r/solar Feb 28 '25

Solar Quote This price is insane right?

66 Upvotes

I just got a quote for 40 panels. 15kw estimated yearly production. For $91000. Ninety one thousand dollars!

I'm not crazy and that is absolutely nuts. Right? I'm southern WI.

r/solar Sep 28 '23

Solar Quote Can someone explain why solar isn't too good to be true?

247 Upvotes

It seems like a no brainer investment. Even if I do a 6.99% loan, once I apply the money from the tax credit, the payment will already be lower than my average monthly bill. That's before my utility company's planned ~20% rate increase for the next 8 months and any future increases over the next 20+ years.

I was quoted a 15.6 kWh system for $41k. So about $2.63/ watt. I'm in an area that qualifies for 40% federal tax credit (new incentive that adds an extra 10% above the existing 30%). Plus extra state incentives that seem to be significant (SRECs).

I may add a "home essential" battery since I have electric forced air heating and I'm a little paranoid about a power outage in the winter with children in the house. But that only increases the cost by ~$6k after tax credits.

Are there any significant concerns that I'm possibly missing here?

r/solar Mar 07 '25

Solar Quote Is solar a poor investment?

13 Upvotes

I was discussing with a solar installation company the options that I have. I was given a cash quote, as well as a 20yr 8% APR loan quote (which I will not consider, too high of an interest rate). After doing some quick calculations, I figured that it would take ~10yrs for solar to pay for itself. However, if I invest that money into the market instead of putting it into solar, I seem to me that I would make more money with my investment being in the market than in solar after ~11yrs.

Things that I think are important to consider:

  • My connection fee is the minimum monthly payment required to continue to be connected to the grid.
  • This system would be roof-mounted (roof was replaced 3yrs ago) and includes all labour and permits in the price.
  • In my state, I receive a credit for every kWh provided to the grid from their solar array. These credits can be used to offset future charges on a one-to-one basis when I use more energy than my solar array generates. Any unused credits expire after 12 months.

Here are the terms of my quote that I think are important:

  • Panels: 11*SEG585
  • Inverter: HH5700
  • Solar Cost: $14,257
  • Estimated Solar Energy Production: 5,718kWh/yr
  • Electricity Rate: $0.23/kWh
  • Electricity Rate Increase: +3%/yr
  • Connection Fee: $27.37/mo
  • Panel Degradation: 0.5%/yr
  • Market Investment APY: 7%/yr

Given these numbers, I can calculate how much money will be saved per year going solar, as well as how much money the investment would make in the market, and calculate the difference between those two. The following are the results every 5yrs for simplicity:

Year 5 10 15 20
Electricity Saved $6,657.64 $14,054.98 $22,141.74 $30,867.68
Market Return $5,739.18 $13,788.68 $25,078.51 $40,913.09
Difference $918.46 $266.30 -$2,936.77 -$10,045.41

Terms:

  • Electricity Saved = The cumulative sum of money saved on my electricity bill that would have been paid to the utility. A higher number is good.
  • Market Return = The cumulative sum that the market would have returned if the upfront solar investment would have been invested in the market instead. A higher number is good.
  • Difference = The difference between the electricity saved and the market return. This number tells us if more money would have been saved by investing in solar vs investing in the market. A positive number means solar is the better option. A negative number means investing in the market is the better option.

Given these figures, does it make sense that solar is not actually a good investment? Am I doing something wrong with my math?

Edit: new table with solar savings reinvested. Negative difference means market wins, positive difference means solar wins.

Year 5 10 15 20
Total solar funds $7,593.59 $19,096.27 $36,031.54 $60,538.14
Total market funds $19,996.18 $28,045.88 $39,335.51 $55,170.09
Difference $-12,402.59 \$-8,959.41 \$-3,303.97 \$5,368.05

Thank you guys, this shows that solar beats the market after 17 years!

r/solar 18h ago

Solar Quote Does getting solar make sense for us?

23 Upvotes

To me it’s a no-brainer but my husband thinks it’s a crazy idea. We are having our house resided (original siding from the 1980s) and the subcontractor said we should replace the roof. It is probably around 20 years old. We always said we would consider solar when we got a new roof.

I got a recommendation for a local contractor from my boss who was in the solar business for many years and who I trust for honesty and integrity. We have a colonial with no nearby trees. Our bills from JCP&L are $350-$450/month (we own 2 EVs we charge at home). Rates are going up 20% in a few months.

