Solar Panels....NOT POOL HEATERS

[n8xwb]

If you live in The Villages and have solar panels installed on your roof, could you please answer the questions below:

1. Who installed your panels?

2. Are you pleased with your installers work?

3. Who is your electric company -- SECO or Duke?

4. Could you provide an example of your before and after electricity costs?

5. What is the size of your system, ie 8000kw?

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR STAYING ON SUBJECT AND PROVIDING THE VERY SPECIFIC INFORMATION I HAVE REQUESTED!

(Please forgive the harsh sounding request. I've searched under solar panels and read through numerous threads and have found all kinds of advice, opinions, etc., But although several members have asked for similar information, none was forthcoming!)

Thanks again for your indulgence.

[villagetinker]

If you are a seco customer, you can get answers to some of your questions from the Seco documents covering customer owned generation. I had a set of these, but I understand these were recently updated, referring specifically to question #4.

[graciegirl]

T&D. Did an excellent job. Have never used the propane heater, the solar panels work fine.

[biker1]

The OP is interested in PV panels (PhotoVoltaic, produce electricity), not panels that heat pool water.

To the OP, I was curious a few months ago and received one quote for a complete 4kW system for $13K. I have no idea whether this is representative. I also suspect it is too small be be practical. Something along the lines of 10-12 kWs is probably more reasonable. Please share your experiences.

T&D. Did an excellent job. Have never used the propane heater, the solar panels work fine.

[lanabanana73]

It has always seemed crazy to me that we are in the heart of Florida and there are not "real" solar panels on every roof! My understanding is that it's because the state of Florida and the power companies here do not want you producing your own energy, and make it difficult as opposed to other states who encourage this and give tax breaks for it. I'd love to hear from someone who has successfully had solar panels installed and what their experience was and is.

[Greg Nelson]

In Mexico at 18 degrees north, we had 10 140watt panels that worked very well but not good enough to have AC. In TV the villa next door had a solar heated pool that never got very warm....

[Villager Joyce]

Isn't there a housing area right off property that is entirely solar? Lots of info should be available through those sources.

[n8xwb]

The OP is interested in PV panels (PhotoVoltaic, produce electricity), not panels that heat pool water.

To the OP, I was curious a few months ago and received one quote for a complete 4kW system for $13K. I have no idea whether this is representative. I also suspect it is too small be be practical. Something along the lines of 10-12 kWs is probably more reasonable. Please share your experiences.

To date I have only made a telephone inquiry to Solar Ray. Without them coming to my home, they suggested an 8000 KW system. The price after 30℅ federal rebate would be around $12,000. I am still hopeful that some Villagers who have a system up and running, and have some first hand knowledge about this will come through with some before and after electric bill figures!

[graciegirl]

It has always seemed crazy to me that we are in the heart of Florida and there are not "real" solar panels on every roof! My understanding is that it's because the state of Florida and the power companies here do not want you producing your own energy, and make it difficult as opposed to other states who encourage this and give tax breaks for it. I'd love to hear from someone who has successfully had solar panels installed and what their experience was and is.

I think it has more to do with the fact that solar panels that produce electricity cost a LOT of money, probably more than we older people will recoup before we exit stage right.

EVERYBODY is for solar power, that is a given. Except for the power companies, whose business it is to sell power.

What I am against is you paying for my solar power panels and me paying for yours and for other peoples. I don't want it to be a government thingy.

[graciegirl]

Isn't there a housing area right off property that is entirely solar? Lots of info should be available through those sources.

I agree. What is it's name? I will try to find it.

but I am not voting for Jill Klein.

Here it is;

Sustainable Living in Lady Lake FL - Solar-Powered Homes (http://www.greenkeyvillage.com/our-process/live-green-live-well/)

[biker1]

If you want to produce your own power via PV panels then you are free to do so, in fact you will get a 30% tax credit from the Federal Government. The assumption that the State of Florida is "against" something because they choose not to give you subsides via other people's taxes is a bit of stretch. They certainly don't make if difficult.

It has always seemed crazy to me that we are in the heart of Florida and there are not "real" solar panels on every roof! My understanding is that it's because the state of Florida and the power companies here do not want you producing your own energy, and make it difficult as opposed to other states who encourage this and give tax breaks for it. I'd love to hear from someone who has successfully had solar panels installed and what their experience was and is.