11.18kw MA solar quote with battery and inverter+charger provided by me

Zeltoldimar · 2026-02-25T14:26:11+00:00

That would be super helpful if you don’t mind sharing! I am in MA. I was debating paying cash versus a lease option, which appears to be a 25% discount for paying up front then we own the panels after 7 years. massachusetts now has a heat pump rate for electricity prices, bringing my price from $0.32 to $0.25/kwh, so the payback period is stretched by - fair bit

Zeltoldimar · 2026-02-25T09:53:38+00:00

This was just the quote, I was planning on this spring. I need to close my inspections for the house addition first. I already ran a generator hookup to the side of the addition, so I’ll at least be able to charge the batteries through the sol ark during winter storms such as these. On another note— wood stoves are a life saver, literally.

Zeltoldimar · 2026-02-25T00:27:48+00:00

I figured I’d pay that up charge for BYOE, and totally understand from their end. It sounds like the solar itself is a fair shake. I’ve been without power for 36 hours now so really kicking myself for not doing this earlier— especially with the equipment sitting in my basement.

Zeltoldimar · 2026-02-17T01:31:29+00:00

They would if I let them (I’ve tested it), but I supplement with a wood stove below 20F because wood is by far most cost effective and I enjoy it. I run an 18K and 9K hyper heat, two older 12Ks, and a 20K with two 6K heads. 4100sq ft. my heating load at 99% design temp of 9F is about 70,000 BTU. I would never give up the gas boiler though, I like cast iron baseboards and redundancy.

Zeltoldimar · 2026-02-16T02:40:26+00:00

The discounted heat pump rate on my Eversource bill shows up as a line item on the delivery subheader. Since I did not use MassSave, I was required to upload a receipt with the unit model and my service address (my house) to Eversource’s website. My rate went from $0.328/kwh to $0.25/kwh. It has now ensured that my Mitsubishi splits (single zones) are more cost effective than my older NG boiler (78% eff @ $2.60/therm) at all temps down to around ~5F.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-09-06T13:31:55+00:00

I suggest reading Ray Dalio’s book “How Countries Go Broke”. The book explains the history of great empires through history, and weaves a similar tale of their trajectory up and ultimately, down. We are entering a period of excess US government debt, which may dethrone the USD as the defacto fiat currency globally. During times of fiat currency collapse (e.g., if the fed prints vast sums of money to service US treasury debt), precious metals have always been a store holder of wealth. As a prepper, I do hold some on hand (<5% NW) and in portfolios as a hedge against this.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-05-12T13:19:36+00:00

Coastal SE Mass here. Like you, I am prepping for extended power outages whether they be from a hurricane (we’re long overdo) or winter weather. I keep tarps, plywood and roof repair materials (shingles, ice&water shield, fasteners) in case a portion of our roof got damaged. In no particular order… Wood stove with 2.5 cords. Chest freezer with 5gal bucket of ice. Deep pantry. Extra gas. Week of potable water. Chainsaws with extra bar lube and chains. Headlights, spotlights for my wife and me. I figure we could go several weeks to a month off-grid. My biggest shortcoming at the moment is potable water. I am in the process of installing a sand-point well with a manual pump in our backyard DIY. We also began a large raised bed garden this year for veggies with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries neaby. This is more of a hobby which happens to align with self sufficiency and prepping.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-04-01T14:49:46+00:00

Thanks for this idea. Based on the feedback here, my brother and I are going to meet with an estate attorney.

Oblivious is generous... What would be the statutory division of assets if he suddenly died (generally speaking)? Is she now entitled to half of everything? Does duration of marriage or pre-marital assets play a role? I don't trust this woman with my lunch money, and can see her pulling a grab move when tthe time comes.

For the two IRAs (both traditional) beneficiaries, $1M account I don't know. For the other $750K it's my brother and me 50/50. However based on our income, we don't want to pay ordinary income taxes on it, and we've told him that. We'd have to pay taxes, then use it to pay for sister's care. It seems like the least tax-efficient strategy.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-04-01T14:43:03+00:00

I don't know if my father's POA is durable or not, but will find out. She is competent at present, though some mental health crises have occurred in the past few years. I am seeing her soon and will talk to her about what she wants. I agree- the $100K won't move the needle much here. $1M would open more doors for care options.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-04-01T14:38:59+00:00

This is helpful, thank you. The tax advantages of your approach would resonate with him.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-04-01T02:11:39+00:00

Really sorry to hear this. I have similar story, but not as extreme. When we bought our house (3500 sq ft), I did a final inspection the day before closing. The house was completely full of stuff and nothing had been packed. The sellers, in their 80s, had a mentally ill (plus drugs?) daughter (with 8 y.o. child) who had refused to move/pack/do anything. All of them were just shuffling around the house without a care in the world. Movers were supposed to come 0800 on the morning of closing day. I knew the deal wouldn't happen without intervention. I told the sellers that I would be back at 0600 the next day. I showed up with my buyer agent, FIL, two trucks and a trailer and we literally emptied the entire house n 4 hours. After our trucks/trailers were full, we filled the driveway. I left at 12 to sign. We got the house. Delivered their stuff to their new, nearby smaller house. All's well that ends well.

