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WAPA posted my bill yesterday for the November reading right on schedule.
Posted : January 24, 2020 10:46 pm
daveb722 reacted
We bought in a HOA community where 4 stand alone villas share one 100kW diesel gen. We are lucky in the guy who installed it has it maintained and we all just split fuel costs. It's for We Ain't Powering Anything times. I'm not sure how our HOA feels about solar panels but I will find out eventually. With 100kW we were0ld that the 4 villas, (2 & 3 bedroom each) can basically run everything.
Posted : January 25, 2020 4:50 pm
100kW should be plenty for 4 villas.
Posted : January 25, 2020 10:04 pm
I agree, 100 kW that’s a big generator.
Posted : January 26, 2020 12:24 am
Topic starter
WAPA posted my bill yesterday for the November reading right on schedule.
Got mine too. It was the first bill that I owed a Wapping $5.00 but I did have 2 renters there and I'm sure they aren't a fanatic like me making sure everything is off. Think it was hot that month as well according to the tenant below. I would like to add to my system with a batter backup that will power me until the sun charges it again. My only concern was the amount of panels I lost in Maria, if that happened again, then a generator would be a better option and the only thing that may change my direction.
100 KW generator is more than sufficient for 4 homes for sure.
Posted : January 26, 2020 9:56 am
We have a 7kW portable generator for the house, that once the solar system is installed will be our backup of last resort.
The solar panels to be installed are designed for ~200mph winds. There will always be a risk of damage from flying objects but our house was built in 1970 and still has the original roof (50 years), evidence it was well built. So I’m anticipating the panels will stay in place.
My thinking is that as long as the roof stays on the house we have a good chance of keeping the power on. If we do lose the roof, it won’t matter anyway as power will be the least of our concerns.
Not sure there is a 100% solution, there are just too many variables. I’m simply using history, logic and common sense along with some professional advice as my guides on what’s best for our situation.
Posted : January 27, 2020 4:50 am
WAPA posted my bill yesterday for the November reading right on schedule.
Got mine too. It was the first bill that I owed a Wapping $5.00 but I did have 2 renters there and I'm sure they aren't a fanatic like me making sure everything is off. Think it was hot that month as well according to the tenant below. I would like to add to my system with a batter backup that will power me until the sun charges it again. My only concern was the amount of panels I lost in Maria, if that happened again, then a generator would be a better option and the only thing that may change my direction.
100 KW generator is more than sufficient for 4 homes for sure.
If you have a first generation WAPA net metering contract, you cannot add batteries to your system that interfaces with the grid.
Posted : January 27, 2020 9:43 am
WAPA posted my bill yesterday for the November reading right on schedule.
Got mine too. It was the first bill that I owed a Wapping $5.00 but I did have 2 renters there and I'm sure they aren't a fanatic like me making sure everything is off. Think it was hot that month as well according to the tenant below. I would like to add to my system with a batter backup that will power me until the sun charges it again. My only concern was the amount of panels I lost in Maria, if that happened again, then a generator would be a better option and the only thing that may change my direction.
100 KW generator is more than sufficient for 4 homes for sure.
If you have a first generation WAPA net metering contract, you cannot add batteries to your system that interfaces with the grid.
Don't ask, don't tell. No one is checking.
Posted : January 28, 2020 8:15 am
daveb722 reacted
WAPA posted my bill yesterday for the November reading right on schedule.
Got mine too. It was the first bill that I owed a Wapping $5.00 but I did have 2 renters there and I'm sure they aren't a fanatic like me making sure everything is off. Think it was hot that month as well according to the tenant below. I would like to add to my system with a batter backup that will power me until the sun charges it again. My only concern was the amount of panels I lost in Maria, if that happened again, then a generator would be a better option and the only thing that may change my direction.
100 KW generator is more than sufficient for 4 homes for sure.
If you have a first generation WAPA net metering contract, you cannot add batteries to your system that interfaces with the grid.
Don't ask, don't tell. No one is checking.
you would do electrical work without a permit?
Posted : January 28, 2020 2:29 pm
Absolutely. As long as it's done to code, I see no reason to involve the government.
Posted : January 28, 2020 2:42 pm
Absolutely. As long as it's done to code, I see no reason to involve the government.
In big America (or at least in FL), to sell a home, part of the title search now includes a review of all potentially permitted work and if permits weren't pulled and closed, you can't sell your house unless you get permits after the fact. Electric, plumbing, A/C, roofs and driveways (moved earth) in particular. Big America banks sell mortgages in the VI - just saying.
Anyway, wouldn't WAPA have to connect and reconnect to the weather head if battery back up is added? And wouldn't the electric meter need to be altered? Generating permits yes??
Posted : January 28, 2020 3:10 pm
I understand that as I own another home on the mainland where things are a little more buttoned down.
