Anyone have Solar installed recently at their home or are in the process of getting it installed. With the new 30% uncapped federal tax-credit, it seems like a pretty good time to make the switch to renewable energy. I'd like to know how things went for you.

 

my roommate's looking at getting a house soon, and i urged him to get one put in. one of my customers has it in her new home and her power bill with in march with the AC on all day and the heater on all night was 5 dollars and change

 

I don't have a specific dealer to recommend, but I do work for a solar company - we have a pretty extensive dealer / VAR network, and we make the most powerful PV in the world, ideal for homes . PM me if you want any info...we have an assessment calculator on our website too: www.sunpowercorp.com

We have a friends and family program - not sure what the benefit is, but I can always send you a link from there as well if you are interested.

 

Akeena SOlar is a good company in the Bay area. ROI is still too far out. I need a 2-5 ROI for me to even consider solar.

 

how much does a system run

ball park

 

Well, I'd certainly be interested to look at any deals/info you might have. I'll shoot you a PM.

I think by the time you get a 2-5 year ROI, many people will have broken even on their new systems.

 

Wow kickass! I've heard a lot about sunpower.

 

ditto

 

Exactly my point. For most home owners a 15-20 ROI is crazy. Few stay in their homes for 15-20yrs anymore. As long as the ROI is so far out there is little to be gained by going solar.

 

iirc each solar panel generates 54w's?

 

asked some friends who work on the CSI rebate program for the utilities. They basically inspect the rebate apps that come in = see how the panels are installed and meet w/ the installers all the time.

they recommended these installers (get at least 3 quotes anyway):

sun, light, power - a little on the expensive side, have the best modules, local, from berkeley

regrid - most knowledgeable/caring, based in campbell

solar city - cheapest, largest installer (thus the cheapest)

REC solar - cheap (like solar city, big company)

also:
steer clear from akeena.

Price range:
$8~$14/watt (based on the CEC-AC rating for the system, not just the module). Go for a quote less than $10/watt.

 

Looks like they're closer to 200w (peak) now. This Sunpower site shows panels between 210-230w.

 

That's our new marketing pitch - HIGH PERFORMANCE SOLAR!!! (something every i-clubber can appreciate...heh).

Our ROI calculator puts a lot of folks between 7-10 years, but I don't believe it counts the new Federal program. I can find out if interested.

 

Likely because of our fancy new billboards and radio blasts (which i have yet to hear or see...d'oh)

It's a good company - I'm on the IT side of things so nothing to do with solar per se, but they do a lot to educate employees about the technology, etc.

Put this out earlier, but if anyone wants more info, PM me with an email address - we have a friends and family program.

 

I'd be intersted in seeing how a 7-10yr ROI is possible.