Solar Energy, sounds great but there are so many scams around I just don't trust any of it and will maybe look into it next year when its cheaper/more mature. Pretty sure I've said the same thing to myself the last 5 years.
@paul
Then there are the solar farm companies that want subscribers to sign on to 20 year contracts, which you can only escape by moving to another state. It’s not a scam but it is very unfriendly to consumers.
@paul
A friend has panels installed and electrical system modified, then the vendor decided to abandon the business. In theory all they need to do is send a tech to flip the ON switch, but until then he has an extra roofing later.
@paul They sell these things like cars. Just keep that in mind. They want to sell you on a low monthly price, but you're really just financing the whole cost over 20-30 years. So it's better to haggle over price, not monthly payment. Also understand associated costs to remove and reinstall panels to replace or repair roof possibly once during the time period of paying off the panels.
@paul I’ve been working for SunPower for about a year and things don’t seem scammy, but let me know if you have any questions, or want my f&f discount.
@paul early
adopters definitely got kinda shafted with tech. for example enphase (what i have) is already on gen 3 of their ensembles and while gen 1 and 2 work. they aren’t without serious bugs that only gen 3 fixes.
@paul I got a Tesla solar system which is exactly the setup that Marques Brownlee got, but his is triple the size of mine. Do you get government rebates in your state?
@paul me too. Except I bough panels 5 years ago and paid them off without spending a penny of my money. SRECs kind of covered loan pay off (SRECs in NJ are 200+ per certificate, so well worth it)…
But these companies scam you left and right. Now that I know how things work, I can't force myself to expand my system, because they they want for expansion more than I paid for original system :(
@paul it's rough, for sure. My recommendation is to look at local companies that aren't extremely multi-state, and have good reviews.
The scammy folk will continue to exist ad infinitum, you just need people you trust to help guide you through the various quotes you get from the companies you pick.
@paul there are very reputable companies doing home solar. They aren’t going door-to-door. If you see someone with solar in your neighborhood ask them about it. The rebates available are substantial and will lower your initial investment and associated risk. If we don’t adopt it, it won’t improve and become more efficient and more affordable.
@paul had mine for 8 months. Quite happy. In VA. Sunrun did exactly what they the said they would. With permits and what it took about 4months from contract to completion. Suggest starting in late winter to get that great summer sun.
@paul I haven’t had any issues with Solar City. I think I’m on year 8 now. Sure, Tesla owns them now, but I haven’t had any reason to complain. I do agree though there’s a LOT of BS out there.
Check up on the laws in your location as to what's permitted as structural additions, visibility, $ perks, etc.
I learned to dig into financing companies before solar installers, Some have D or F ratings on BBB's site. One company gave me the runaround for months b/c they couldn't explain what else they needed as proof my manufactured home wasn't mobile anymore. Tried again 1 yr later, diff company. In 5 minutes, they cleared up the issue & I couldn't get roof panels (no concrete pad).
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