I purchased the solar panels last September and planned on putting out a report based on data from the past 12 months. Unfortunately the system did not produce data for 2 months. So I am putting out some thoughts. By my estimation the panels will pay for them selves in 11 years plus or minus. I made sure to buy monocrystalline panels which are more durable, I suggest getting 100% coverage on your house ( better energy plan options) If you can pay cash the companies will negotiate up to 5% or so. Make sure your tax liability us high enough to use the tax credit. (26% tax credit based on the cost of solar panels) Make sure you are not moving in the next few years, One big con was service as it took 60 days to get my inverter replaced. If you are retired and travel alot, this is great as you will be producing energy while away. You must understand that you are both a producer and consumer of energy. TXU plan pays 10.9 for production while charging 13.9 for consumption. green mountain energy is around 16.0 for both production and consumption. (Thus you want the system with capability of 100%) With what I now know I would do it again. Yes you can PM questions

Appreciate the feedback. It’s something I’ve been interested in if it makes sense. Good to hear from actual users.

Do you have the capability to produce power for your home if the grid is down via a Tesla powerwall or battery bank?

No the cost of batteries was extremely expensive.

Thanks for sharing. Will be retiring within a few years, and the more I read about the grid and smart meters, etc., the more I want multiple energy sources for our house we'll build then, in order to be as independent as possible. I'm fairly certain complete off-grid independence is probably something few can achieve, but between solar, wind, and propane generator augmenting the set-up, every little bit helps. Thanks again.

What happens when you need your roof replaced?

What the scenario with removing and installing the panels?

How many panels did you install? Was this a DIY?

X2
..and does a warranty cover hail damage?

if your roof needs replacement the panels must come off, not a DIY, hired a company Integrate Sun. Warranty does not cover hail damage, but home insurance will. 21 panels

Do the Solar panels completely cover your roof line so if there was a big hail storm you would only be replacing the solar panels and not the roofing shingles and maybe decking?

Also do the solar panels raise the cost of your home owners insurance, if so what about how much?

I would only be able to do 50% coverage. I would only want them on the back of my house where nobody could see them. They look horrible. There are some shingle looking versions coming out but they are like $2K+ a square.

If thrre was a big hail storm 50% of the roof would need replacing. I am not sure on the home insurance, but know there is limited carriers. I am currently self insured

They are ugly, but ghat fits into the rest of my life.

11 years? I'd be afraid the equipment would need to be replaced at 10, and I'd be underwater by a year.

Hard pass for me…. I hope you are pleased with your purchase….

One of those deals I was on the fence and jumped. Only time will tell, I can tell you that over the summer my house stayed on 66 degrees 24/7 and my bill never hit $100

If I was younger, probably, but only with battery backup. I'm more worried about having no juice than the price of said juice.

What is the productive life expectancy of solar panels? 5, 10, 15, 20, + years?

The rule of thumb for the lifespan of Solar panels is generally between 25 to 30 years. That doesn’t mean that they will just stop working when they reach that age. They will still be producing electricity long past that date, but not as efficiently.

So estimated payback is 1/2 the estimated life span….

Thanks

The degradation rate of a solar panel is the pace at which its power production decreases over time. The majority of the solar products now on the market degrade at a rate of 0.5% each year on average.

My buddy just built his own system with batteries for around $11.5k
I sat and listened to a salesmans spill for an hour one evening and they essentially told me $72k, no batteries and I had to sign over my $25k tax rebate.

Did he atleast have a tub of vasaline? Jesus, that is robbery

With batteries that's a great price. I'd do that in a NY minute. $72K guy would be immediately shown the door.

First realistic, common sense, factual discussion I have ever seen on the subject. Thanks to all.