Topic 'Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install' in forum 'Home Improvement' - dslreports.com

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 09:44:29 EDT

ke4pym posted : Got a full bill, finally. Here's the stats:

Feb1 - Mar1 2013 (28 billing days)
716KWH consumed from the grid (AVG KWH/day = 19)
189KWH delivered to the grid

Billed for 527KWH. $58.85 (+0.22 Renewable energy rider, +1.77 tax) = $60.84.

Usage for the period was 527KWH, 28 days, 19 KWH/AVG/Day for $2.10/day.

The bill does show me last year's usage, I guess for the same 28 day cycle, but as you see in the bill below, it's not quite the same.

The bill says for the same 28 day period last year I used 787KWH, AVG KWH/day was 28 at a cost of $2.95/day.

-------

Feb17 - Mar 20 2012 (32 Days) - closest I could get because of wonky billing cycles.

1046KWH consumed from the grid (AVG KWH/day = 33)

109.90 (+0.49 renewable energy, + $3.31 tax) = $114.56

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install (Update)

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:18:29 EDT

ke4pym posted : Hi Gang.

Wanted to chime in with the 1mWh production update.

Well, I haven't yet quite made 1mWh (982kWh so far). I will cross that threshold tomorrow.

In just under 3 months, too. With some very cloudy and over cast days, it's amazing I've done it this fast.

The trees haven't proved to be too much of an issue. Between 9a-11a production drops off sharply. But aside from that window, the panels are just crazy electric making machines.

Expected peak production was 4.44kw AC (5.62kw DC). I've managed to hit 4.98kw AC so far. Best production day to date was 28kWh last week. I suspect that will double in the coming months.

Carbon offset is clocking in at 1,488lbs and at 982kWh - the ability to power about 32 homes for a day according to the little chart Englighten gives me.

For the month of Feb the panels produced 414kWh of energy. The week of the 15th - 21st was especially bountiful racking up 122kWh of production.

Had some snow on the panels recently. The resulting avalanche was very amusing to say the least.

This month, I should finally have a proper and full billing cycle that I can compare to last year. Duke moved me to a calender month billing cycle with the new meter and I've had 2 partial bills. I would try to guess the savings, but I suck at math. I'll let you know at the 5mW update ;)

Working with the installer to plan out growing the array. Thinking somewhere between 1 and 9 more panels. Depending on pricing. Will probably end up with 5 more panels.

Taxes are being worked on now. Sadly, the government's inability to figure things out has delayed my ability to file. They haven't yet (or just have) released the documents necessary to get the rebates on the solar install.

Just doing some quick guessing, I won't be paying state taxes for a few years.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:20:27 EDT

ke4pym posted :

said by Jack_in_VA:

said by ke4pym:

Jack-->See here:
»enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/publ···XD138452

With the temperature now I'm using about 60 kWh per day as much as you're generating in a week. That's why I can't get the numbers to come out.

Keep in mind that this is winter. The sun is low on the horizon, causing shading issues for me. And we also don't have a lot of hours of sun.

This should get better as we get into the new year.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 20:32:45 EDT

Jack_in_VA posted :

said by ke4pym:

Jack-->See here:
»enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/publ···XD138452

With the temperature now I'm using about 60 kWh per day as much as you're generating in a week. That's why I can't get the numbers to come out.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 20:02:46 EDT

ke4pym posted : natedj-->I'd probably leave them. The roof would have to be redone on the back side to patch all the holes.

I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.

Jack-->See here:
»enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/publ···XD138452

FWIW, I have 23 REC 245w panels for my install. Additional panels will be 250w. Apparently the 245's are hard to get in right now....

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:14:06 EDT

peasoup42 posted :

said by djrobx:

Definitely. I used REC solar, and they were awesome to work with in every way.

Mine's a 5.3KW (22 panel @240) system. I have a spanish tile roof.

I didn't opt to buy the reporting modules, but it can be added to the inverter. You do get that thrown in if you decide to lease (because the lease company wants to track the output).

TY for the info and need to check with them to see if they service Tehachapi. I've got the tile roof as well and was worried about the removing of them to facilitate install and then having unexplained leakage as well as the weight of both panels and tiles.

