My Math on Solar?

[madhat]

Okay; we had someone come by trying to sell us Solar. First thing is it's a twenty year contract and I don't believe the panels will last that long. I did the math. We use 19,857 Kw a year. The difference in solar and utility is 1 cent. That works out to $198.57 a year in savings if I have an average of net zero for the year. I have to pay a flat Yearly Facilities Charge of $114.00 and a flat Yearly Electric Universal Service Charge of $4.32. That brings my savings down to $80.25. Do you see anything wrong with my reasoning on this point.

Also my Average Daily usage is 54,040 watts, about how many panels would I have to have to just meet my average usage with 4.92 Average Sun Hours per day.

[BNME8EZ]

Lower your expectations.

If you don't look at net zero and think more about less than 50% usage with no buy back from the utility. In other words you use everything you generate. I would think that would eliminate your fees, bonus 1, then cut up front costs, bonus 2, and you lower your utilities, bonus 3.

I am looking at a project that PV will cover my lighting at night and maybe some during the day, and thermal to take care of about 25-33% of my heating with the added benefit of preheating hot water in the summer (it will probably do all the domestic water in the summer). I haven't got all the costs back but looking for a 10 year payback.

[Core_d]

I thought this thread was about a solar calculator..


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[madhat]

They did the Classic, "Bait and Switch" they showed us a more modern Panel, that generated high kilowatts, and was a parallel/series setup. We only wanted the panels on the back and side roofs. When the actual contract was ready for signing, it was for an older Panel, in series, which didn't meet our needs for the kW, even with Street side mounting. This doesn't make any sense, as this is a North exposure. Also they said they would pay and repair any damage to our structure due to roof penetrations leaks, contract said up to 30 days. The penetration could have leaked on day one, and we could have been screwed. So go into this with Eyes wide open and take notes, when the salesman is talking.

[ammoniadog]

Good for you for paying attention and being able to say no to them. That's not always easy to do.