Anyone have solar panels?

[torredcuda]

Just as I figured, if it sounds too good to be true it probabl is which is why I do my research for before commiting to anything.

[Blasterb]

First thing is what is the power output of the panels? Second  is to find out the storage capacity of the batteries and the expected life of the storage batteries. They are very expensive and make it very difficult to come out on top. Most studies say that a solar array will never pay for itself. Between keeping the cells clean and the care and feeding of the batteries. If you just want to go off the grid or keep your power on when nobody else has any great but overall it's a losing proposition

[YellowThumper]

Been considering it for my place. We have a large south facing portion of our roof that is unobstructed. SoCal here.
We are 20 years into our 30 year roof. As this is a relatively new industry with all these companies jumping on the bandwagon. 10 plus years from now many of the companies will be out of business and vetted out with their practices. 10 years, new roof, new panels and retirement plans.

My plan...

Mike

[1 Wild R/T]

Current thinking is south facing may not be the best choice... West or south west facing has proven to have advantages...  in the morning your energy load is low, as the day passes & the sun moves to the western sky your house heats up & the A/C comes into play, biggest load on your energy demand.... By catching west, southwest  sun you extend max solar energy production to match your energy load.... Since what you sent to the grid barely gets compensated & what you use from the grid is billed at full rate you want your used time & production time to match as closely as possible...

[torredcuda]

First thing is what is the power output of the panels? Second  is to find out the storage capacity of the batteries and the expected life of the storage batteries. They are very expensive and make it very difficult to come out on top. Most studies say that a solar array will never pay for itself. Between keeping the cells clean and the care and feeding of the batteries. If you just want to go off the grid or keep your power on when nobody else has any great but overall it's a losing proposition

No batteries with this system, power goes back to the grid. I would have to call the power company and get details on exactly how that works and hoe much I`d be compensated fro any "extra" power I produce. I wasn`t very impressed with the salsemans presentation as he only spent maybe 10 minutes telling me about the system and left us with  a lot of questions. Unless I do a lot more research, calling the power company, insutrance company, fire dept. etc I wouldn`t even consider doing it now.

[Stowit]

I went solar a couple years ago and love it. You're right to be concerned about roof and upkeep costs though. Make sure you do your research before going through with it. It's easy to see that it costs less than your bill and assume automatic savings.