Solar in NY

[chrisasst]

Ok guys, does any one have solar panels (setup from Sungevity) and you live in NY?
I have been talking to them, I have a huge open roof on the south east.

They gave me some numbers and what I would potentially be looking at for a monthly bill As of right now I am paying a budget of $193. That will go down next year.
What they estimated my bill would be is around $145 plus the monthly loan amount I would have to do which is round $45. So in the end it would be any more than I am paying now. And there are a few rebates and tax incentives that NY state gives.
So any input from any body? I am supposed to a phone conversation with them tonight..

 

[CaptSpiff]

Ok guys, does any one have solar panels (setup from Sungevity) and you live in NY?
As of right now I am paying a budget of $193.
What they estimated my bill would be is around $145 plus the monthly loan amount I would have to do which is round $45.
I am supposed to a phone conversation with them tonight..

You'll get lots of input from fellow rooftop PV homeowners (I'm still a wanna be),
but I'll make the observation that "you seem to be in a hurry". This is not the area to rush.
If they're pressuring you then find another installer.
Spend some time reading the threads on PV, and research the NYS Solar Credits and NYSERDA rebates.

I'm shocked that they would only be able to reduce your electric bill from $193 to 145.
You could do that with changing your standard light bulbs to LED or CFL.

 

[GENECOP]

If its the same as your paying now, why do it....?

 

[chrisasst]

If its the same as your paying now, why do it....?

Yeah. Good point.
I heard solar panels increases home resell value though.

 

[bsruther]

If its the same as your paying now, why do it....?

Because the earth has a fever.

 

[peakbagger]

I heard solar panels increases home resell value though.

I wouldn't plan on solar panels increasing the homes value. If its a leased system it can impact the homes value and sale ability as the leasing firm has to approve the credit of any homebuyer and can elect to force the current owner to buy out the lease. The increases resale is mostly a marketing pitch but the firms that sell solar. A well integrated system on a high end home in a area that pays a premium for "green" may be an exception but in standard housing market, most realtors don't even know how to sell it.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Yeah. Good point.
I heard solar panels increases home resell value though.

If I were to buy a home with panels I'd expect it to pay the same as one without them. I'd look at the roof under them and argue that it would be a giant pita to reroof when the time came because they would have to be removed, etc.

Think of it like a truck with a plow. Sure you won't have to buy a plow, but how about the stress on the transmission and frame?

 

[Retired Guy]

I would prefer a ground system. Re-roofing and snow cleanup are two of the reasons.

 

[chrisasst]

I would prefer a ground system. Re-roofing and snow cleanup are two of the reasons.

I just had them quote me on ground mounting. The upfront cost is $36,000. After possible rebates plus maintenace cost would be $31,000
They are calculating saving over a 25 year period to be only $2300..
I really hope I am not in this house for another 25 years.,

 

[nick123]

I would wait on solar. Especially solar leasing. Solar leasing just to convoluted and scammy to jump in at at this point.