Solar Power Question

daepp · 10-12-2010, 09:40 AM

In California, beyond the tax credits you can get for installing solar PV panels on your home or business, the state forces the utilities to credit you for the energy produced.

But what happens if the state drops this requirement. Does it render the 25 year investment moot? Without batteries, are the panels then worthless?

It wouldn't shock me to learn that the state changed its mind or bowed to the utilities since I think I just learned that solar is a money loser for them.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I worked it out for Hugh in his specific area, but it does work. I don't think you get paid what they charge you for electricty, or at least I wouldn't if I setup the electric company.

Anyhow.

I would look at what your usage is on an hour by hour basis. What you are shooting for is to null out the electricity that is coming in during the "peak" hours. Buy an on-grid system of that size and you will do fine, if your electricty cost is $0.23+/kWh and you can do the installation yourself.

daepp · 10-12-2010, 09:48 AM

My questions is, What if they stop paying you for the juice?

cbush · 10-12-2010, 09:56 AM

Not sure I understand what you are getting at- you still get the benefit of a lower electric bill as the panels are generating power. If your generation exceeds your use, then you would lose that, but I would think that would be a relatively small loss. And yes, you could use batteries to capture that.

I plan on buying a system, but it will only supplement my power usage not replace it.

Chuck

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

It potentially could be a pretty significant loss. During the day, if your AC is not running and you are at work, your meter should be running backwards pretty fast. If the electric utility decides they are going to terminate the deal, it would be a loser for most people. I do not know if there is any sort of guarantee.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAEpperson

My questions is, What if they stop paying you for the juice?

If you follow what I suggest, then there is no issue. You are simply nulling out the usage during the peak/high cost hours. If you put in a larger system, then the purchase credits become an issue.

You're alternative is to go "off grid". You supply your electrical needs and you have batteries to hold the excess for use during the night time. Some of the charge controllers have an A/C input/rectifier which allows you to charge your batteries during off peak hours, when the panels can't keep up.

I suggest the following: Do some usage measurements throughout the day so that you understand your peak usage. The monthly numbers over a year are a start, but you also need to know a "typical" day in each of the four seasons.

Also remember that the panels produce for only about 3-10 hours per day, depending on where you are located, the type of charge controller, time of year, etc.

Find out what the electric company will pay you for the excess.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAEpperson

My questions is, What if they stop paying you for the juice?

1. I doubt that will happen as you and thousands of others could then sue them under a "detrimental reliance" contract theory. Take a look at any thing you have to sign & see if they have it written in there that they can stop paying you.

2. Is this a major part of the lifetime cost/benefit ??

3. Electric rates and other energy costs are highly likely to go up & up in the foreseeable future. That makes it less likely they would want to drop the j"uice pay."