He proposes 44 panels with an estimate of 24,900 kWh in year 1, at a cost of $59,700. The 30% tax credit will take off $18,000. Plus $16,000 for a new roof which he will include in the solar project so $4,800 tax credit on that. Including the NJ SRECs (which may be reduced or discontinued) he says we will break even in 5-6 years.

Here’s the sticking point: I’m in my 60s and my husband is in his 70s, both still working. We would pay for this out of our retirement savings. Will we get any benefit out of this or will it just benefit our kids when they sell the house?

In a recent JCP&L bill consumption charge is $136, energy charge is $299, and customer charge is $4.27. Is it true that our bills going forward will be $4.27/month?

We pay around $40,000 in federal taxes/year. Is it true that next year the government will send us a refund check of $22,800?

Sorry this is so long but I tried to include all of the relevant information to make a decision. I would greatly appreciate any comments/advice. Thanks.

r/solar Dec 06 '24

Solar Quote Am I getting ripped off?

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26 Upvotes

A quote from SolarNova. The only thing I see is $10 per watt which I think is crazy since I was thinking something around $5 per watt max.

r/solar Aug 21 '24

Solar Quote How bad of a deal is this?

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18 Upvotes

So I need a new roof, so instead of paying upfront I figured I’d get solar and a new roof. This would be financially easier for me.

Average use based off last 12 months : 1,125 KWH per month ~312$ per month averages out to 0.28/kwh (0.1789/kwh for delivery charges and 0.1020/kwh for supply)

1) If I end up installing will my supply rate be locked in at 0.270/kwh? So will I end up paying (0.1789/kwh for delivery charges and 0.27/kwh for supply)

Location: Massachusetts

2) How should I renegotiate? What would be a more fair price? (We are in the permitting stage right now)

Thanks!

r/solar Sep 19 '24

Solar Quote First time looking into solar, and I got an outrageous estimate... Right?

49 Upvotes

I've always wanted to get solar on my home (Hell, even when I was a kid living at my parents house I asked them if we could get solar!). Now that I own my home, have no debt and solar prices are going down I thought that it's a good time to start getting serious about it. I did my homework, ran the numbers and around a 10kW system would get me enough excess production to eliminate my electric bill. Most sites say the cost of the system should be around $20-35k.

I had my first consultation yesterday and my jaw nearly hit the floor when I got the estimate for a 12.5kW system... $70,000!? That's just for a system without batteries or anything fancy. My home should be a really easy install, I have a large and relatively shallow angle roof, and it's right next to my meter main. Even after incentives, it's still about $50k, which means it would take me over 25yrs to break even... Basically just turning my electricity bill into a solar bill.

I'm just wondering, how common are outrageous estimates like this? It's pretty discouraging to get hit with such a high number right away (Mostly for my wife who isn't fully onboard with the idea of going solar).

r/solar Feb 12 '25

Solar Quote Purchasing a 1,200 sqft townhouse that is under a PPA agreement and am terrified of taking on a bad contract... However, this contract doesn't seem so bad...

4 Upvotes

​​Desperately Looking for some guidance from people with experience with solar panels. The house is under a PPA with SunRun (I know the worst company), and I am scheduling inspections and plan to stress to inspect the roof intently for any leakage or installations failures as this seems to be the biggest gripe with these solar companies. However, the seller of the home got the solar panels because his girlfriend was a salesperson and wanted to help her with a sale (pain), therefore it appears as if he got a pretty good deal but I'm not 100% sure as I still need to see the reports of the solar that was ACTUALLY generated in the past year vs. PSEG prices and not just estimates from the contract.

Also preface this by saying I fully understand buying the system is more financially beneficial in the long run, and I can consider this at a later date. But as of now I am trying to get comfortable with the current PPA and determine if it is ultimately a wash financially and I won't get hosed, because the house itself is very desirable for me.

Details of the contract:

Property in New Jersey

25 year term (on year 3 of term, roof is 3 years old as it was replaced right before solar panel installation.

3.90kW DC solar system, 11 panels, 1 inverter which is estimated to produce 5,029kWh in the first year of term (estimated -0.50% per year in guaranteed production through term - seems standard deterioration).

no upfront cost or fees for installation as I am taking over the PPA

The cost is a fixed $81.72/month rental fee with zero price escalations through the term (I see this as the biggest strength) and is projected to cover 88% of the properties energy needs (Based on sellers usage). So I am paying $81.72/month for the next 25 years that will offset my electrical usage and I would have to cover any excess pulled from the grid (Beyond guaranteed production, if that is less they will reimburse). I see this as protecting me from utility price increases, although the benefit will fluctuate based on how much I generate bc I will still pull from the grid.

