Started my solar project

[zoranutt]

It's probably a lot less expensive to have the regulator rebuilt again. If the diaphragm has blown, it is most likely just old tired material in the diaphragm. It has no effect on any of the metal parts or gauges. I recommend that you speak with professionals about your regulator. It is easier to create a new one based on the principles of MTPremium – Official and make it work

 

[John0829]

Our solar install was finished up about 3 weeks ago... been cloudy and rainy everyday since. Even so the panels still generate some power.

 

[orezok]

OP here. After 2 upgrades to get my system up to 7530kW because I upgraded my house to all electric including mini splits, my annual electrical cost for usage was under $200 for the last 2 years. In addition, I’m saving about $2000 on propane each year. SCE bills me annually for usage.

WOO HOO!

 

[PA hayseed]

I'm curious OP and others, since inflation has kicked in are you noticing a quicker ROI (return on investment)? I have been leaning towards a wind turbine due to the high winds we get here, but solar seems like less maintenance and maybe a little cheaper. They have been installing the monster towers on the next ridgeline over for the last several months. I live in PA and we can do grid tie and net metering, but of course we have snow and ice winters (lots of ice this year). My land is clear and I have pretty good sun exposure. I talked to the elec company, their transmission rates kind of kill off the sell back so I am guessing this would be just a electric bill reduction. I probably spend about 2-2.7k in electric a year. If I installed a 16k system I am looking at at least a 10 year break even, unless electric goes up again.

I use a ton of elec in the winter time, oil hot air and a pellet stove eats it up. Yesterday and today with the high winds from this polar thingamabob, and the potential loss of power once again, I have been reexamining this and ran across this thread. I do realize that the wind turbine would have kicked out during those super high winds.

 

[Carl_NH]

PA Hayseed short answer, yes the ROI is significantly better when rates went up to .34$ KWH here in NH mid year. When we installed it was .18$KWH in 2014 then .22$ KWH for 5 years before this year. With our 7.2KWH system we will generate 9000KWH this year, and average of .28$ per KWH this year, or $2500.

In 2014 we estimated 9 yr ROI, ($13K net cost after credits etc.) so we are 8 yrs installed now and paid off. We also use oil heat/DHW and put in 3 mini splits too which reduce oil use.

Snow and ice melt/slide off within a day of storms typically so doesn't impact generation much.

 

[orezok]

I'm curious OP and others, since inflation has kicked in are you noticing a quicker ROI (return on investment)? I have been leaning towards a wind turbine due to the high winds we get here, but solar seems like less maintenance and maybe a little cheaper. They have been installing the monster towers on the next ridgeline over for the last several months. I live in PA and we can do grid tie and net metering, but of course we have snow and ice winters (lots of ice this year). My land is clear and I have pretty good sun exposure. I talked to the elec company, their transmission rates kind of kill off the sell back so I am guessing this would be just a electric bill reduction. I probably spend about 2-2.7k in electric a year. If I installed a 16k system I am looking at at least a 10 year break even, unless electric goes up again.

I use a ton of elec in the winter time, oil hot air and a pellet stove eats it up. Yesterday and today with the high winds from this polar thingamabob, and the potential loss of power once again, I have been reexamining this and ran across this thread. I do realize that the wind turbine would have kicked out during those super high winds.

Be careful of what exists today may not exist tomorrow. The CA PUC just voted to change the net metering numbers to the point that solar may not be viable in CA. at the same time that the state is mandating solar on new homes. The projected ROI is now predicted to be 20 years plus. Ya think someone is getting their palm greased? Fortunately, existing systems are grandfathered for 15 years and at my age that’s more than enough.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

I'm curious OP and others, since inflation has kicked in are you noticing a quicker ROI (return on investment)? I have been leaning towards a wind turbine due to the high winds we get here, but solar seems like less maintenance and maybe a little cheaper. They have been installing the monster towers on the next ridgeline over for the last several months. I live in PA and we can do grid tie and net metering, but of course we have snow and ice winters (lots of ice this year). My land is clear and I have pretty good sun exposure. I talked to the elec company, their transmission rates kind of kill off the sell back so I am guessing this would be just a electric bill reduction. I probably spend about 2-2.7k in electric a year. If I installed a 16k system I am looking at at least a 10 year break even, unless electric goes up again.

I use a ton of elec in the winter time, oil hot air and a pellet stove eats it up. Yesterday and today with the high winds from this polar thingamabob, and the potential loss of power once again, I have been reexamining this and ran across this thread. I do realize that the wind turbine would have kicked out during those super high winds.

This web page is a good primer for small wind. Great knowledge base before making a small wind turbine decision.

The Truth About Small Wind Turbines – Solacity

Installing a small wind turbine? Get the information you need for an informed decision: The good and the bad, just the literal truth to help you choose.

www.solacity.com

 

[PA hayseed]

Be careful of what exists today may not exist tomorrow. The CA PUC just voted to change the net metering numbers to the point that solar may not be viable in CA. at the same time that the state is mandating solar on new homes. The projected ROI is now predicted to be 20 years plus. Ya think someone is getting their palm greased? Fortunately, existing systems are grandfathered for 15 years and at my age that’s more than enough.

Figures, politicians and greed. Then again, who fills those PUC appointments? They aren't elected in my state.

 

[PA hayseed]

This web page is a good primer for small wind. Great knowledge base before making a small wind turbine decision.

The Truth About Small Wind Turbines – Solacity

Installing a small wind turbine? Get the information you need for an informed decision: The good and the bad, just the literal truth to help you choose.

www.solacity.com

Thank you for the link. I went there and remembered viewing their material before. Some of their information is good, but they are a tiny bit slanted in their information. The website's maps say there isn't enough wind in my area for turbines, but there are ridges (one that I live on) that get substantially higher winds. Those wind maps can be viewed on other websites. I know these companies aren't putting up mega turbines where there isn't enough wind, the cost (even though they are heavily subsidized) is enormous. The entire appalachian trail, for the most part, can be a high wind source. That covers a large geographic area. Having said this, I am still looking at solar now.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Our solar install was finished up about 3 weeks ago... been cloudy and rainy everyday since. Even so the panels still generate some power.

Had any sunny days?

December and January are low production months unless you live in the Southwest.

Have had a 10 day stretch here that is mostly cloudy with snow and freezing rain. Still averaging 6 to 7 kw of power each day. Enough to run the well, woodstove fan, toaster, coffee maker and lights. Haven't had to hook up the PTO generator to charge the batteries yet. But did run a 2kw inverter generator to run some power tools.