[Wondering]

Originally Posted by Kennybmd

I am thinking of getting solar electric panels for my roof. Has anyone had good or bad experiences? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Solar Bear, out of Tampa, did my install back in 2019. I recommend them and love my panels.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

In reality, companies the World over are installing solar panels (on roofs and on the ground) but power companies have to get the most out of their current infrastructure (until that reaches end-of-life) so rarely invest in "competing" technology.

Those installations are typically happening in locations where regulators are mandating a specific portion of their energy production portfolio comes from energy sources labeled as green or sustainable. Ratepayers in those locations are also typically paying a premium for their electricity.

[Fastskiguy]

My parents put in a system 5 years ago from a reputable company. Bottom like, it’ll be 15 years to recoup their investment and the company is out of business. Home insurance is requiring a new roof as the home is in pinellas and is 10 years old. Electricity is ridiculously cheap here so solar is a tough sell. On the other hand, if the power goes out they’ll be fine and they love the air of superiority when arguing with the greens about energy.

Joe

[sowilts]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Whatever you do make sure of the contract, there have been reports of some "zero cost" companies placing liens on homes and then when you decide to sell the new owners MUST take over the contract.
It is unfortunate, but the current utility environment in Florida appears to make it impossible to breakeven on solar, you are forced to NET metering, review the rates very carefully. DO NOT enter into any agreement with a solar supplier where they are the middleman between you and the utility.
Bottom line, there have been many threads on this in the past, and the general conclusion, you will not break even in your lifetime.
Please proceed carefully.

Agree, the price of gas and electric are very reasonable compared to our home At Annapolis.

[UpNorth]

Good investment if you live in a state with high kwh energy charges. For that reason, not so good in FL.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by UpNorth

Good investment if you live in a state with high kwh energy charges. For that reason, not so good in FL.

The reason those states have a high kWh charge is because the ratepayers are subsidizing the solar.

[Stu from NYC]

I suspect before solar panels are paid off a better and more efficient way of generating electricity will be available

[Robnlaura]

Tesla always provide a great quote. They are thousands cheaper than these scumbag solar companies.. I’d use them to get a good idea of what you should be paying and don’t do this lease junk they have come up with. As far as I’m concerned I’ll wait it’s a major scam at the moment.

[biker1]

Who is your power company? If it is SECO, then you will probably have a minimum power bill of $420 per year. There is a daily connect charge.

Originally Posted by tscmedlake

We can agree to disagree. Some people like pools, some don’t so they add value for some and detract for others. My main point is they add value at some level, i.e. on an annual basis the home will have little or no energy bill. I agree you must be careful in choosing a vendor which is why we went with Tesla.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by biker1

Who is your power company? If it is SECO, then you will probably have a minimum power bill of $420 per year. There is a daily connect charge.

Based on cost of electricity in our all electric home think it would take many many years to even break even with solar. Not a wise investment.

[biker1]

Yes, I agree. I was only pointing out that you probably can’t drive your electric bill to zero with solar panels because of the daily connect charge. It is actually a pretty good percentage of our electric bill.

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Based on cost of electricity in our all electric home think it would take many many years to even break even with solar. Not a wise investment.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Kennybmd

I am thinking of getting solar electric panels for my roof. Has anyone had good or bad experiences? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Have you been watching news? Lots of people gotten taken by solar scams. Not to mention roof damage/leakage after installation of system then can’t get work. I think long and hard and tread very lightly. Who even chose research make sure Google company for complaints.

[CastleSteve]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Interesting thought

I've had solar for 20 years on my 3000 sq ft home with a 5 ton AC unut. My power bill has always been less than $70.00 The older panels wore out. Thery were the fist ones on market. The new ones I'm having installed product 3 to 4 times the wattage. and, so having the newer ones should last me the rest of my life. They are 92 % effient for 25 years. I'm paying cash for mine of the amount of approx.25k, but then I get a 30% tax reduction good for 5 years. My system is approx. 10kw and one of of the best panels made ( Enphase). The power rates are ridiculous increasing ever year. My retirement income is doing the opposite. I'm a retired electronic enginner and was trained years ago on solar. So I say, if you are 70 or less GO FOR IT. Above that age. ? ?

[Fastskiguy]

The sun is converting 2 1/2 million tons of hydrogen to energy every second and it doesn’t cost anything. It’s sure be nice to use a little of it!

Joe

[djbabler]

Call Elisa at Castaways Energy 407.985.2689 or email elisa@castawaysenergy.com I took the loan and my electric bill savings more than pays the loan payment with only the solar panels as collateral.