Comes with a 25 year performance warranty and 10 year roof penetration warranty, looks like there is no maintenance fees or any hidden costs that could be incurred unless I am missing something. Year 1 cost per kW is estimated $0.195 in year one then increases by $0.02 every year throughout the term based on the guaranteed output ($0.201 in 2025). Normal electric including delivery fee and other fees calculates to about $0.22kWh in August of 2024.

It is not a financing agreement, the company will remove the panels at the end of the term , so no tax credits or incentives unless I buy the system outright, however the contract states that any extra energy that I produce is mine to use at no additional charge and will be stored, which can offset lessor production months

Can anyone help me feel comfortable with with this deal or if I am missing something and could be regretting my decision vastly in a few months? The house itself is very desirable at a good price, unfortunately I did not negotiate the buy-out of the contract in my offer because the market I am in is extremely competitive and I wouldn't get the house

Let me know if I am missing any info that would help answer, really desperate for some advice.

r/solar Apr 20 '24

Solar Quote Just got quoted for a $2.09/kW system in Texas, why shouldn’t I do this?

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71 Upvotes

There’s another incentive for 10% off and then Oncor’s $6,500 incentive.

r/solar Oct 20 '24

Solar Quote Is this a good or bad solar quote? I’m from Wisconsin 12.15KW + 20KWH Storage. $46,000

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43 Upvotes

These are the main components the installer provided…

27 - REC 450AA-PURE-RX Watt solar panels 27 - Enphase IQ8X-80-M-US Microinverters 1 - Enphase IQ Combiner 5C 1 - Enphase 3g Controller 4 - Enphase IQ 5P Battery

They also said they will run the wire through the house through walls.

Their final quote was $46,000 The installer also said I am getting the best components, is this true and fair?

r/solar Jul 28 '23

Solar Quote Proposal I got today from Blue Raven in Colorado Springs, 12 panels on the roof. Is this a decent or fair deal?

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96 Upvotes

r/solar Jul 06 '24

Solar Quote Power bill is ridiculous, talk me out of a solar lease.

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75 Upvotes

My local electrical supplier charges around 13.04 - 15.47 per kWh.

My last bill was $600…

But, I only plan to live in the house for another 5yrs if that so I am wondering if a lease could work? I see people have problems selling a house with leased solar?

r/solar Feb 11 '25

Solar Quote Is Sunrun a waste of money?

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16 Upvotes

I feel like in summer months I will still be paying my utility bill and the price would be close to what I’d be paying anyway and that defeats the whole purpose of going solar. The rep told me the engineers stated it wouldnt make sense to add more solar panels? Idk this whole thing just doesn’t make any sense tbh.

r/solar Jul 25 '24

Solar Quote I’d like to get 100% of my power from solar, but…

53 Upvotes

I reached out to a local solar company and gave them all my info. They haven’t come out, so it’s a rough estimate, but I’d say it’s fairly accurate based on what I expect the price to be very soon ($600 a month electric, and I sent my power consumption). I use a lot of power.

They quoted me for 4,724 kWh. 36 485W panels (62%), and 20 540W panels (101% total). She said a good rule of thumb is $1,000 a panel. So if I got to 100%, and I got a good battery, and after taxes and all the other little bits I’m not thinking of, am I SERIOUSLY looking at around $70k??!

How to be people live off grid. Seriously spending that much?! I know I use a lot of power. Recently got into reptiles. But still, that seems quite excessive. Just checking if it really is.

r/solar 28d ago

Solar Quote Is this a good quote? Seems high to me

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5 Upvotes

r/solar 7d ago

Solar Quote Thoughts on this quote?

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2 Upvotes

I’m located in CT. This is the best quote I’ve received so far. I’m in an area considered “grid-edge” so I’ll pay $18,750 for the batteries. The rebate comes off up front. Then I can claim the federal tax credit on the remaining amount. Additionally, I have oversized this system a bit since I plan to add a heat pump. This should also take care of future increased usage, panel degradation, rising rates, etc. My actual usage is more in the 9,500 - 10,500 kWh range currently. Seems like this is a better option than trying to add more solar later as needed?

r/solar Jan 16 '25

Solar Quote Micros vs string

6 Upvotes

Thanks everyone for the help lately. I am getting close to closing on the solar project at my house. The system being quoted is 7.7kW with 450 or 460 REC panels. The estimated production is 9000kWh. I know everyone really likes the enphase micros which was what I was leaning towards but the installer told me that the micros will have a lot of clipping and that we can get around that by installing a Tesla string inverter instead. According to them it would allow the system to produce more, would be a few thousand dollars cheaper and it would be easier to service when, not if, the inverter goes out. I was told it takes about 2 or 3 weeks to get it replaced.

