We're thinking of going with these guys (Icon Solar, Cincinnati) for our solar. Please comment, critique, and discuss. Any and all inputs welcome. I don't want to screw this up! :smile:
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As far as usage goes, ours is unfortunately very high. It's a large house with two Geothermal heat pumps. They're due to be replaced so I may go with dual fuel to use LP backup instead of the AUX electric heat which is VERY expensive. Our average yearly usage is about 3900 kWh. I know it's a lot and we're working on it but right now it's accurate.
You probably meant to write 39000 kWh?
On your setup: Sure go as big as your roof allows. I wonder what your electric consumption is, since a 20kW system can offset just 52% of your bill?!? Might look into energy saving investments there, they might provide even better ROI.
Wow. 3900kWh per month is extremely high for electrical usage. Anything you can do to reduce that electrical load (such as adding insulation, improving the air sealing of your house, etc.) would make a big difference in the size and cost of the PV system you need to cover your needs. Insulation and air sealing are not that sexy, but they usually have the best ROI.
You might want to consider getting an energy audit, where they do a blower door test and use a FLIR camera to spot problems with leakage and heat loss. Most utility companies offer subsidized energy audits.
Don't get me wrong, I love PV electric ( I currently have a small 3.15 kW system), but for most American houses, spending a few thousand dollars on insulation should be the first priority that would save a lot of money over the long term. Getting new Energy Star appliances is usually the next step.
I agree completely. Your first, second, and third steps should be to improve your home's energy efficiency before even considering solar.
Today is the first day of operation of our 7.5kW system which is sized to supply about 75% of our electricity use. Our payback is projected to be 7 years with conservative accounting (we have a significant local rebate you don't have). I wouldn't have done it with 12 year payback.
This is probably obvious, but I should have added that your payback will take even longer than 12 years if the increase in electricity cost is less than 5% per year over that time.
As the investment disclaimers say, past performance does not predict future resultsYes. Our electric rates have increased 83% in the last 10 years.
As the investment disclaimers say, past performance does not predict future results
I know nothing about geothermal heat pumps, but if you only look at that you're missing half of the equation. Your energy use depends both on production and loss whether it's heat as you have or air conditioning which is the major cost in Texas. You really should look at heat loss with an energy audit-- insulation, windows, doors, air ducts, etc. Money spent reducing heat or cold loss almost always gives bigger results than changing how the heat or cold is produced.As far as our usage; no doubt it is high. Even for a very large house. I really believe it's the Geothermal Heat Pumps. They're 17 years old and due to be replaced. I've had the system "checked" by more than one contractor. They say that they're working correctly. I'm not so sure. We can't compare before and after since we installed them when we put the huge addition onto our cabin. The aux heat (emergency) runs a lot in the Winter. A lot of the research I've read indicates that the aux heat should almost never run. I would like to replace the system but want to find a contractor that understands (believes?) this and sizes and installs the system correctly.
I know nothing about geothermal heat pumps, but if you only look at that you're missing half of the equation. Your energy use depends both on production and loss whether it's heat as you have or air conditioning which is the major cost in Texas. You really should look at heat loss with an energy audit-- insulation, windows, doors, air ducts, etc. Money spent reducing heat or cold loss almost always gives bigger results than changing how the heat or cold is produced.
I know nothing about geothermal heat pumps, but if you only look at that you're missing half of the equation. Your energy use depends both on production and loss whether it's heat as you have or air conditioning which is the major cost in Texas. You really should look at heat loss with an energy audit-- insulation, windows, doors, air ducts, etc. Money spent reducing heat or cold loss almost always gives bigger results than changing how the heat or cold is produced.