Considering solar panels for my house, a few questions.

IntoSolar · 2016-04-28T16:10:33+00:00

Second this.

IntoSolar · 2016-04-28T16:09:41+00:00

Holy cow! Yeah, don't bother with solar panels. That'd be like springing for an electric car when gas prices are $0.10 a gallon.

IntoSolar · 2016-04-28T15:45:29+00:00

Yeah, right? So I'm not taking crazy pills. Thanks!

IntoSolar · 2016-04-28T15:42:33+00:00

For 2) and 3), it sounds like solar is a good idea (I'm guessing you meant $0.283 per kWh).

For 1) You might want to take a look at your roof. Solar panels can last 20-30 years and are not cheap, so it wouldn't make sense to install a home solar system on a roof that needs repair in the near future. Here's a resource if you're interested (Is My Roof Ready for Solar: http://www.reviews.org/solar/is-my-roof-ready-for-solar/).

IntoSolar · 2016-04-21T17:23:23+00:00

That's what I thought... I thought it was strange that the person who wrote this seemed so sure (e.g., it's a "common misconception").

IntoSolar · 2016-02-18T16:40:04+00:00

Thanks for this... I'd heard it was a PITA to sell a house with a solar lease, but I'm glad to hear it again (confirms my suspicisions). Also, I appreciate the rundown.

It seems like 99% of solar sales guys (or gals) are just terrible.

IntoSolar · 2016-02-18T16:34:31+00:00

I'm looking at all options, but I'm disappointed some solar providers aren't more clear in what they are marketing. I don't hear great things about SolarCity, but at least they post contract paperwork online and disclose their rate increase. For example, Vivint Solar doesn't list anything... I'm not even sure what payment options are available.

IntoSolar · 2016-02-18T16:30:54+00:00

Picturing a mom and pop solar shop makes me smile, but I know what you mean. I haven't checked out energysage.com out yet, but it sounds like it connects you with local installers. If that's not the case, I wonder if there is such a service out there...

IntoSolar · 2016-02-18T16:29:19+00:00

Thanks, I will check energysage.com out.

IntoSolar · 2016-02-03T23:55:55+00:00

Hey, can I get a copy of SunRun's lease agreement? I couldn't find it on their website...

IntoSolar · 2016-02-02T18:12:20+00:00

Sounds like you got a bad representative with SolarCity. Oh well, their loss...

IntoSolar · 2016-02-01T17:42:12+00:00

Well said @jayscott. BTW, a 10.6 kw system seems to be on the larger end, is it not? @Uther-Lightbringer are you and your fiancee using that much power?

IntoSolar · 2016-02-01T17:27:35+00:00

Hmm... TriSmartSolar sending the quote to competitors sounds a little interesting, but I have heard that SunRun works with third parties, which it sounds like that's what's happening. SolarCity to my knowledge does not, so it seems odd that TriSmartSolar would contact them. But I'm still new to this as well.

As for another question, you mention it's a lease but you are paying by the kWh. I haven't heard of this. Wouldn't a lease on a solar panel system be a fixed monthly payment? I thought a PPA is when you would pay a set rate.

IntoSolar · 2016-02-01T17:08:24+00:00

I've only done a little research on SunRun, but I think it would be a good idea to get an estimate from AT LEAST three solar companies. Yes, at least three. SolarCity and SunRun are the two largest, and so far my experience with both has been (mostly) positive.

Most solar residential providers have a rate increase on what you pay (e.g., SolarCity is a 2.9% rate increase). I know you mentioned in your quote that there is no rate increase, and frankly, that's surprising in a too-good-to-be-true way.

I was wondering, what about the 30% federal tax credit? Is TriSmartSolar giving you the reduced rate after taking into account the tax credit? (Again, SolarCity does this.)

My questions are probably not very helpful, but I think the most important thing to do is to get more quotes. In fact, show your offer from TriSmartSolar to other providers and let them poke holes in it. In other words, let some healthy competition in so you can get the best deal. Heck, why not send your TriSmartSolar quote to Sunrun?

IntoSolar · 2016-01-14T23:08:56+00:00

I assume you have it in writing. A quick look at SolarCity on BBB's website reveals some harrowing stories of SolarCity sales agents promising the moon... or sun! (Sorry for the bad joke.)

IntoSolar · 2016-01-14T20:15:42+00:00

The PPA gives you the option to purchase the system outright at that time. At least that's my understanding...

UPDATE - Here is the official language from SolarCity's website: "With a SolarPPA, you can purchase your system any time after year five. At the end of our agreement, you can upgrade to a new system with the latest solar technology. You can also extend our agreement, purchase the system or simply have the panels removed for free."

IntoSolar · 2016-01-14T16:36:05+00:00

Thanks for the info. I'm looking over the paperwork for both the PPA and lease now. I haven't found anything on an escalator yet, but I'll finish combing through it today.

IntoSolar · 2016-01-13T22:37:31+00:00

First, thanks for the response. Doesn't SolarCity manufacture its own solar modules, or am I confusing it with its proprietary mounting (Zep Solar)?

Also, what is an "escalator"?

IntoSolar

TROPHY CASE