I asked the same question plus a hundred more. First solar panel ratings are in optimum conditions which is different in reality. They have a tool that uses a sat image of the structure the panels are to be installed which integrates the solar index in our area, sun position over a day and over a year, nominal clouding, with the panel configuration including roof slope and shading and it comes up with the anticipated performance. They said the tool was conservative and in reality could expect more. In my case some panels faced South and some West. The panels are fixed and do not track the sun. Shading is a big deal as electrical production isn't only reduced where the shade is on a panel. Here is the layout they have for my home.
Since you opted to forgo batteries and will be pulling from the grid at night and on cloudy days, I assume you cover 100% of your electrical costs by selling excess production back to FP&L? There's a real question in there somewhere...
I get the question - in Fl we have what is called Net Metering and it is a 1 for 1 value. I sell power back at the same rate they charge. Daytime I feed the grid and night or cloudy I take from the grid. Annualized, I should have zero cost to FP&L I give as much as I take; In actuality, I should do better than that. They finished the installation today now awaiting the county inspection and then FP&L to change the meter.
If we had that ability in our area, solar would be a no brainer. But our electric company spends a lot of money fighting against the concept.
Mizurah? I thought you got some good payback. First the Fed 30% tax credit then the $500/KW property tax offset then the utilities have to offset a percentage to solar in their total production which includes residental production. Or am I reading that wrong?
Also you might ask that as I'm connected to the FP&L grid they are do some equitable value to maintain the grid right? And I agree something is due to FP&L for using their grid as a battery (essentially). But, that's not how the Fl Govern has it organized. I understand they adjust the rates across the board to offset the loss of maintenance revenue.
Well I obviously haven't looked into it lately, it's been several years. I need to follow it closer. We had a huge taxable event this year and I am looking for every credit and deduction I can get. I'm even loss harvesting in the market. I wonder if I can get a company to give my a bid and take payment by 12/31....
That's the event issue I had selling the company this year and then looking at a fraction of that in taxable income next. The rule for the Fed solar tax offset is the installation must be complete before end of year - that's precisely what drove me to get it done this month. We are also selling off equity losers by the end of this year then will look to possibly buy them back next.
Same situation, wife took her buy out from her family business rather than keep fighting with her dick wad brothers and being miserable everyday. She had accumulated a significant amount of equity. Oh well, the solar credit is out. But we have a good tax plan without it.
Swimming Pool Loads and Shop Loads included. Plus I have a 30KW diesel genset for outages - we haven't had any outages, yet. The "grid" is my unlimited battery; that battery cost me $27.16 per month. Any Questions?
Remember also that rating of a generator is premised upon maximum load; consequently, that 22KW genset that you have can provide that 22KW as long as the fuel lasts. In reality, however, any generator for home backup runs at full load a small fraction of it's run time. It is those short-term induction starting loads that establish a generator's size.
For sure Solar power isn't a panacea; either is any other technology today. The basic economics simply don't pan out compared to the existing cost of utility electricity regardless where you live. Without the Government driving the conversions there is no economic case with a positive outcome. In my case all of the balls were in my court where it made economic sense with a short ROI. Now if you were an ardent "environmentalist" and money wasn't in the calculus to save the planet then maybe these technologies blindly make sense. Can't fix that emotional state of mind.