My roof is actually east/west facing and will need them to be tilted to the south for best exposure. Hope that isn't additional because of that setup.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:59:28 EDT

djrobx posted :

said by peasoup42:

@ djrobx...

I noticed you're not too far from me. Would you recommend your installer to others here in the SoCal area? Also, I've tried to go back thru the 9 pages of this thread and never caught how big your setup is. How many panels are you running and what is each panel wattage rating?

Do you have the infamous tile roof or do you have shingle roofing?

Lastly, does your system report it's performance to the internet like the other systems do (a feature I found quite interesting)?

Trying to compare to see what I would be interested in spending to take advantage of solar. Much appreciated!! :o)

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:24:12 EDT

Jack_in_VA posted : How much are you doing now?

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:04:43 EDT

peasoup42 posted : @ djrobx...

I noticed you're not too far from me. Would you recommend your installer to others here in the SoCal area? Also, I've tried to go back thru the 9 pages of this thread and never caught how big your setup is. How many panels are you running and what is each panel wattage rating?

Do you have the infamous tile roof or do you have shingle roofing?

Lastly, does your system report it's performance to the internet like the other systems do (a feature I found quite interesting)?

Trying to compare to see what I would be interested in spending to take advantage of solar. Much appreciated!! :o)

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:11:35 EDT

natedj posted : Just a thought that popped into my head.
If you wanted to move into another house in the next six months (hopefully you don't anytime time soon) would you consider taking the panels with you, or would it be more economical to leave them.
--
Good judgement comes with experience...Experience comes after bad judgements

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:38:29 EDT

ke4pym posted :

said by djrobx:

said by ke4pym:

This could change after I get my power bill. But that's still about 2 weeks away. I'll let you know.

December is a very weak output month. Lots of weather and short days. December was estimated to be my most "expensive" utility bill month, but this didn't pan out with the record heat in August/Sept this year.

I would wait until you at least get through spring before deciding on additional investment.

If December is any indicator at all, it's one that I'll be rocking come later in the new year. I'm most certainly adding 1 more panel to the main roof where they miscalculated (by 3/4") the room they had. So, at least 1 more panel is coming. If I can swing it, the smaller roof is going to get up to 6 more panels - if they'll fit. 142kWh is no slouch, in my opinion for 2 and a half mostly crappy, cloudy weeks.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:25:11 EDT

djrobx posted :

said by ke4pym:

This could change after I get my power bill. But that's still about 2 weeks away. I'll let you know.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 19:50:24 EDT

MSauk posted : Well that is awesome to hear. To me as long as you are happy with your investment that is all that matters! Enjoy the FREE energy :)
--
801 Images

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:56:22 EDT

tstolze posted :

said by ke4pym:

said by jack b:

said by ke4pym:

It will be interesting to see how the panels behave as the sun gets higher and hotter.

The panels on my small roof won't be angled as well, and the heat is going to derate their output quite a bit.

The heat will have some impact on production, though not as much as you might think. But wait 'till you see what kind of juice you can make on a chilly, clear, bright sunshiny April day!

There's no such thing here. :) We're in the mid-80's by April.

We had record heat in June/July this year....Yes it will decrease due to heat, but it comes down to available sunlight in the long run.
Here is my report for July, my system is rated at 6.75 kW AC, 7.65 DC

Week PeakPower Energy Produced
07/01/2012 - 07/07/2012 5.96 kW 266 kWh
07/08/2012 - 07/14/2012 6.45 kW 274 kWh
07/15/2012 - 07/21/2012 6.20 kW 258 kWh
07/22/2012 - 07/28/2012 6.00 kW 275 kWh
07/29/2012 - 07/31/2012 6.09 kW 92.5 kWh
July 2012 Total: 1.17 MWh
Previous Month Total: 1.29 MWh
--
Ofallon, Mo Weather
St. Peters, Mo Weather

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:29:24 EDT

ke4pym posted :

said by jack b:

said by ke4pym:

It will be interesting to see how the panels behave as the sun gets higher and hotter.

The panels on my small roof won't be angled as well, and the heat is going to derate their output quite a bit.