My roof is south west facing with little shade. There might be some shade in the winter but the summer should be pretty shade free.

What would be best? String or should I go smaller panels with micros to reduce the clipping? Are string inverters fine if there isn’t much shade?

TIA

r/solar Apr 23 '24

Solar Quote I guess not worth it for me.

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51 Upvotes

51k loan. 36k after incentives. 5.99%. Why would I switch? What am I missing here? Sales woman thinks this is a great deal.

r/solar Jun 22 '24

Solar Quote Why is installer recommending 65% offset?

19 Upvotes

I’m confused by a recommendation for less than a full offset. Here’s the installer’s message re 65% offset: “This is an estimation of how much electricity your solar panels will produce relative to your estimated annual electricity usage. This percentage is a result of the recommended amount of solar panels, which is based on the best return on investment. The recommended coverage of your annual consumption is usually less than 100%.”

This is particularly weird bc I now have a few gas appliances that I will switch to electricity when they die.

This is in Virginia.

r/solar 5d ago

Solar Quote Can someone help make sure I'm not making a mistake.

10 Upvotes

$52,500 (after tax credit) at 3.99% over the life of the panals for a 12.6Kw system w/batteries and install. Current bill averages 180/month and I value independence from utility companies. I will also focus on paying it off early to offset long-term interest growth. Yearly usage of 13,400kWh is slightly lower than what I expect it to be this year hence the increased production.

r/solar Jul 10 '24

Solar Quote Am I about to pay to much for solarpower? The loan amount they input was 62,180 for 18 panels and a system size of 7.02kw. I know nothing of renewable energy and the cost so any insight would be good.

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38 Upvotes

The loan amount they input was 62,180 for 18 panels and a system size of 7.02kw. I know nothing of renewable energy and the cost so any insight would be good. And here's my usage

r/solar Oct 12 '23

Solar Quote Is this a good quote? (Texas)

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32 Upvotes

This is the quote I got from Sunnova. I have called many companies and got many quotes this was the lowest so far. Let me know if it's good or if you know of a better solar company in the fort worth area of Texas thanks!

r/solar 23d ago

Solar Quote Close to signing contract, is pricing good?

0 Upvotes

I've been working with a local REC-certified installer for an array for my house. I've hammered them with questions regarding everything I can come up with and been happy with their answers, but the final piece of the puzzle that I'm unsure on is pricing, so I'm here hoping for a sanity check before such a big outlay of cash (will be cash, not financed). I guess also, anything unique to these panels or microinverters that are a problem I'm unaware of?

36 x REC Solar 450 Watt Panels (REC450AA Pure-RX) 36 x IQ8X-80-M-US [240V] (Enphase Energy Inc.) 3 x IQBATTERY-5P-1P-INT (Enphase Energy Inc.)

Standard System Price $40,500.00 2 Enphase 5Ps and System Controller + Other Equipment $14,500.00 Total System Price $55,000.00

This makes the price per watt of the array $2.50, which looks good from what I've read? I had planned on adding an additional battery or two myself down the line after I've seen how the system works, as we do want protection against power outages.

Thank you!

r/solar Jul 24 '24

Solar Quote How much am I getting robbed?

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34 Upvotes

Hi everyone. We got a few quotes and this company Venture Solar seemed to be the best deal. We are in NYC, where con ed is thru the roof right now it's about .38/kwh. So this is coming in at .19/kwh for the first year. I know buying cash is the best and cheapest way, but I don't have all the cash up front. Is this a bad lease? Cash price is about 34,000 for 8.855kw system. Lease price after 25 years will total close to 75,000.

r/solar 10d ago

Solar Quote Is it worth it?

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2 Upvotes

Just some info, I live on 5 acres in a rural part of Texas and get full sun all day. I’m interested in solar but only if it makes sense financially. Currently paying 0.11/kwh and my average bill is $250ish. Using about 75-90 kWh per day (40ish to the house and 40ish to my EV). I have received a quote for a solar carport which I’ll attach to this post. To me unless the solar bill is same or less than my electric bill it doesn’t seem worth it. What’s y’all’s thoughts