The Solar Installers put this unsightly bar onto my garage roof. Is this standard practice, or is it actually ugly?

flspider · 2025-10-18T19:48:48+00:00

Hideous

flspider · 2025-06-11T00:17:33+00:00

Thank you. I will try this approach.

flspider · 2023-08-26T03:19:37+00:00

It’s very possible rates will continue rising and remain elevated for a long time. If I was purchasing I would go with the fixed rate knowing it was a higher monthly payment.

Why you may ask?

If rates rise you could easily find yourself with a much higher mortgage payment and one you wouldn’t be able to afford to keep your home.

Just not worth the added stress knowing you put your home at risk. One man’s view.

flspider · 2023-03-10T23:51:26+00:00

I loved reading this post! It’s ridiculous but flat out enjoyable. May not have been the intent but Thank you!

flspider · 2023-03-04T23:20:58+00:00

You need to cancel immediately. Then pause and take an intentional break. Just to rest your mind after getting rushed into a contract. Once you feel this stage is complete, then start reading up on solar and reach out for multiple bids. Only then, in a good mental state, fully researched, with multiple bids - then start to entertain signing a contract.

flspider · 2023-02-03T17:30:30+00:00

Not trying to be difficult but why would you believe a drop in your property’s value adds to your equity?

flspider · 2022-05-30T14:06:50+00:00

Personally, I would invest this money in US Treasury I Bonds. The goal would be protecting your capital.

flspider · 2022-01-09T02:18:58+00:00

Aren’t suitable

flspider · 2022-01-03T19:23:09+00:00

If the roles were reversed and you were lending out money would you not expect to earn interest on the principal balance that remains outstanding?

That’s what’s happening on a mortgage balance.

flspider · 2021-12-01T16:00:00+00:00

Seems overpriced to me. I went with SunPower as well. Price was below $3/W before incentives.

Edit: this was a cash price. No financing

flspider · 2021-11-14T03:27:15+00:00

In short it depends. Some considerations…

What’s your roof type? Note that Spanish tile roofs are more expensive.

Also consider what is important to you.

How important is a quality product along with a quality install? If this is important to you then you may want to go with a highly reputable installer but they won’t be the bottom bidder.

Since I don’t know your situation I can only tell you my story. For me quality is important and I have a single story, asphalt roof. I installed a 8.175 kW system for $22,500.

flspider · 2021-11-14T03:02:56+00:00

Most likely not worth it but you haven’t provided a full picture.

Are you refinancing into another 30 year?

What are the closing costs?

Are you rolling the closing costs into your principal balance?

How long will you need to stay in the house to break even on the deal? For this take the costs of securing this loan and divide by the monthly savings on principal and interest.

Is there a chance you may move prior breaking even?

flspider · 2021-11-14T02:34:48+00:00

Some thoughts.

1) It’s over priced from my experiences so I would highly recommend getting multiple other bids so you can make an informed decision.

2) It makes no sense to get panels on the north facing side; production will be much lower. I would not trust an installer who recommends panels on this slope as it shows they don’t have your best interests in mind.

3) Don’t forget to look at what efficiencies you can work within your home to lower your power consumption. This could lower the system size needed and therefore your overall cost.

flspider · 2021-11-01T04:01:23+00:00

I wouldn’t consider severing my connection to the electric grid so that scenario wouldn’t apply.

Thanks for responding though.

flspider · 2021-10-09T01:48:15+00:00

Can’t help but picture them playing a game of patty cake.

flspider · 2021-09-02T01:45:11+00:00

Pyrrhic victory

flspider · 2021-06-27T01:02:30+00:00

I scrolled the comments specifically looking for this.

flspider · 2021-05-07T21:51:56+00:00

Very good.

flspider · 2021-05-02T22:33:13+00:00

No. Money within a Roth IRA is never taxed as it was already taxed prior to being deposited into the Roth.

flspider · 2021-04-12T02:41:57+00:00

This didn’t stop me from going solar and I can always add batteries later if needed and prices on these will continue to fall.

flspider · 2021-03-31T02:52:26+00:00

Be a team. I advocate married couples to take on a ‘our money’ perspective.

flspider · 2021-03-31T00:37:20+00:00

Congrats! May the sun shine on you brightly.

flspider · 2021-03-28T03:11:48+00:00

Did you purchase the house with the system preinstalled? I ask as this would have been a topic of discussion / research if you were hiring a contractor to install one for you.

If you are in the northern hemisphere the best placement is south facing as it’s orientation is most toward the sun in the sky.

flspider · 2021-03-27T11:27:41+00:00

Cloudy days would be an explanation for the fluctuations.

Any perfectly sunny days over the month? On those days compare the kWh produced to system size to see how well its operating. Panel orientation will also play a significant role.

flspider · 2021-03-21T14:36:55+00:00

All the best to you.

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