Should I sign up with SolarCity now or wait?

[fallen888]

I just signed up with SolarCity for their PPL program (but have time to back out). But rumor has it that Elon will announce something related to SolarCity and Tesla at the end of this month. Should I put my order on hold until after the announcement? Does anyone know what exactly the announcement will be about?
Thanks.

 

[TheTalkingMule]

Much like Tesla, SolarCity does not undermine itself at the point of sale. The SolarCity PPA in SE Pennsylvania is priced at a point where they think they'll make money once the region is up to scale, so there's not much fear of a better option coming from Tesla post-merger. The difference one year from now will be in profit margin, not price point or product offering.

I know some good installers in the area if you're interested in buying, otherwise SolarCity is the way to go.

 

[EVCollies]

As much as I love Elon, you really owe it to yourself to check out independent installers. I obtained three bids for my solar in addition to SolarCity's deals and found it much better to install and own the units myself.

 

[fallen888]

I know some good installers in the area if you're interested in buying, otherwise SolarCity is the way to go.

I'd love some references. I started googling around and asking neighbors, but don't know who's better.

 

[PtG62901]

Estimates are solar panels will drop I price between 20 and 40% in the next year. Panels are just part of a total install, but I'm waiting for a while.

 

[TheTalkingMule]

Panels are so cheap now that you really need to focus on avoiding soft costs more than anything. The only reason I haven't gone with SCTY is all that sales cost in the background.

I still recommend that anyone not legitimately interested in shopping for and monitoring their array on a weekly basis should go with SolarCity. It's cheaper than PECo and they take care of everything.

Will PM you a good installer option and can put you in touch with a couple PA SolarCity customers if you'd like to hear their thoughts.

 

[fallen888]

Estimates are solar panels will drop I price between 20 and 40% in the next year. Panels are just part of a total install, but I'm waiting for a while.

Based on my research, they've started coming down in price already. But what makes you think it'll be another 20 - 40% in the next year?

 

[MikeNewhouse]

Building a solar array on your house is not rocket science. A little research and the average person can do it. Most of the systems today are plug and play with micro inverters. However having a company install is nice if you have the money. I have 44 panels on my house here in KC and it has been well worth the time and effort. My bill is zero from Sept - May every year and dropped 2/3's in the summer months.
I know this not a "should I" or "shouldn't I" thread but just adding a little additional personal experience.

 

[fallen888]

Appreciate the input, @MikeNewhouse. But I'm not super handy and scared of tumbling off my roof. So I'll leave it to the professionals. I am exploring financing/owning a solar system now, versus SolarCity's PPA option.

 

[PtG62901]

Based on my research, they've started coming down in price already. But what makes you think it'll be another 20 - 40% in the next year?

The articles I have looked at. Solar City's giant new plant coming online for example. I would have to be under contract the day Tesla/Solar City announces whatever they are announcing on the Oct 28th.

 

[fallen888]

I would have to be under contract the day Tesla/Solar City announces whatever they are announcing on the Oct 28th.

I assume you meant "hate". Yeah, that's what I'm wondering as well. Probably best to wait and see.

 

[TheTalkingMule]

SolarCity just quietly started a pilot program for online discount sales of I assume their PPA product. You should shoot them an email and express your interest in the discounted online rate even though it's officially only run in South Carolina right now.

The only major advantage I can see in waiting til post-merger is that sales cost should go down considerably under the Tesla umbrella. Price points for the PPA then could go down a hair. But if they can provide that savings today through discounted online orders.....

 

[ggnykk]

Based on my research, they've started coming down in price already. But what makes you think it'll be another 20 - 40% in the next year?

Keep in mind that even if price of panel will drop another 20% by next year, it doesn't mean your total installation cost will drop 20%. That's because price of panel is accounting for less than half of solar installation costs.

 

[ggnykk]

I just signed up with SolarCity for their PPL program (but have time to back out). But rumor has it that Elon will announce something related to SolarCity and Tesla at the end of this month. Should I put my order on hold until after the announcement? Does anyone know what exactly the announcement will be about?
Thanks.

It is not a rumor anymore. Elon already announced on twitter that there will be a new solar product reveal at the end of Oct.