Any solar gurus in here?

[Narkos]

I live in the PNW, looking into buying a solar system for electrcity and possibly heating. The solar consultant came by today, and recommended 4.1 kW system using Evergreen panels and a SMA SB4000US inverter. Total system cost will be around 35K. Does this sound reasonable?
Also, I am having him price out a 3kW system with Sanyo panels with Enphase inverters so that I could have cut some cost now and possibly increase capacity later down the road. Also got a quote for solar heating (80 gal Apricus APCP) for around 10K. Questions are: are these quotes reasonable? Should I do both? Any opinions on the equipment? Any insights would be appreciated!

[msongs]

1. here is our one month old solar array -

3.9 kwh, 20 panels made by sharp, 2 inverters, total cost about 30K, 10K rebate plus more tax breaks.
today at solar noon of the longest day the readings on both inverters were about 1900 out of 2000 possible.
at times we have everything in the house running just about, and the meter still goes backwards! haven't fired up the central air compressor yet as hasn't been hot enough and we really minimize its use anyway.

we are preparing a page about all this for our website and posting on various blogs like dailykos but haven't finished it yet...still waiting for the first electric bill LOL.

Msongs
Riverside CA

[Narkos]

6. You got an actual 10K rebate?

Wow, we just get a nice deduction here in WA. Let me know when you decide to publish your experiences online. Thanks!

[create.peace]

2. i know someone who is familiar with your area who sells solar in

quartzsite arizona. i will try to find their info if you wish!

http://www.discountsolar.com/

[Narkos]

7. Yeah, I would love that info.

Can you PM me the info?

[oldhippie]

3. The going price in Austin for a 4.2 KW system .....

... with the SMA SB4000US inverter is around $30K. Of course, rebates and tax credits reduce that to about $10.5K out of pocket.

One of the big factors that determines the economic viability is how your utility handles net metering. Do you get full retail credit for outflows to the grid? Here in Texas my power company pays me nothing for outflow to the grid, so I want to make sure to use all my production. If you get credit for your outflow I'd go with the bigger system. It will pay off more in the end.

edited to correct cost error.

[Narkos]

8. Our utility comp does net metering

at the retail rate, so yeah, I may go bigger eventually.

[GreenGreenLimaBean]

4. Greetings from Austin

Had my 3.3kW system installed in Aug. 07. Uses 16 - 208 Watt Sharp modules and a Fronius IG Inverter. Total cost $23,500(Total System Installed) - $13,500(Austin Energy Rebate) - $2,000(Federal Tax Credit) = $8,000 (out of pocket).....I am seeing anywhere from 400 to 500 kWhrs generated per month, which is approximately $50 monthly into my pocket. Total payback time is ~ 13 years....

Let me add that you will get a much bigger bang for your buck by first adding more insulation to your attic, 2nd have your entire house changed to CFLs, 3rd seal your ducts, windows, and doors, 4th, upgrade A/C unit to at least 16seer....it is much cheaper to save electricity than it is to generate...

Hope this helps.

[oldhippie]

5. If you don't mind telling, who installed your system .......

I'm up north a bit near Fort Hood and looking for an installation company. I assume the Austin companies would do a job up here.

You going to the big renewable energy roundup in Fredericksburg in Sep?

[GreenGreenLimaBean]

10. Meridian Energy Systems installed my system

I highly recommend them...

http://www.meridiansolar.com/

[oldhippie]

11. Thanks .......

I was looking at them as a potential supplier. I expect to gather a lot of info at the Texas Renewable Energy Roundup in Fredericksburg in SEP (I already have my reservations for the weekend.) I hope to install a system this fall.

Did Meridian offer any provision for inverter replacement in 10-12 years? I would like to have that priced into the initial purchase price to get the tax credit on the Present Value of a future inverter.

[Narkos]

9. Thanks for the info. I'm getting an energy audit soon

and will basically follow their recs..