Solar panels

[Paté]

Anybody have solar panels installed? I've been talking to Vivant Solar and considering taking the plunge. Just not sure if it's worth entering into a paid power agreement or buy the system outright? $12K buys a lot of ammo.

[Tonto]

In for info...
I've been thinking of getting them for our house. Haven't talked to anyone yet. But I know I would buy.

[Paté]

The only advantage to buying power from them is the cost. In my case it's 1/2 the cost per kilowatt. Price is held for the 20 year contract. (2.9% max increase)

[FastPhil]

I recently had a system put in by solar city. No money out off pocket and I pay for what I use. 14 1/2 cents per kW. Should save about 1k per year. Last months PSEG bill was $30 bucks. This month should just be a service charge. I also get a $5k tax credit

[Grifhunter]

My solar install will be on my house AFTER I blow out of this state in 6-8 years.

I don't get investing long haul in NY real estate.

[Paté]

The only reason I may consider doing it is that my roof has enough clear space to allow the whole system to be on the backside of the roof out of view. Nothing on the front slope or either side of the garage roof. A major +1 considering I just built the house and don't like the look of the panels.

[pandm]

Talk to Aquabach. He just did his whole house, himself.

[VietVet]

I had Solar installed by Vivint last July.
Keep in mind you pay for the power the SYSTEM PRODUCES.
NOT what you use.

Honestly, I have no complaints and it is saving me money. Cost me nothing to have them install it. It comes down to you're leasing you roof to them.
Last month my PSEG was $13.60 and my Vivint bill was $96.00. Monthly total $109.60. It varies monthly but I'm seeing a savings of about $40.00 to $50.00 a month.
Estimated savings yearly about $480.00 to $600.00. Not life changing money but it's money in my pocket and I didn't lay out one penny.

[Paté]

That's good to know Rich. I didn't realize you pay for what it produces and not what I actually use. My house is energy star complaint and my energy bill is very low. This may not be worth it for me after considering I still need to pay $20.00 per month as a delivery charge.

[Mega2899]

Just in here for the info as I was looking into Vivint also as a possible solar install on the house. Would like more feed back from other Vivint customers also.

[Surfer21]

A neighbor down my block had them done. Aesthetically its kinda fugly but he tells me his electric bill is like nothing. The caveat is that when you sell your house the solar company has to be in on it some way. I don't glean any details but will when I see the guy this week.

[Diesel1]

Message joey diver....he bought his I believe.....he loves cranking the ac in summer and rubbing his $17 bills in my face

[Paté]

A neighbor down my block had them done. Aesthetically its kinda fugly but he tells me his electric bill is like nothing. The caveat is that when you sell your house the solar company has to be in on it some way. I don't glean any details but will when I see the guy this week.

You sign of a 20 year contract. If you sell your house and the new owners want to keep them, you're good. If not up you have to pay off the balance of the contract.

[UVBNAXED]

I'm buying my own 3.5KW system and installing it myself. Then calling PSE&G for a different meter. Figure it'll pay itself off in 2-3 years.

[Aquabach]

Generally speaking, you get the most by buying the system outright.
There are tons of articles explaining why.
It basically comes down to the economics that buying is better.
Other considerations might make you want to lease, but those are personal decisions.

If you'd like more info I'll look up the stuff I read up on it and post the links and you can read it for yourself.
My system is large enough that theoretically I will no longer have an electric bill. 0.
I set up my system to easily tie in another inverter if i choose to add more panels if I add electrical usage.