Solar isn’t cheap and a big investment. Power from the utility grid is pricey and going up in cost. Most grid tied systems pay for themselves rather quickly and accrue over their life time equating to a profit. ROI (return on investment or break-even) on solar is between 6 to 10 years. If you own your own equipment that is.

Cons of Leasing Solar Panels

If you own your system, it is a good bet. PPA or Power Purchasing Agreement your value pretty much vanishes. The lender owns the system, so they collect on the incentives including the 30% tax credit or local tax rebates. You also pay a premium rate to lease the panels, which includes interest. You’ll pay over twice the costs over the lease period than if you paid for your own system.

Plan Solar Energy System for Future Developments & Needs

Most solar panels are warranted for 25 years. But most people plan for today, giving little thought to tomorrow. Have new arrivals in the form of kids, or perhaps you put in a shop or a parent moves in. If you have the space to expand you can, but you may not know where to put the panels. Central inverters have a specific carrying capacity. Increase panels you will have to upgrade or go with another inverter. Micro-inverters are an option that easily facilitates system expansion. Each panel has their own inverter.

Solar Battery Bank Setup

Off-grid? Carefully consider battery sizing. Depending on age you may not be able to expand your battery bank. Lead-acid batteries are not as easy to expand as lithium batteries. Adding new batteries to a lead-acid bank of older batteries leads to the premature break down of your new batteries, they age faster as the absorb the overall characteristics of the battery bank. Lithium batteries incorporate an integrated controlling circuit that controls the charging parameters.

Solar Panel Installation

Turn key systems will cost you from a 100 to 200% of the equipment cost to install the system. But you can by a packaged solar system from a wholesale dealer. It is a DIY project. but you can bring on a local contractor and still save money over the cost of having the installation done by one of the big turnkey providers. Get multiple bids, a 25 cent per watt difference equates to a couple of thousand- dollar difference.

Solar System Packages of Matching Parts

Acquiring parts over time from multiple vendors then trying to put together is a nightmarish scenario. You need matched parts to make it work that are compatible. Or you end up with one or more of these consequences:
• Undersized inverters for panel output
• Non uniform panel system that look more like a jig saw than an array.
• Wiring connectors vary from manufacturer to manufacturer
• Power centers missing breakers and disconnects, remote control or monitoring hardware
• Mismatched parts that no one will support.
• Headaches…….!
• What can go wrong? Well just about everything!

Alternative Energy Sources & More in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Centennial, Commerce City, Englewood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Parker, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge & Greater Denver, CO | Jefferson & Gilpin County, Colorado

Yes, you can go it alone and sweat the sleepless hours of regret, or get a hold of a local expert to help you decide. This article is about residential systems. Commercial systems are governed by code and local law and must conform with all of the laws and regulations. Commercial systems demand professional involvement. Advanced Electric Solutions Corp can advise you as to the best system to meet your energy needs. Contact us today!