Posted: 10/2/2007 4:55:27 AM EDT
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Any of you guys use a Grid Tied Solar System. Im talking the Big kind 1080 - 3000 watts. Systems run from $15,000 to $25,000. Just wondering if they are worth the investment. |
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$25k for 3 kW? Math...figure on $0.10 per kW*H as equivalent cost. The most you can get on average is 10 hours a day for 365 days per year so that is 3 dollars per day...1095 dollars per year for how many years equals $25,000? About 23 years. That is at 0% rate of return with zero upkeep cost. And $0.10 per kW*H is a high rate. |
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My Coworker's 3.6KW Solar System Nice folks, drop me a PM if you want to talk to them since I don't think they put contact info on their web site. |
Well not exactly how to calculate it - but illustrates the point well enough - ROI doesn't makes sense, in most places - even calculating in tax credits, rebate/grants and net metering. But ROI on most purchases dont make sense. Whats the ROI on$10k in upgraded berber, a marble bath or a $50k Sedan? I can see more utility out of a PV system than any off those. My experience is dated, theres some solar professionals on here that hopefully will chime in. 1-3kw Isnt all that large - 10kW starts to be large. With rebates, credits and self install, someone who does installs in CO indicated in a recent thread in outdoor forum a current cost of about $4/watt - so $12k for a 3kW. Very low ball and would certainly vary on what part of the country you live. Luck Alac |