this post was submitted on 25 Apr 2024
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I'm sorry for posting this here. There isn't a solar panel instance, nor did I see anything for electricians. I know there's been a lot of gripe with certain solar companies (solgen being in litigation, and others) but I didn't hear much about freedom forever, since they're new to Seattle area where I'm doing this. Reddit seems to hate this company. But the price seems alright. I'm paying $22k for 7.4kw but getting it down to 15k after the state stipend. Less than $3 a watt which I'm guessing is really good. I'm planning to pay it off in 2 or 3 years. Not the full 25 which will cost me so much more. Can anyone point me in the right direction and if I'm making the right decision?

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[โ€“] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

As the other guy said, the only hard parts for you will be to negotiate staying on the grid or cutting off completely.

I ran all the numbers and you are paying a ridiculous price for solar. You will see it pay it self off in 50 years, which I doubt you will care about at all once you are 50 years older or giving the house to your next of kin.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

What numbers? I ran the numbers to purchase 18 panels with IQ8+ micro inverters, the solar edge inverter, the infrastructure and misc and it came out to just $3-4k under the $15k I'll be paying. That $3-4k covers will be the cost of install and to get me onto PSE's last few 1 to 1 net metering programs.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Your screenshot shows 20k spent. I'm assuming you mean after federal tax rebate. As for what numbers

For example with a goal of about 20k spent This bundle gets you 12Kw of inverter output and 30Kwh of batteries for 11k. Then just grab two Of these solar panel pallets for 28Kw of panels. Or Alternatively go smaller with just one pallet and save a bit. Then ofc you will get the 30% federal tax credit on top of everything

So far as i can see from your invoice you won't have any battery storage, your inverter is less than 4k output. So for the same price you could get 3x the inverter capacity, actually have battery, meaning even during a complete blackout you would still be able to have power, and get 3x as much solar array. Or you could get a similarly sized system for a fraction of the price. EG4 also has a larger inverter than can do the metering if you want that so could trade the 2x pallets for 1x with backfeed inverter

[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

OK that's amazing. Thank you for this information. Yes with the rebate I'm paying $15k.

That was my concern, if I do it myself would I still get the rebate. I'll call PSE on Monday and ask if I will get the rebate and if I can also opt into the 1 to 1 net metering.

[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

You can, they require full wiring diagrams for approval and inspection by a master electrician. One of the setups i did was for PSE in Washington. Federal tax credit counts as well in diy

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I'm taking my master exam in 3 weeks lol. How I know so little about photovoltaics is embarrassing. But I can get a diagram and design built easily enough. I'll call them Monday to discuss what they need.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

There's honestly little to learn, it's a DC system so it's a lot more straightforward than some of the nasty that can happen with AC neutral and grounds where and when to bond etc. Positive and negative, use an appropriate sized dc breaker, have a cutoff switch. ยฏ\_(ใƒ„)_/ยฏ

[โ€“] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Funny enough it's the ac systems I'm comfortable with. Thanks again for all the advice.