If I go solar now, it will be a ground based and not grid tied. I'd start with the system powering my garage since it is detached and go from there.
Less red tape and BS when you don't tie it to the grid or stick it on a roof.
If they'll let you. In Vegas, a friend of mine had enough land to put in enough panels and batteries to disconnect. The city told him he COULDN'T. Part of having a 'legal domicile' within the city limits was to be on city utilities. If he just stopped paying his electric bill, sure they'd disconnect him, then start garnishing his wages, and then turn his power back on.
Now if you are starting with powering a separate building, you might not run into that, if your city/township doesn't have those types of laws
Bringing back this thread because I’m thinking of going solar. Long story short my bills are a average of $150.
After Illinois and federal incentives it will cost me out of pocket around 10k.
So in 5.5 years it will pay for itself.
Supposedly my south facing roof, the pitch of my roof and no tree coverage will have a 8.8kw setup produce and average of 12kw. (Rough numbers)
Sooooo anyone have solar? Any advice?
I no longer will be going with Tesla, they use random outside contractors. I’m mainly looking at certasun and illumen solar.
A few questions on your math. Is that OoP expense include enough batteries to handle your peak average consumption during the "short days" of the year?
And does your capture setup exceed your peak consumption during 'short days' enough to provide enough of a charge?
And most of those battery systems need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years. So your savings will evaporate.
Please don't take this as a solar naysayer. I've been watching it myself for a while. My house length orientation is E-W, and the back slant on my house is almost completely unobstructed, so plenty of panel space. For me, I haven't found a way where I live to ever 'get ahead' after maintenance/upkeep. Especially in the summer with the A/C. I have to stay on the grid.
store.santansolar.com