The heat will have some impact on production, though not as much as you might think. But wait 'till you see what kind of juice you can make on a chilly, clear, bright sunshiny April day!

There's no such thing here. :) We're in the mid-80's by April.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:24:10 EDT

jack b posted :

said by ke4pym:

It will be interesting to see how the panels behave as the sun gets higher and hotter.

The panels on my small roof won't be angled as well, and the heat is going to derate their output quite a bit.

The heat will have some impact on production, though not as much as you might think. But wait 'till you see what kind of juice you can make on a chilly, clear, bright sunshiny April day!
--
~Help Find a Cure for Cancer~
~Proud Member of Team Discovery ~

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 08:13:58 EDT
ke4pym posted :
said by tstolze
Remember, your production will be much higher come summer. I produced over 1200 kWh's in June, I will be lucky to squeeze 400 kWh's out this month.
[/BQUOTE :
I've done 127kWh in just under 2 weeks now. And half of the days have been cloudy.

Not much production the first half of this week either. It will be interesting to see how the panels behave as the sun gets higher and hotter.

The panels on my small roof won't be angled as well, and the heat is going to derate their output quite a bit.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 01:10:20 EDT
tstolze posted :
said by ke4pym:
said by MSauk:
I guess the biggest question is, are you happy with your purchase? Do you feel it is worth it?

So far? Yeah. I'm already scheming on how to add 7 more panels and knock down the trees blocking the panels. :)

This could change after I get my power bill. But that's still about 2 weeks away. I'll let you know.

Remember, your production will be much higher come summer. I produced over 1200 kWh's in June, I will be lucky to squeeze 400 kWh's out this month.
--
Ofallon, Mo Weather
St. Peters, Mo Weather

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 22:08:58 EDT
ke4pym posted :
said by MSauk:
I guess the biggest question is, are you happy with your purchase? Do you feel it is worth it?

So far? Yeah. I'm already scheming on how to add 7 more panels and knock down the trees blocking the panels. :)

This could change after I get my power bill. But that's still about 2 weeks away. I'll let you know.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 14:55:08 EDT
MSauk posted : I guess the biggest question is, are you happy with your purchase? Do you feel it is worth it?
--
801 Images

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 21:53:32 EDT
tstolze posted :
said by MSauk:
So how much do you believe you will save per month?

Our rates in Utah are 8 cents to 10 cents I believe (different tiers), so I am not sure it would ever be able to recoup the upfront cost.

I would love to do it though, maybe one day. I would love to be somewhat dependent from the grid.

Gonna answer with my results, we are just over 6 months on solar. I figure my payback in 8-12 years.
Our initial investment was over $45,000, our electric provider has 2 rebates, one they only allocate a certain amount of funding each year. I received both and will get 30% back on my federal tax return. Our out of pocket will be $11,350.
It is estimated to cover 70% of our usage each year and looks to exceed calculations. From May 1 through the end of November we spent $110 on electric, all electric, 1200 sq/ft, 2 adults, a 20 year old and 12 year old.
Our rates were 10.5 cent/kWh in the summer, and tiered in the Winter, first 750 kWh 7.5 after that 4.5...They will enact a 10.5% rate increase January 1.
--
Ofallon, Mo Weather
St. Peters, Mo Weather

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:47:53 EDT
MSauk posted : So how much do you believe you will save per month?

Our rates in Utah are 8 cents to 10 cents I believe (different tiers), so I am not sure it would ever be able to recoup the upfront cost.

I would love to do it though, maybe one day. I would love to be somewhat dependent from the grid.
--
801 Images

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:01:13 EDT
ke4pym posted : Jack - Yes, I own the system.

The liability thing is just part of the power companies' requirement prior to signing off on allowing the interconnect.

It's not a big deal. I already had the proper coverage. Just have to provide on going proof.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:56:40 EDT
jack b posted : Interesting that the power co wants proof of liability? What the reasoning behind that, and why should they even care? You own the system, correct?

When I installed my system, I had my insurance co add the value for cost of replacement, under covered damage perils.
--
~Help Find a Cure for Cancer~
~Proud Member of Team Discovery ~

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:53:20 EDT
ke4pym posted :
said by EGeezer:
This is a great topic - thanks for documenting your progress!

