Going solar

Hi,

This is my last post on these boards, no one has chimed in, so I will try to give you a push start.

There are quite a few threads about this topic. Your best bet may be to use the search option. I took a quick shot at it and got a lot of relevant results. Here is an example:

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,197943,198018

Some of these do go very deep into the subject and talk about different combinations of partial solar, solar + wind, etc., to full independence from the grid. The never ending debate of whether it is cost effective or not and environmental implications are part of said threads.

Perhaps one or more of the ElectroWizards on these boards will take note of your thread and help you more than I ever could.

Best wishes,

Rowdy
Over & Out

We got interested in installing solar after it was announced that no more net metering permits would be issued on STX. Luckily, we were able to buy a permitted 7.5 kw system from someone who reneged and were able to have the permit transferred to our name.

We're looking forward to installation in a few weeks and especially not having a WAPA bill to pay anymore. The system is beneficial in many ways but mainly; obviously lowering our outrageous WAPA bill to zero, increasing the value of our home by twice the value of the cost of the system (according to some realtors) and making our home much more attractive to sell in the future.

After the federal tax rebate, it will cost about $26,000 but well worth it.

I feel very lucky.

Not everyone has $26-30K to plop down to go solar/off grid.
What's the insurance premium on windstorm for it?

Of course if the roof blows in a storm, you'd have bigger issues than no power.

Thanks or the link Rowdy! And Vicanuck, how'd you get so lucky to buy out the person who backed out of their solar deal?

Regarding windstorm insurance, I spoke with our home insurance carrier and they advised that no additional coverage or special rider is required with the addition of the panels on the roof.

How did we get so lucky? It was just happenstance. My wife and I discussed it one night and I suggested that I would call a friend who is in the solar business the next morning. I called him and he said my timing was perfect...he had just given up on a client whom he had been working with and who hadn't returned calls or emails for some months. We arranged for a meeting soon after and the deal was done. The permits are now in my name and we're good to go.

Regarding the $28k...the actual system cost was $35k but with the 20% federal tax rebate, that brings it down. Financing it was easy...we just took a Home Equity Loan out on another (mostly paid off) house we own in the states that we rent out. I tried all the banks here but none were interested. I was able to do everything over the phone/email with my stateside banker. It couldn't have been any easier.

Congrats on that vicanuk!
Hope the system works perfectly and you enjoy your freedom from WAPA. Must be nice not to get those WAPA bills.

Thanks for the insurance info. I was curious if you had to insure the panels/solar system for your home separately or include it on policy and if there were additional costs involved. Can I ask who you use for your homeowner insurance?

I thought it was 30% Canuck...

Sky...you could be right at 30%.

Alana...Marshall & Sterling.