WAPA wouldn't need to disconnect my weather head because I have a master shut off.
My meter is already a two way buy/sell meter.
I already have the permits for my system so adding batteries doesn't change that.
Posted : January 28, 2020 3:23 pm
I understand that as I own another home on the mainland where things are a little more buttoned down.
WAPA wouldn't need to disconnect my weather head because I have a master shut off.
My meter is already a two way buy/sell meter.
I already have the permits for my system so adding batteries doesn't change that.
Your batteries can't push back to the grid - can only charge from solar panels? In other words, you can't store power from WAPA and sell it back to WAPA. Yes? Selling stored power attained from the grid back to WAPA is what makes it ,well, not legal.
Adding batteries negates your contract with WAPA if you're a first generation net metering customer - and first gen net metering is a great deal. Adding the batteries is unpermitted work no matter if you have previous permits - the scope of your solar system changes.
There is the catch me if you can thing, I understand that.
Posted : January 28, 2020 4:02 pm
That's actually great information...I had no idea that I couldn't legally add batteries with my net metering agreement. But, I know several people who have quietly added them.
There definitely is a lot of "catch me if you can" going on with very little "catching" that I have heard about.
Posted : January 28, 2020 4:19 pm
Posted : January 28, 2020 5:07 pm
https://stthomassource.com/content/2019/10/23/new-net-metering-program-may-find-few-takers/
The only thing the "new" net metering program will achieve is having more complete off grid installations and more unpermitted rogue systems.
Posted : January 29, 2020 8:04 am
https://stthomassource.com/content/2019/10/23/new-net-metering-program-may-find-few-takers/
The only thing the "new" net metering program will achieve is having more complete off grid installations and more unpermitted rogue systems.
I agree. And it may cause rates to increase for everyone else.
Hard to go rogue with an off-grid system once you call WAPA and tell them to come get their meter LOL.
Posted : January 29, 2020 9:18 am
True...but homeowners are installing DIY systems that just plug in.
Posted : January 29, 2020 9:32 am
True...but homeowners are installing DIY systems that just plug in.
I hope they know where the nearest fire station is. Not sure homeowner's insurance will cover the blaze.
There are new batteries being developed that only store power generated from solar panels that can tie into net metering systems - solving the sellback issue and fear of powering a line being worked on.
Posted : January 29, 2020 9:43 am
Has anyone got/use the Telsa power walls? If so, what has your experience been like using them?
Posted : January 29, 2020 9:45 am
Has anyone got/use the Telsa power walls? If so, what has your experience been like using them?
I have two Tesla batteries tied to
my system. I have been very happy with the investment. Don’t need a generator anymore. Batteries charge from solar panels only and will power the house only. Batteries do not swap power with WAPA. Excess solar from panels is gifted to WAPA on order of about $900 per year.
Posted : January 29, 2020 10:03 am
The challenge of going off the grid is getting a sufficient energy storage capacity to survive days with my minimum/no sunshine or perhaps winter months where sum is fairly low. This January I am generating only 80% of my energy needs. I would have to conserve without net metering.
I can get by on 11kwh a day without AC but need 30-35kwh if running all AC units. I can manage my energy in owner occupied house but try renting to people and discipline them to conserve energy. So being off grid may not be a good option for someone who rents their house for part year.
Posted : January 29, 2020 10:26 am
Topic starter
Has anyone got/use the Telsa power walls? If so, what has your experience been like using them?
I have two Tesla batteries tied to
my system. I have been very happy with the investment. Don’t need a generator anymore. Batteries charge from solar panels only and will power the house only. Batteries do not swap power with WAPA. Excess solar from panels is gifted to WAPA on order of about $900 per year.
Do you recall how much is was for the powerwalls and to install them? Or was this in the total price of your system? I tried many times to have pro solar call me, but they never returned any calls or inquiries.
Posted : January 29, 2020 12:11 pm
I don’t recall the price but it was staggered price based on the number of batteries ordered. I remember that the third battery was quoted at essentially mainland price. First two were something around $18K including all install.
In a scheme of things solar panels and Tesla power was has been 100% trouble free, maintenance free, survived 2 hurricanes and delivers 9000kwh annually. I don’t need generator at all, I don’t notice power outages at all. I have a total control of energy management with Tesla phone app. I can go off the grid anytime I want just by adjusting Tesla software and go back on the grid if I run low on batteries. I can also use more energy to cool the house if I see that I have a surpluses.
Posted : January 29, 2020 12:44 pm
That is great....also the future and how we should be living. This is why Telsa are now trying to build smaller power walls that actually hold MORE power.
Like you say, with strict management, if it would be possible to live without the need of WAPA. Imagine if a large % of the island did this...lol
Posted : January 29, 2020 1:09 pm
