[Road-Runner]

If we're going to have to suffer the 'replace the roof every 10 years' insurance scam, why would I even consider adding to that cost & complexity by introducing solar panels into the mix.

[LEREED15]

Hi! We have SECO and installed Solar a couple of years ago. Unless something has changed, SECO does not specifically endorse or have a deal with any solar company. So I would run from anyone representing their company as doing such. Its dishonest. SECO has a department that works with you to get your system approved and connected to their grid (no matter what solar company you use) but in full transparency, they tried to talk us out of solar altogether - less money in their pocket. They are not supportive in general, let alone partner with anyone. We are very happy we got solar, but SECO is not a solar friendly company at all with respect to the installation or their billing/metering practices. Happy to answer any additional questions if you want to have an offline conversation.

[JannCarr]

Do yourself a favor and tell them a HARD NO! then go research them on BBB site--and check out the comments.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by RoboVil

There is the solar flower, officially a smartflower which is cosmetically nice, very efficient, and don't have to worry about roofing issues since it is ground based. I am sure TV would never allow it though.

I'm not sure they could complain - Florida has some very strong pro-solar rules - I don't think they can even stop you having an outside washing line (or airer).

If it were in your rear garden then it would just look like a sculpture.

[Johnson072702]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I am looking for feedback from folks who have participated in the solar panel project that SECO and Freedom Pro are hawking here in TV.

Specifically I am interested in hearing from people who have actually had the solar panels installed, and are living with the system.

I am also interested in hearing from those who have heard the entire spiel of how the program works, and what specific issues they had with the program that steered them away from participating.

I would prefer NOT to hear general opinions of solar panels, solar energy, etc. I would like to keep the discussion specific to this particular program, SECO-Freedom Pro as it is being marketed to us here in TV,
and from people who have taken the time to hear the full program, have made an informed decision specific to the program, positively or negatively.

I listen to the speil and read through their contract. They tell you that this is a lease for 25 years. What they don't tell you is it automatically renews. Also what they said was warranted is different than what is in the contract. I read contracts for a living and I backed out of.the agreement.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Johnson072702

I listen to the speil and read through their contract. They tell you that this is a lease for 25 years. What they don't tell you is it automatically renews. Also what they said was warranted is different than what is in the contract. I read contracts for a living and I backed out of.the agreement.

Thank you for the input. I'm not surprised.

We weren't planning on signing up but I thought since they are hawking their product heavily around here, a discussion would be useful.

[Laker14]

Was thinking further on this subject and I could easily foresee a situation where the company that owns the equipment on theroof decides that messing around with it is no longer the best way to make money and leaves the owner with the problem of dealing with getting rid of failing panels, and a rooftop full of useless hardware.

Like the TV satellite dishes you see stuck on houses, but on a grander scale. What a nightmare.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by LEREED15

We are very happy we got solar.

I’m interested in why you are happy you got solar?

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by Rocksnap

Ironically, NOT a lot of solar installed in TV. You would think that the Sunshine state would be loaded with solar, but it’s not. That alone speaks volume.
I looked into solar. But my electric bill doesn’t justify it. Not to mention all the nuances that must be dealt with over the years. I don’t want a lot of potential headache. Especially years down the road. IMO, solar installed Fla should be installed in the ground, not on a roof.

I would love to know what "nuances" must be dealt with? I have had solar panels for 3 years and I have never had any "nuances" They just set up there on the roof creating electricity.

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by Laker14

Thank you for the input. I'm not surprised.

We weren't planning on signing up but I thought since they are hawking their product heavily around here, a discussion would be useful.

Never get solar through leases etc. Pay for them when installed.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by pauld315

Never get solar through leases etc. Pay for them when installed.

I wouldn't lease them or buy them.

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by MrFlorida

A friend had them installed on the roof, the wind from one of our hurricanes got under it, and lifted his roof up, causing major damage .
I would not want them here in Florida.

Exactly. Why take a chance of roof damage, insurability issues, for such minor ROI?

I like the solar flower idea, but it is still quite large, and for the average Villages house footprint, not especially practical.

The best use of solar in Florida would be to preheat water before it feeds into your water heater, reducing the amount of gas/electricity needed to heat it to the desired temp.

Funny how that isn't subsidized/promoted. I guess it doesn't fit the green agenda, or the enrichment of the CCP via cheap solar panels.