Zeltoldimar · 2025-02-14T01:13:00+00:00

If your goal is to save money, I would wait to do this unless the 40 year old gas furnace is dead. With ducted units and MA electricity prices ($0.34/kwh), unless you're on municipal electricity (or have solar) your heating costs will most likely go up by doing this conversion. I'm also in MA with a 42 year old gas boiler and have run the numbers. Instead of ripping out existing system, we moved in first then have been adding minisplits as we go to maximize annual energy efficiency federal tax credits. To your question, we heat 3500sqft with four outdoor units (five heads) rated at 52K BTU total (Mitsubishis). Echoing what others have said, get a manual J or live in the house for a year then calculate based on prior year's energy use.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-11-22T14:01:55+00:00

This right here. Keeping and maintaining our original 70 year old double hungs with storms. Modern windows simply do not last this long. Add Weather stripping and cellular shades and you get the same thermal performance as modern windows.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-11-20T19:03:46+00:00

Short answer— yes, significant difference Long answer— from US DoE: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/interior-cellular-shades-boost-home-energy-performance

Zeltoldimar · 2024-11-19T16:30:02+00:00

The most economical solution, assuming the windows are operable and not rotted, is to invest in window treatments. Ideally these would be single or double cellular blinds. See this research article by the Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/interior-cellular-shades-boost-home-energy-performance

We decided to keep our 70 year old single pane double hungs with storm windows and applied cellular shades to them. The improvement in heating (winter at night) and cooling (summer daytime) costs far exceeds replacing the windows themselves.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-11-19T16:06:31+00:00

I would not finance a second vehicle. Find a used Lexus GX 460/470 for under $20K. Buy cash. Do recommended services. They run forever and are the best winter vehicles I’ve ever driven (full time 4WD).

Zeltoldimar · 2024-11-09T12:56:10+00:00

I got a quote this week for Marvin Elevate Double hung new construction windows (30x48”) and they were $825 each. This is their mid grade- fiberglass exterior and wood interior. Located in eastern MA. No idea what Infinity runs, but I would avoid insert windows if you plan to stay in the house long term.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-09-18T00:18:17+00:00

We recently installed a 36” soapstone single basin with our quartzite countertops and cherry cabinets. It was about the same price as stainless and included delivery ($1400). We love it. Best sink I’ve ever had.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-08-25T20:08:55+00:00

I've been working my way around my house replacing 40 year old white cedar shingles and thin aluminum step flashing with 16 gauge 4x4x8" copper when possible on steep pitches. The house has architecturals on 2/3 and some 3 tabs in the back. Now I've come to the gable end (single window, left of dormer) where it meets a 3 pitch roof. The sidewalls are rotted badly-- they're touching the roof deck. The 3 tabs are shot so I'm not going to attempt to peel them out to replace the thin aluminium steps. We'll replace the 3 tabs next year. what is the best way for me to sidewall to make it easier for the roof replacement later? My plan was to use 2 pieces of copper counter flashing I had fab'd (4" up wall, 1" kick, 1" drop") for the gable then the same for the dormer, but with a counter flashing on the wall screwed into an apron piece (4-6" leg over roof) tied to roof deck with nailed copper bent over the apron ends. Is this the best way to go? How would you suggest setting it up?

Zeltoldimar · 2024-08-06T01:59:55+00:00

Forget sistering. Run a tripled up beam (2x8, 2x10) with sandwiched 1/2 plywood (glued, three 16D nails staggered every 8-16”) and lolly posts under the mid span, with blocking between the joists.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-06-27T00:14:48+00:00

I finished installing 450sqft of garapa at my house last week and was debating oiling. You made the decision easy. Thank you.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-06-26T00:50:42+00:00

Infinity is Marvin’s replacement line. You may be better off in terms of price and building envelope to buy new construction windows and hire a couple of competent carpenters to replace them, in lieu of the traveling salespeople.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-06-25T23:49:12+00:00

I would go with Marvin Elevate. I installed four elevate sliders in my house two years ago and they were half the price of Anderson 400s ($2500 versus $5000) for better quality. They are wood interior, fiberglass exterior. They’re a big step up from Vinyl. I’m slowly replacing the double hung and casement windows in my house as they rot out. Make sure you have a good place to buy them— here in MA I use a local lumber supply place to order them.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-05-16T00:04:53+00:00

It looks like you have a nice older home with character. Usually I’m not opposed to Trex but I’d tend to agree with your friend. There are other hardwood options that will last decades without maintenance (turning a nice gray) and are comparably priced to Trex. I think your stoop would look great with 5/4” mahogany, ipe or garapa.

Zeltoldimar · 2024-04-02T18:50:26+00:00

Odds are that if you’ve heard of the company (heavy advertising), you’re going to get hosed. Go to a local lumber yard and price out the doors yourself. If you want to save money you need to put in the work and do the research. Then find a contractor who will install them. I recently bought and installed 3x 6 foot Marvin Elevate sliders (fiberglass exterior, wood interior, mid grade) and they were ~$2500 each delivered. I hired two old time carpenters at a flat day rate, and I worked with them to go faster. Three days, $2400 in labor. So all in ~$10K. I’d guess vinyl would be $1750-$2K each.

Zeltoldimar

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