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Solar Advice

HappyHighwayman

HappyHighwayman

It's all in the reflexes
Joined
Apr 8, 2009
Location
San Francisco
Moto(s)
Rad Rover
Name
Jordan
So my neighbor had his solar done by Tesla (motors) company. He seems satisfied but says customer service has dropped off sharply.

I googled Tesla Solar not knowing there is a 3rd party Tesla Solar Energy company (around before Tesla motors came around). They naturally claim their system is superior, and while I don't mind financing it they charge $8000 extra if you finance vs. cash...

I also submitted a request from Tesla (motors) solar but I see so many bad stories online about customer service.

I'd also just borrow $15,000 (you get $5000 in tax credits) but the interest rates are stupid for such things.

Any general suggestions?
 
HappyHighwayman said:
So my neighbor had his solar done by Tesla (motors) company. He seems satisfied but says customer service has dropped off sharply.

I googled Tesla Solar not knowing there is a 3rd party Tesla Solar Energy company (around before Tesla motors came around). They naturally claim their system is superior, and while I don't mind financing it they charge $8000 extra if you finance vs. cash...

I also submitted a request from Tesla (motors) solar but I see so many bad stories online about customer service.

I'd also just borrow $15,000 (you get $5000 in tax credits) but the interest rates are stupid for such things.

Any general suggestions?
Click to expand...

You might consider a leased option. They can get installed at no cost, you have guarantees on the power production, and maintaining the system is someone else's problem.
 
Tesla bought Solar City when they were not doing good. A lot of changes including the Tesla Solar roof, which basically looks like high end roof shingles and not like a PV panel at all. I saw one of these in person in Cupertino. Looks good

Solar is like anything on your house. The devil is in the details. If you don't specify, they will put electrical conduit in the ugliest place ever. Lots of YouTubes about peoples particular projects.
 
Eldritch said:
You might consider a leased option. They can get installed at no cost, you have guarantees on the power production, and maintaining the system is someone else's problem.
Click to expand...

Careful with these, as it can make the house sale difficult.
 
DIY solar is actually pretty simple.

If you want a referral to a solar installer:
Avia Technology
43030 Christy St, Fremont, CA 94538
408-314-9589
 
motomania2007 said:
DIY solar is actually pretty simple.
Click to expand...

+1

Solar companies can be a scam. Their typical pitch asks for your PG&E bill then slaps together a cheap system and BS ROI telling you telling you it pays for itself in 3 years. Their price and estimates are just trying to match your monthly electric bill and maximize their profit off your tax benefit.

All the components, (panels and inverters) can be researched and even purchased online. Installation is a matter of roofing work to install the panel racks and a pretty simple electrical panel addition. The panels and inverters are basically plug-n-play. Permits are streamlined in many places.

We requested bids after spec'ing the system basics. Highlight Solar in San Jose was the only company that matched what we wanted at a decent price. Our system has almost paid itself off after 5 years and we pay about $15/month electric to cover the minimum charges. If you get today I'd consider the battery. Prices have dropped and the battery can help you shift your electricity draw to avoid peak use charges.
 
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mlm said:
If you get today I'd consider the battery. Prices have dropped and the battery can help you shift your electricty draw to avoid peak use charges.
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FYI We ordered our Tesla batteries a year ago.

We're hoping that we'll get them by May.

1 pixel of anecdata.
 
berth said:
FYI We ordered our Tesla batteries a year ago.

We're hoping that we'll get them by May.

1 pixel of anecdata.
Click to expand...

There are other companies in the game with decent pricing now. I was looking at Enphase recently, but doubt we'll do anything for a few years

Will say I saw a neighbor getting what I'd assume are the Tesla panels that look like roofing tiles. Looked pretty cool, but I'd imagine cost quite a bit more than a traditional panel system
 
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Eldritch said:
You might consider a leased option. They can get installed at no cost, you have guarantees on the power production, and maintaining the system is someone else's problem.
Click to expand...
Don't believe it.

The worst scams this country has ever seen are solar. Their trick is that they take out a bank loan in your name, give themselves their huge bonus, keep the tax credit for themselves. You're stuck with the rate since it's a loan, no chance of lowering costs.

Also, that power production guarantee....if it drops below, they have the option of paying you an amount which is much less for each kilawatt hour you'll have to pay the power company for the replacement.

You're 100% (more) much better off buying the system yourself and installing it. You get the tax rebate instead of them. Your total cost would be less than half what they'd charge you.

Solar contracts almost always fuck up your house sale, often dropping values by $20k+ in value.

It's a bad deal, and there are much worse cases.
 
Killroy1999 said:
Tesla bought Solar City when they were not doing good. A lot of changes including the Tesla Solar roof, which basically looks like high end roof shingles and not like a PV panel at all. I saw one of these in person in Cupertino. Looks good

Solar is like anything on your house. The devil is in the details. If you don't specify, they will put electrical conduit in the ugliest place ever. Lots of YouTubes about peoples particular projects.
Click to expand...

lol, there are a couple of houses in my neighborhood that have north facing solar or solar facing straight into shade trees. :laughing
 
wazzuFreddo said:
lol, there are a couple of houses in my neighborhood that have north facing solar or solar facing straight into shade trees. :laughing
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It always amazes me how many solar panels I see placed in terrible spots that will generate very, very little electricity in the winter, being on northern facing roofs.
Then there are the trees that grew up or already existed that would cut down on at least 50% of their power generation.
 
I'm pretty familiar with electric but doing a solar system is way beyond an average person's ability not to mention the permitting process.

I got solar when I had to get a new roof. Basically you are able to claim the tax credit off the price of the roof + solar if you do both at the same time.

I'm a huge fan of Tesla but I did NOT get them for my solar. It's a total hit or miss with them. If something goes wrong, good luck getting them to fix your issue. I wasn't ready to compromise my family's security and potentially be left without power because I chose the cheapest option.

I got the LG battery backup. I wouldn't bother with the battery unless you live in an area with lots of outages. The math doesn't really work in your favor and it's one more thing to break down the road.
 
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