Check my usage math

[efusco]

Hey folks, I found a really nice solar need calculator that includes an offset, cost after incentives, etc....if you know your monthly energy use and/or monthly cost.
Solar Power Calculator | Find Solar

 

[brianman]

Hey folks, I found a really nice solar need calculator that includes an offset, cost after incentives, etc....if you know your monthly energy use and/or monthly cost.
Solar Power Calculator | Find Solar

Maybe my numbers were too aggressive (100% offset, round up the usage for worst case month), but this is a bit scary...

Solar Radiance: 3.81 kWh/sq m/day
Avg. Monthly Usage: 1,400 kWh/month
System Size: 15.25 kW
Roof Size: 1524 sq. ft.
Estimated Cost: $106,743.79
Post Incentive Cost: $54,280.65

 

[jerry33]

Mine was even scarier:

Solar Radiance: 5.27 kWh/sq m/day
Avg. Monthly Usage: 2,000 kWh/month
System Size: 15.76 kW
Roof Size: 1575 sq. ft.
Estimated Cost: $110,307.81
Post Incentive Cost: $77,215.46

 

[efusco]

Mine was even scarier:

Solar Radiance: 5.27 kWh/sq m/day
Avg. Monthly Usage: 2,000 kWh/month
System Size: 15.76 kW
Roof Size: 1575 sq. ft.
Estimated Cost: $110,307.81
Post Incentive Cost: $77,215.46

We've had months over 3000kWh used, avg probably 1700-1800, but with occasional less than 1000. I used 2000 for my 'with Tesla' estimates...still pretty scary numbers. I'd like to go with a 4-5kW system if possible to offset the car plus a little bit extra.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Robert.Boston]

I hate to sound like an oil-loving luddite, but solar technology is still too expensive. When people talk about it being "grid parity," they're talking about on a par with their retail costs, usually in areas that have engaged in some massive social engineering exercises (=California). Evan, commercial wind farms in your part of the country are far more economical than solar. Just sign up for an all-renewables package with your utility -- it will be far more economic both for you and society.

 

[efusco]

I hate to sound like an oil-loving luddite, but solar technology is still too expensive. When people talk about it being "grid parity," they're talking about on a par with their retail costs, usually in areas that have engaged in some massive social engineering exercises (=California). Evan, commercial wind farms in your part of the country are far more economical than solar. Just sign up for an all-renewables package with your utility -- it will be far more economic both for you and society.

Worth checking into, but, again, we are in a very 'behind the times' state and I don't think any such program exists. I do agree that payback is too long to be considered really economical. I've considered wind here at my home, but I think that's even more expensive and not as reliable here.

 

[dsm363]

I hate to sound like an oil-loving luddite, but solar technology is still too expensive. When people talk about it being "grid parity," they're talking about on a par with their retail costs, usually in areas that have engaged in some massive social engineering exercises (=California). Evan, commercial wind farms in your part of the country are far more economical than solar. Just sign up for an all-renewables package with your utility -- it will be far more economic both for you and society.

This might be off topic so feel free to move this if you think it should be somewhere else but I thought solar made sense if you were willing to accept the 8 year payback period? I currently do exactly what you said (100% wind energy bought from my power company) since I'm leasing my house.

 

[ElSupreme]

If you DIY you can buy 4.7 kW micro-inverter solar sets from Lowes for less than $13k. You would need a little bit of wiring but this has all your mounting equipment included.

Shop westinghouse solar at Lowes.com: Search Results

I have not used this product, and can not recommend it. But I am looking at putting 1 or 2 sets of this on my roof. I get 30% back from the Feds, and 35% up to $10k (I think) from Georgia. The only problem is that my power rates are about $0.07 per kWh so my payback is looking a bit long. I need to talk with Georgia Power about any incentives they will give me.