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?
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The Adirondacks, perfect antidote for the 9 to 5
TheAdironDoc.blogspot.com
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.
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
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.
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 ?
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