A solar panel company gave me a $29K estimate recently. I think that's bullshit

[Maraya1969]

I found this company and was wondering if anyone knows of a group of people who are using this or would be willing to use these, "DIY solar"

I might just hire someone if I can't figure the whole thing out.


https://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-information/diy-solar#workshop-form



What is DIY Solar?
Do-It-Yourself solar systems put you in control when you build your own solar power system over "Big Solar" turnkey schemes, saving you thousands!

Ok, But How Do I Save on Solar?
ZERO $ in installer markup & labor
100% use of solar tax credits & local incentives
2-3 times faster payback period
4-5% average increase in home resale value
Plus, our free services save you even more:

FREE solar estimate, system sizing & design
FREE tools, resources & how-to guides
FREE permit help & tech support
FREE shipping on complete system kits
These savings and services are impossible with those Big Solar outfits & lease schemes. They’re only interested in bloated profits, not your power savings!

How do i save money on my quote
installing solar panels
Go From Solar Newbie to DIY Solar Pro Fast

Join our DIY Solar WorkShop:

Step-by-Step Confidence-Building Workshop

Get FREE Access Now
Makes Sense, But is Big Solar a Real Thing?
Full transparency here … we coined the term Big Solar representing "big name" solar outfits from TV & glossy magazine ads who oppose cheap solar power installation.

Every day, Big Solar spends Millions on ads claiming:

Slick promises about huge power savings (without detailing the true lifetime costs)
Vague Promotions about huge cost savings (without showing the fine print)
Only Tech-savvy people enjoy solar (myth)
Highly Trained Installer: Need to be handled and installed by specially trained or certified expert (myth)

[jimfields33]

1. My neighbors in Florida paid 30K back in 2010.

Had a huge tax deduction from it. Not sure if they still have that. They get money every month from the electric company like 50 bucks, but better then owing.

[msongs]

2. the copious use of the word FREE should tell u something. nt

[alittlelark]

3. My dad paid for used panels and associated connections

That's all. Less than $1200, Added batteries and inverter $2000. Off grid in the middle of a city.

OK, he is a physicist with 3 PhD's (seriously), but the math is not difficult. One just needs to 'study up'. I think the solar companies try to overcomplexify the systems.

Buy some good books, get to the 'ah ha moment' and have an electrician double check and oversee installation.

[in2herbs]

4. Installing solar is not a time to think "free." If you don't know what to do and how to do it

it is best you pay someone to do it or forget it. Several years ago we hired a solar installer company and designed, with their assistance, a premium unit. It cost us close to $60,000 but it tracks the sun (for a better $$$ return). We also installed more panels than our estimated electric use. IMO installing more panels than you need for your elec use is where it pay to install solar, although we don't expect that our system will ever pay for itself. The system we have returns to us each month between $200 and $400+ a MONTH in credits (depends on the time of year.) Our January electric bill with nightime temps in the 30 and 40s yielded us a $7 credit -- meaning we owed nothing. We have 3 heat pumps and a large house. Once installed, if you can do it, any replacement panels could be done by a homeowner. The time of tax breaks for solar is past. We got no tax break, we just believe in going green as much as we can.

[Fresh_Start]

5. there is still a 26% federal tax credit for solar...

the rate of the credit is going down...but it still exists.
We just missed installing in 2019 when the credit was 30%.

[WhiteTara]

6. Are you handy?

Do you have an eye for details? You can do it. Just be sure you don't ruin the roof. The rest is pi.

[Maraya1969]

7. I am not handy at all. I thought it was the gig of the century that I was able

to install my new mailbox!

I want to find someone handy who would be willing to work. And maybe help that person.

[WhiteTara]

8. That sounds great. I had a solar house in CA

and the wiring is the only thing you need an electrician for, the rest is carpentry and that can be done by someone who is handy. And of course, you'll be right there too. You'll love it. My house was 12v/110 and my lights were 12 volt and the fridge was propane so my house was absolutely silent. No hums or buzzes, just silence. I loved it.

[roody]

9. I paid 11K one year ago for 10 panels installed

in a net tied system in N.Cal.

[HAB911]

10. unless you are off the grid........

you need qualified people to install. I just put in 29 panels, 7.9Kw system that feeds excess to the grid. the power company has RULES.