Go Back   CityProfile.com Forum - Local City and State Discussion Forums > United States City Forums > New York > Long Island
Click Here to Login

Reply
Old 12-30-2010, 03:43 PM  
AdironDoc
 
AdironDoc's Avatar

Nassau, NY
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 18 | Kudos: +11
LIPA Solar Pioneers: Any solar power users out there?

I've been on the fence about investing in solar for my home in Hicksville. Sure there's plenty of roof and direct southern exposure. But the costs...even with a large number of incentives, it's not cheap. Anyone gone solar and actually regretted it? Anyone actually eliminated their electric bill altogether?
__________________

__________________
The Adirondacks, perfect antidote for the 9 to 5
TheAdironDoc.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2011, 09:17 PM  
Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 5 | Kudos: +10
I am interested in learning more about solar for my home out near Riverhead but have not taken the step to look into it other than read some info online about it.

This husband and wife team that own GoSolar out here have a great reputation and while I have never met them myself I hear their names mentioned often...and it is has all been postive..

If anything he might be able to give you some advice or answer any question you might have. But just the info on their site is very interesting and you can get somewhat of an education by just reading the different things they have on their website.

You can download what they call a catalog and I was surprised by the amount of information and charts they provide there....very informative and interesting info.....all free.

The Solar Energy Specialists
__________________

Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2011, 07:04 AM  
AdironDoc
 
AdironDoc's Avatar

Nassau, NY
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 18 | Kudos: +11
Thanks for the link, EastEnd. I'm going to contact them.

I've been on the fence about it because of the startup cost and whether I'd be in the same house in a few years. What they say, though, is that the home value would rise a bit to cover the cost anyway. With no new discoveries of oil deposits since the 80's, and rising demand in Asia, I'd imagine we'll never see cheap oil again. Maybe I'll throw in the towel and spring for a good sized system. I suppose getting a few estimates is in order in any event. I live in a 1400sq ft cape, keep most appliances off and still pay over $400/month.

I priced the equipment for an off-grid solar system for my cabin upstate and see a huge difference in the cost of parts, and price with installation. I don't know the profit margin but it must be pretty good. Of course, if you don't use a licensed contractor, you won't get the rebates.

By the way, nice to see so many wind turbines when I'm driving out in Riverhead and the North Fork.
__________________
The Adirondacks, perfect antidote for the 9 to 5
TheAdironDoc.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2011, 02:51 PM  
Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 11 | Kudos: +10
A buddy of mine owns a pool company (i really dont want to plug his business since i'm a new member of these boards, send me a PM, or if an admin says its ok i'll let everyone know), and he recommends putting in the solar panels to heat pools. you also get some money back on your tax returns if you have them.
Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2011, 12:16 PM  
Junior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1 | Kudos: +10
I have been using solar on Long island for the last 18 months. I use 15,000 KWH a year and the solar is producing 12,450 KWH per year. My beak even is 3 years with all the rebates. Over a period of 30 years componded at 4% interest you are saving $200,000. If you calculate with before tax dollars and include the cost of electricity increasing 2% a year, the savings are over $400,000. How hard is the decision ?
Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2011, 06:27 AM  
AdironDoc
 
AdironDoc's Avatar

Nassau, NY
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 18 | Kudos: +11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Innovator View Post
I have been using solar on Long island for the last 18 months. I use 15,000 KWH a year and the solar is producing 12,450 KWH per year. My beak even is 3 years with all the rebates. Over a period of 30 years componded at 4% interest you are saving $200,000. If you calculate with before tax dollars and include the cost of electricity increasing 2% a year, the savings are over $400,000. How hard is the decision ?
That's great! Congrats on your system. I have 2 solar panels on my off-grid cabin upstate. My concern is that I don't plan on being in my main home 5 yrs from now. Some time back, a guy at Homedepot ran an analysis and noted a 7 yr breakeven in my case. Still, I'm told it raises the value of the house as well. That could make it worthwhile whatever the next five years bring. Depends on all the rebates too, I suppose. Some expired, then were reactivated. I'll get an estimate soon.

Cheers
__________________
The Adirondacks, perfect antidote for the 9 to 5
TheAdironDoc.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2011, 12:33 PM  
Member

Wading River, NY
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 30 | Kudos: +20
About the time you hit the Break Even point for what you paid to put it up... It's time to invest again and replace the panels.

Bottom line is, You might help the planet, but you wont save your wallet.
__________________

Reply With Quote
Reply

Go Back   CityProfile.com Forum - Local City and State Discussion Forums > United States City Forums > New York > Long Island
Bookmark this Page!

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes


Suggested Threads

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.