I'm curious - how do the panels affect the ability to replace/repair the roof, and did you have to have a rider on your homeowner's policy for coverage of damage to the panels and/or system?

You're welcome! Glad you like it!

The roof just got replaced 2 months ago, so I should be set, for awhile.

When it comes time to replace the roof, everything will have to be removed and reinstalled (except for the roof penetrations for the cabling). Kinda sucks. But that's how it is.

HOPEFULLY, with the panels keeping the sun off of most of the back roof, it should last quite awhile.

No special rider for me. According to my agent, the panels are covered under my existing policy.

I do have to provide a yearly insurance statement to the power co with a minimum of $100,000 of liability insurance. Which isn't an issue.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 22:48:28 EDT
EGeezer posted : This is a great topic - thanks for documenting your progress!

I'm curious - how do the panels affect the ability to replace/repair the roof, and did you have to have a rider on your homeowner's policy for coverage of damage to the panels and/or system?
--
Buckle Up. It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:54:20 EDT
anon posted :
said by Var :
Exporting var is a result of a lagging power factor. It's lagging PF is normal in most cases.

Oops! The "It's" before lagging PF should be "A". Gotta love auto correct on touch-screen devices.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:39:58 EDT
anon posted : Exporting var is a result of a lagging power factor. It's lagging PF is normal in most cases.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:57:57 EDT
ke4pym posted : Thanks nunya!

So, is there any reason I should pay attention to what the meter says about VAR? Or is it just a fyi only kind of thing?

Why would there be 0 inbound VAR and 86 outbound?

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:54:12 EDT
nunya posted : Volt Amps Reactive. VAR is also called "phantom power". VAR is the wasted power on an inductive (or capacitive) load that isn't doing any work. Capacitance will cause the current to lead the sine wave (voltage), Inductance will lag the sine wave.

Snake oil salesmen often use this term when selling their magical "power saving" devices. It confuses people.

Residential and most Commercial rate payers don't need to worry about VAR, as we are billed in Watts.

Some industrial and heavy commercial rate payers are billed by the utility for kVAR. Most places hire a qualified electrical engineer to come up with a solution so they don't have to pay the penalty to the utility. Not some stupid capacitor box some scammer is selling on a website.
--
If someone refers to herself / himself as a "guru", they probably aren't.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:36:11 EDT
ke4pym posted : Alrighty gang.

1 week in. Out of the past 7 days, 3 of them have been overly cloudy. :( Go figure. We got 3 months without nary a drop of rain. I turn the array on and ... clouds and rain. Freakin' a.

Anyway, here are some stats:

As observed by the utilities' meter:

I have consumed 215kWh.
I have delivered to the grid 37kWh.
The maximum energy received at one time is 7.05kWh.
The maximum energy I have sent to the grid at one time is 2.85kWh.
I have consumed 0 Kilovar-hours.
I have delivered 86 Kilovar-hours to the grid.

Now, as observed by the inverters in the past 7 days:

I have produced 83.4kWh.
Today, I produced 14.7kWh.
Minimum produced in a day - 2.26kWh.
Maximum produced in a day - 16.3kWh.

Oddly enough, the panels you see in the pictures with tons of shade, are actually making the most energy. The 4 of them have produced 733, 726, 729, and 714wh, each.

I think, in the summer, I'll see the main roof light up like a Christmas tree. They're not tilted as much as the panels on the small roof.

If you'd like to observe what the array is doing, check it out here:
»enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/publ···XD138452

Oh yeah - what's a kilovar-hour? The book for the meter says it is how they figure the derate-factor (or some such). But in engrish, what does it mean?

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:55:52 EDT
JoelC707 posted : I've been following this thread, lurking really, since page 1. Though I do that with a lot of these kind of threads :)

It's been an amazing journey that's for sure. Oh BTW, while it's a good habit to be in, you didn't need to obscure your meter's IP address. The part you left visible tells me it's local only. 10.x.x.x IP's are local only, the entire block. You would have to be on the same network as Duke to even be able to possibly access it. But still, as I said it's a good habit to be in anyway.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:15:39 EDT
Jack_in_VA posted : Your posts have been excellent at describing your Solar Project. Thanks. It's been very interesting. :)

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:13:05 EDT
ke4pym posted : Well ... gang. Duke came to replace the meter today. And with that, the system was commissioned.

I'm happy. And glad all is said and done. Until next year when I add the 24th panel. :)

Hope you found this thread helpful. Sure was an interesting journey for me. From the moment the idea popped into my head until today was about a year.

Outdoor breakers (array strings get combined here).

You don't want to touch this.

Old meter. Kinda boring.

Shiny new meter! With IP address obscured.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:03:46 EDT
jack b posted : A 50# cable tie-wrap through the cover clip should make it difficult enough to open and after trimming the tail, is pretty discreet. You could also put one on the disconnect if it turns out that someone who is unauthorized to do so, decides to operate it.

As far as your "next energy monitor" is concerned, I would recommend getting a TED5000.

I have two sets of CT's, one configured for "adjusted load" on the main line breaker and the second set on the solar generation breaker.

This way I can see exactly how much power is being consumed and generated.

It's totally overcast here today, hence the low solar production.
--
~Help Find a Cure for Cancer~
~Proud Member of Team Discovery ~

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:32:44 EDT
ke4pym posted : Sorry for all the posts this morning. I wanted this one to be an individual question.

I want to put a lock on the disconnect panel to prohibit anyone from opening it (and thus, perhaps, electrocuting themselves because wiring and fuses are exposed).

Inspector said it was okay, and highly recommended since there is exposure.

The lock hole seems kind of small. Would a master lock fit in there? Or is there a better lock suited for this?

DO note, that I'm not proposing I put a lock on the on/off switch. But on the smaller tab below the disconnect switch itself to keep anyone from opening the panel. The switch will remain fully functional.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:28:04 EDT
ke4pym posted :
said by guppy_fish:
Also, no way that run from the roof is to code, you can't use "flex" more than 6ft to meet NEC rules

Guess what .... that run from the roof is to code (so sayuth the code inspector, anyway). I asked the inspector about it, in front of the installer.

The conduit is called Liquid (liqui??) tight. And it's approved. Now the stuff they used to run from the small roof to the attic - had that been used, then they'd have had a problem.

Interestingly enough, for all that the inspector was focused on the disconnect issue, he never looked at the load center in the garage.

I found the whole process rather interesting. And I sure thought we were sunk when I heard the inspector tell my installer "I've been reading that book for 12 years!".

I was like, he just called my installer a whipper-snapper! We're sunk! But my whipper-snapper wouldn't let go of the issue. Heh.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:01:55 EDT
ke4pym posted :
said by jack b:
said by ke4pym:
I'm ready for Duke to come out and replace the meter. Not sure when that'll happen.

Is that a strap-on energy monitor on your electric meter? Chances are your new meter will be electronic with no spinning disc for the optical pick-up to "see".

Yes it is. And most of the electronic ones (according to the manual) have a little IR output eye that it can see. I may be giving it to the parents....

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 03:31:54 EDT
jack b posted :
said by ke4pym:
I'm ready for Duke to come out and replace the meter. Not sure when that'll happen.

Is that a strap-on energy monitor on your electric meter? Chances are your new meter will be electronic with no spinning disc for the optical pick-up to "see".
--
~Help Find a Cure for Cancer~
~Proud Member of Team Discovery ~

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:00:50 EDT
TA63 posted : Think of it as a bridge over troubled waters.
--
The talented hawk speaks French.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:07:07 EDT
ke4pym posted : Woohoo! All inverters reported correctly. Shut the system down. Got it inspected and PASSED! Yay.

Inspector said it's the nicest system he's seen in months.

There was some well, disagreement on where the disconnects should go. But the installer and inspector worked it out (read: scratched heads, consulted books) and now I'm ready for Duke to come out and replace the meter. Not sure when that'll happen.

Oh, the little reporting jobbie - it takes data from the inverters and sends it to the web. That guy didn't like being in the computer room. So, I grabbed a wireless bridge, and hooked it up to an outlet that was a straight shot to the indoor load center. Fixed it right up. Not thrilled about having to give up a bridge, but, oh well.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:32:03 EDT
ke4pym posted : Woohoo! Panels are currently ON! The little Enphase dongle is looking for inverters.

County inspector is on his way to check out the install.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 01:01:29 EDT
djrobx posted :
said by Jack_in_VA:
You are paying $0.23/kWh for electricity? That's double what I pay.

Or more, depending on my usage. The first 320-400kwh (depending on season) are relatively cheap, but then it escalates to over 30 cents quickly. And guess what, the CPUC just ruled - it's going up!

»www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-e···47.story

"The 5% increase for 2012 �€” providing the Rosemead company with $5.7 billion in revenue �€” is less than the 16.6% the company had sought. Rates, however, are estimated to rise an additional 6.3% for 2013 and 5.9% in 2014 under the PUC order"

I think I made the right choice buying solar!
--
AT&T U-Hearse - RIP Unlimited Internet 1995-2011
Rethink Billable.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:30:53 EDT
ke4pym posted : AAAAAND DONE! :)

All panels in, all wiring in. Have room for 1 more panel, too!

Inspections next week (electrical, mechanical). Then Duke comes to inspect. Then they come again to change the meter. THEN I can turn the switches on (breakers outside, disconnect outside, breakers inside).

Disconnect, external load center.

4 panels, small roof

19 panels, main roof

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 08:18:46 EDT
Jack_in_VA posted : You are paying $0.23/kWh for electricity? That's double what I pay.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:45:15 EDT
djrobx posted :
said by Jack_in_VA:
9504kWh would be about $950 worth of electricity for me. Would not come close to paying the loan payment on the 33,000 system that would only provide at best 1/2 of my requirement.

I found an excel spreadsheet that can calculate Edison's tier prices. I entered my total usage, and it looks like I would have paid around $2143 to the utility, with solar, it was $330. So, my first year savings is around $1813.

If the cost of power remains stagnant I'd need a bit over 7 years break even, however Edison is pushing for a 20+% rate increase. CPUC decision is imminent.
--
AT&T U-Hearse - RIP Unlimited Internet 1995-2011
Rethink Billable.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 08:38:57 EDT
ke4pym posted : Not much to report from yesterday (and probably not a lot to report today - rain :( - not good). The trunk lines for the inverters were setup. The last of the rails were installed.

The inverters need to be placed, and then the panels can go up. The panels were delivered to the job site yesterday. Pretty neat.

If there's no/limited rain today, then the master electrician will be on site to install the connecting cables from the disconnect switch to my panel. Maybe some panels will get installed. We'll see.

I did ask about the shading on the cells. Apparently, it's bad news if the bottom cells of the panel get shaded. A lot of energy is lost that way. So, they're installing them in portrait orientation to limit that possiblity on the shadier roof.

The panels are about 4 feet wide. About the same long. The frame is probably 6 or 7" thick. But the panel in-and-of-itself is probably only 1-2". Weighs 35-40 pounds.

Update --- they got 5 panels in, all inverters are installed and wired up. The external circuit breakers are in. The disconnect (fused) is installed and wired to my house's electrical panel.

They should be done tomorrow.

Sunny side up!

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:30:47 EDT
ke4pym posted : Couple of other pics I forgot to attach above.

Rails!

Lag side down!

Bolt side up to L bracket.

Re: I've gone and done it ... solar install

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:28:32 EDT
ke4pym posted :
said by guppy_fish:
That "small" roof sure has allot of shade in the picture you posted, If that is typical your wasting money putting solar there

Also, no way that run from the roof is to code, you can't use "flex" more than 6ft to meet NEC rules

The small roof does get some shade during the winter. Lasts about 2 hours. I'm going to fix that problem soon enough. :)

If the flex tube isn't to code, then I'm sure the master electrician and the city inspector and the Duke energy field inspector will have something to say about it. If it gets past all of those folks, then I'm not going to worry about it.

Outdoor breakers (array strings get combined here).
You don't want to touch this.
Old meter. Kinda boring.
Shiny new meter! With IP address obscured.

Disconnect, external load center.
4 panels, small roof
19 panels, main roof