Believe it or not, even PNM has caught on.smkettner said:Maybe the utility should expand that source.
Believe it or not, even PNM has caught on.smkettner said:Maybe the utility should expand that source.
11.5 cents a kWh is your high tier rate ?golfcart said:Our installed cost, through a local co-op, was $2.12/kW (before federal incentives) and we're offsetting the purchase of $.115/kWh electricity (near national average) from the utility with that system. That puts us right in the 10 year payback period in pretty average conditions (for the United States) in terms of solar potential (https://www.energy.gov/maps/solar-energy-potential).
SageBrush said:11.5 cents a kWh is your high tier rate ?golfcart said:Our installed cost, through a local co-op, was $2.12/kW (before federal incentives) and we're offsetting the purchase of $.115/kWh electricity (near national average) from the utility with that system. That puts us right in the 10 year payback period in pretty average conditions (for the United States) in terms of solar potential (https://www.energy.gov/maps/solar-energy-potential).
Lothsahn said:SageBrush said:You
erred in your calculated pay-off time by ~ 40% by using 7 cents a kWh.
This is only true if he can avoid the monthly surcharge by going solar. Ie: If he plans to grid disconnect (in which case, his prices will be MUCH higher as batteries are $$$$$). If he remains connected to the grid, the $25 surcharge should be excluded from the kWh calculation, since he'll still have to pay it with solar. This means that 7 cents a kWh is correct.
Oilpan4 said:At the last home and garden show both local Solar companies were there. They were offering a 6kw system for $17,000 after other people's money was applied.
I don't know your area, but that's high in my area. A good quote in my area would be around 2.95c/kWh for a 6kw system, installed, which comes out to $17,700 BEFORE the federal tax credit ($12.4k after other people's money).
Oilpan4 said:I want to pay more like $3,000 to $4,000 for 6kw.
Cool? I want lots of things too. But that's not realistic. Parts alone for such a system are around $8,000 ($5,600 after other people's money). Then you have to add on labor, permitting, and other costs.
https://www.wholesalesolar.com/1891564/wholesale-solar/complete-systems/6-kw-grid-tied-solar-system-with-solaredge-and-16-mission-solar-375-watt-panels
If you utilize used parts and do the install yourself, you may be able to hit 4k. Until then, you'll be paying utility rates for electricity. But even if you did the $5,600 and installed it yourself, your payback would be very very fast.
Oilpan4 said:A 20 year break even point is a trap for suckers. Chances are the inverter is not going to last even 10 years.
Indeed it is not, but you still do not understand.Oilpan4 said:It's not rocket science.
You must be feeling the stress of of only having some 23 years left of free electricity :mrgreen:smkettner said:My 5 year payback came and went 2 years ago.
It is not, when the alternative is paying utility rates until death.Oilpan4 said:A 20 year break even point is a trap for suckers.
SageBrush said:Imagine two opportunities, A and B
Both cost the same, but 'A' pollutes much more.
Which do you choose ?
I might choose B but without an economic advantage everyone around me will choose A, because it's easier and there is no motivation. I would argue that even if the cents per kwh is the same B really does cost more because I have to expend time and effort to do A and also take risks, eg that expected payoffs don't materialize, I move, etc.SageBrush said:Imagine two opportunities, A and B
Both cost the same, but 'A' pollutes much more.
Which do you choose ?
LTLFTcomposite said:Find a way to make B really easy and also offer substantial economic advantage over A, then you will see the scales tip.
Do you breathe ?LTLFTcomposite said:around me will choose A, because it's easier and there is no motivation.
Never read a solar panel wearing out. Just going to fade away slowly. s/b at 80% capacity in 30 years. I may not even live that long. As better panels are available I think many will get replaced before the warranty is run out. Efficiency continues to climb, cost continues to drop.SageBrush said:You must be feeling the stress of of only having some 23 years left of free electricity :mrgreen:smkettner said:My 5 year payback came and went 2 years ago.
Enter your email address to join: