to be periodically replaced. That is expensive enough in its own right. Add the removal and re-installation of a solar panel system and it can get really insane.
Leasing a system seems to be a safer option (depending on the terms of the lease), but the benefits are significantly less than owning the system.
The biggest thing that scares me is the entire premise of solar power with no battery storage only works when the power company buys your excess power. I fear that this practice is on very shaky ground. There have been a number of local governments trying to add taxes to solar panels and/or reducing or eliminating what power companies pay for the power you generate.
Thanks - the last point you bring up is the one that concerns me the most. We had out roof replaced - down to the plywood with 30 year shingles - 12 years ago so the roof shouldn't be an issue. We have a colonial and face South so there is ample roof space to accommodate the panels. My husband is an an electrician and he understands the whole power aspect of it - so I think we are OK there. We would definitely lease - although we have a friend who is in the process of installing panels that is financing them and he is adamant that is the way to go - my concern would be that the technology is evolving so quickly that I don't want to be left with obsolete panels on the roof of my house in 20 years (if we are even still there - if we're not would we need to have a new owner that wants to take over the payments of the panels? We have 7 years left on our mortgage so wouldn't be rolling it into that.) My FIRST question for the guy we spoke with was will we ALWAYS have power even if the power goes out and the answer was "no" - since there is no storage. Now we are relying on the power company to buy the power and who knows what happens there over the next 20 years. It's a lot to think about.
Regarding your roof...30 year shingles do not last 30 years. On average, 30 year shingles will last about 20-25 years at best. Those last 4-5 years can also be pretty sketchy.
Many of the questions you have really need to be answered in writing prior to signing up.
What happens if we move?
What happens if the panels need to be removed for roof replacement?
What are the conditions where they will or will not repair or upgrade the panels?
Obsolete technology is a concern, but not like it is with a computer or a TV. There is a gigantic difference between using a 20 year old 486 computer and a 5th generation i7 because the demands on the hardware have increased with the technology.
The same is not true with your power consumption. If your consumption remains steady (in theory is should go down as appliances get more efficient) a solar array that works today should also work 20 years from now. Sure a newer system might produce more electricity with less space, but you will not really need to upgrade unless your initial system was under powered.
Thanks - "in writing" is great advice. I appreciate your input (and might I add it always holds more weight coming from a Jedi master!!)