Sweeper
Junior Member
Can you see me now?
Posts: 88 
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Post by Sweeper on Jan 15, 2014 19:33:20 GMT -5
SNAP!
Just like that, your power is out and the estimated time of repair is ten days away!
What would you do?
Do you have an emergency plan?
Personally...I'm total electric, so without power I'm also without water.
I have a backup generator but I'm interested in installing a solar power system.
Does anyone have any experience with solar systems?
I've heard of substantial tax incentives at both the State and Federal levels.
remember.....
"Prepare and prevent or repair and repent"
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dent
Full Member
Account Suspended
Posts: 232
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Post by dent on Jan 15, 2014 20:41:50 GMT -5
Not sure a solar kit is your total answer. Without power you have no water?? Live out in the country and have a well pump?
Your logic is similar to what I used when I went with a gas furnace unit. Never dawned on me that the blowers do not work without electricity. DUH!!
The tax breaks are not really that big compared to the over-all costs of a truly effective system.
The back up generator is probably the best answer. Mine is hooked to my gas line and is big enough to run everything in my house all at one time.
My sister-in-law built a big solar system and planned on selling the "excess" back to the power company. In her area the sun does not provide enough to the unit to create an "excess". Some areas are not optimal for solar power units. Need to check your area before spending big bucks. The systems are not cheap and are really not do-it-yourself kits. To maximize output and efficiency, you need a real expert to install the system.
If you run the system for 10 or 12 years you MIGHT recoup your installation costs.
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Sweeper
Junior Member
Can you see me now?
Posts: 88
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Post by Sweeper on Jan 15, 2014 22:04:46 GMT -5
Yep, county resident here, on a well.
On some of the systems I've been looking at, the ROI was around 6-8 years after factoring in the incentives.
I think they were like 30% fed and state, 60% total
One of the systems was just over 20k which was 100% solar for my home.
Actual cost, $8000-9000.
Knowing my luck, about a week after installation we'd have a kick-ass hail storm.
Resulting in no power grid or solar panels.
I still would end up firing up the generator.
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Post by LuLu on Jan 16, 2014 0:57:42 GMT -5
Our neighbors had solar installed in there home. The where very disappointed in it! Of course this was a few years back. I do know they spent a fortune on it. They tried it for awhile and then they ripped it out. Sorry I don't know anymore about it.
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Post by LuLu on Jan 16, 2014 0:58:09 GMT -5
Our neighbors had solar installed in there home. The where very disappointed in it! Of course this was a few years back. I do know they spent a fortune on it. They tried it for awhile and then they ripped it out. Sorry I don't know anymore about it.
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Post by Hoosier Hillbilly on Jan 16, 2014 5:37:26 GMT -5
It's a wood stove and windwills for me. I could drill a gas well, there's natural gas on the property, which would cost in the range of $20,000 but I won't live long enough to get the ROI. The next owner can do that.
I do have a generator that will keep the frig and freezers going but I have to refill the gas tank about every 10 hrs.
Also have to start a 'bucket brigade' for other purposes, and hope there's enough bottled water until the electric comes back on. The lake is at my back door, and yes if I had too, I would drink from it. It's where my water supply comes from now.
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