Lets talk DIY Solar..... anyone done it yet? - KCSR

EA · 2021-01-11, 04:08 PM

As the title suggests, I am curious if anyone local has started a DIY solar project?

Corners · 2021-01-11, 05:31 PM

Not yet, but planning to build a pergola with bifacial solar panels.

EA · 2021-01-12, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corners

Not yet, but planning to build a pergola with bifacial solar panels.

So nothing on your house. Just the pergola? That cool... how many watts do you think you can fit up there?

Corners · 2021-01-12, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA

So nothing on your house. Just the pergola? That cool... how many watts do you think you can fit up there?

For now. I have a shake shingle roof, and unfortunately it’s still in good shape, but I don’t want to invest anything into the roof that will need to come down over the next few years. I haven’t finalized my design, but I’m going for something like this...

google photo upload

69Mach351 · 2021-01-12, 03:17 PM

/\ I really like that setup. We have been talking about doing a covered patio or larger three seasons room. That may be something to consider.

parish8 · 2021-01-12, 03:58 PM

I have priced it out every year and just can’t make it make sense. My electricity is 4.9cents per kWh 8 months of the year and 11cents the other 4months. The break even point even with tax credits is over 10 years and that is just breaking even and counting no maintenance costs. Power is too cheap here for it to make financial sense.

Corners · 2021-01-12, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parish8

I have priced it out every year and just can’t make it make sense. My electricity is 4.9cents per kWh 8 months of the year and 11cents the other 4months. The break even point even with tax credits is over 10 years and that is just breaking even and counting no maintenance costs. Power is too cheap here for it to make financial sense.

Dang, that’s cheap. Evergy in the KS side is about 13 cents per kWh with all taxes and fees added. I’m in the TOU plan. I pay 26 cents between 4pm and 8pm (M-F only), 6 cents from midnight to 6 am, and 13 cents the rest of the time. It’s nice to charge the car starting at midnight for cheap.

EA · 2021-01-13, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corners

Dang, that’s cheap. Evergy in the KS side is about 13 cents per kWh with all taxes and fees added. I’m in the TOU plan. I pay 26 cents between 4pm and 8pm (M-F only), 6 cents from midnight to 6 am, and 13 cents the rest of the time. It’s nice to charge the car starting at midnight for cheap.

Is there a chart somewhere to help do this math to find my break-even point?

I am on Evergy as well.

Corners · 2021-01-13, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA

Is there a chart somewhere to help do this math to find my break-even point?

I am on Evergy as well.

Evergy has a tool that shows you the costs. It doesn’t show you the math behind it, only the dollar amounts based on last year. For me with a Tesla and a swimming pool, it was an easy decision. I just moved my pool pump timer to shut off at 4, and set the timer on the car to charge at midnight. We just made a few changes like not running the dish washer or dry clothes between 4 and 8 M-F. We also use timers more on appliances like the dish washer and dryer (if there’s a load of towels where we don’t care about wrinkles.

jasman18 · 2021-02-27, 05:37 PM

I've self installed on two houses. Both using micro inverters.
Self install saves about 70% of the costs.
My last install was a 6.5 kw W facing system in Dec 2019 with total cost to me of about 12k.(3.6k tax credit) so net cost of 8.5k.
Saves average of about $100 to $150 per month.

2021-01-11, 04:08 PM	#1
EA Administrator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: House of Boost Posts: 16,001 Post Thanks / Like	Lets talk DIY Solar..... anyone done it yet? As the title suggests, I am curious if anyone local has started a DIY solar project? __________________ Das Beste oder nichts

2021-01-11, 05:31 PM	#2
Corners Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: JoCo Posts: 10,485 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 115 Thanks (Received): 188 Likes (Given): 602 Likes (Received): 1186	Not yet, but planning to build a pergola with bifacial solar panels. __________________ "Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn." - Charles De Mar. "We must love each other, show affection for each other and unite together in condemnation of hatred, bigotry and violence. We must rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans" - President Trump

2021-01-12, 03:58 PM	#6
parish8 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 47 Post Thanks / Like Thanks (Given): 0 Thanks (Received): 0 Likes (Given): 0 Likes (Received): 7 Dislikes (Given): 0 Dislikes (Received): 0	I have priced it out every year and just can’t make it make sense. My electricity is 4.9cents per kWh 8 months of the year and 11cents the other 4months. The break even point even with tax credits is over 10 years and that is just breaking even and counting no maintenance costs. Power is too cheap here for it to make financial sense.