[Mosells]

I know there are some knowledgeable people on this forum. I’d like to develop a list of questions I should be asking the solar company representative. Of course I know the basic questions but I don’t know, what I don’t know. So what should I be asking? Has anyone gone through the solar install process?

[Babubhat]

What is the payback period? I have never seen one that justifies the purchase price. If they fail that everything else is moot.

Believe NOTHING they tell you. Get representations in writing

[Smalley]

Originally Posted by Mosells

I know there are some knowledgeable people on this forum. I’d like to develop a list of questions I should be asking the solar company representative. Of course I know the basic questions but I don’t know, what I don’t know. So what should I be asking? Has anyone gone through the solar install process?

If you are talking about solar tubes, we had two installed yesterday by The Solar Guys. They are terrific. One lights a previously dark hallway and the other 14" lights the kitchen. The installer was knowledgeable and highly competent. There are other threads on this topic with many responses. So do a search for more info.

[retiredguy123]

Do a search for other threads on this topic. The bottom line is that solar panels on the roof is a waste of money. The payback period is too long. It is about 15 or 20 years. The solar company will lie to you. They will not include the time value of money in their payback calculation. They will not tell you the cost to remove and reinstall the panels when you replace the roof. They will not tell you that the value of your house will decline because most buyers do not want to buy a house with solar panels on it. They will offer you a 25 year parts and labor warranty, which no small contractor could ever expect to honor for any product. They will tell you that the system will require no maintenance, which is obviously not true. Good luck.

[MX rider]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Do a search for other threads on this topic. The bottom line is that solar panels on the roof is a waste of money. The payback period is too long. It is about 15 or 20 years. The solar company will lie to you. They will not include the time value of money in their payback calculation. They will not tell you the cost to remove and reinstall the panels when you replace the roof. They will not tell you that the value of your house will decline because most buyers do not want to buy a house with solar panels on it. They will offer you a 25 year parts and labor warranty, which no small contractor could ever expect to honor for any product. They will tell you that the system will require no maintenance, which is obviously not true. Good luck.

Well said.
We looked into solar panels a few years ago here in Indiana. We were 60 then. The roi is just too long. And what most people don't take into account is that after 15 ro 20 years, you've just broke even and haven't saved a dime up to that point. Also as you said, anyone that tells you that theres no maintenance cost is full of s**t.
Most retired people will not live long enough to see a significant return on the investment

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Do a search for other threads on this topic. The bottom line is that solar panels on the roof is a waste of money. The payback period is too long. It is about 15 or 20 years. The solar company will lie to you. They will not include the time value of money in their payback calculation. They will not tell you the cost to remove and reinstall the panels when you replace the roof. They will not tell you that the value of your house will decline because most buyers do not want to buy a house with solar panels on it. They will offer you a 25 year parts and labor warranty, which no small contractor could ever expect to honor for any product. They will tell you that the system will require no maintenance, which is obviously not true. Good luck.

Great summary of the facts relating to the subject.

[Brwne]

Originally Posted by Mosells

I know there are some knowledgeable people on this forum. I’d like to develop a list of questions I should be asking the solar company representative. Of course I know the basic questions but I don’t know, what I don’t know. So what should I be asking? Has anyone gone through the solar install process?

Companies that offer to put them on your roof and let the saving payoff the costs, also file a lien on your house for that period of time. In addition, if you want to sell your house, either the lien has to be assumed by the buyer or you must pay off the lien.

"Free" is usually very expensive...

[MrFlorida]

Wind can get under the panels and lift up your roof, that happened to a friend of mine during a tropical storm, hate to think of what would happen during a hurricane.

[Two Bills]

Most roofs in The Villages would need a lot of reinforcing to carry the extra weight.

[billethkid]

Ask how the mounting to the roof will not leak and rot the plywood sub roof.

When our roof was replaced all the plywood panels under the solar units had to be replaced due to mounting screw leaks over the years.

Needless to say we did not replace the solar system with the new roof.

__________________________________________

[villagetinker]

Check on your home insurance with the possibility of installing solar panels. I agree with a lot of the above comments. Back in PA there were incentives that made solar electric panel a good choice with a much shorter breakeven period. Florida only has net metering (a very long payback period). I have a 20-25 year career on the utility side on solar PV systems, and from what i have seen the Florida financial environment for these is a deal killer.

[Chamo]

I have done a lot of research into solar panels my conclusion is they are definitely not worth it the pay back. Is way too long for the amount of money that you will be saving. Also you do not get 100% electricity you must also have Seco or Duke supply your electric from 6 PM to 6 AM so that means another bill. I’ve had many companies try to sell saying you get a great tax rebate they are all full of garbage. Save yourself the money and invest it somewhere else. You will be doing yourself a favor.

[Southwest737]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Do a search for other threads on this topic. The bottom line is that solar panels on the roof is a waste of money. The payback period is too long. It is about 15 or 20 years. The solar company will lie to you. They will not include the time value of money in their payback calculation. They will not tell you the cost to remove and reinstall the panels when you replace the roof. They will not tell you that the value of your house will decline because most buyers do not want to buy a house with solar panels on it. They will offer you a 25 year parts and labor warranty, which no small contractor could ever expect to honor for any product. They will tell you that the system will require no maintenance, which is obviously not true. Good luck.

We have had solar for 6 years. Very pleased with the performance. No leaks and no maintenance. Definitely a long term investment.

[WingedFoot78]

How do fire departments handle a fire on a home with solar panels? I asked a volunteer fireman this question. His reply was basically "let it burn". Is there any way to turn off the panels? Water and electricity don't play well together.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Southwest737

We have had solar for 6 years. Very pleased with the performance. No leaks and no maintenance. Definitely a long term investment.

No leaks? Is this a water piping heating system or a solar electric panel system?