I received a quote from Solar Warehouse for a solar setup that promises to cover 100% of my power needs. While the size of the system seems appropriate, I'm curious about others' experiences with their estimates compared to actual performance. In theory, it should meet all my energy demands, but how accurate are these estimates really? I'm just worried about investing a chunk of money in solar and ending up with unexpected costs if the system doesn't deliver as promised.
3 Answers
Even if your solar system is designed to produce as much energy as you use in a year, that doesn't guarantee your electricity bill will be zero. You really need to understand your utility's net metering policies because they vary significantly. Some companies don’t credit you at all while others offer full compensation. I used the PVWatts calculator, and it was surprisingly accurate—within 5% of my actual production. Just remember to consider shading, as it can impact your system's efficiency.
Totally agree about using PVWatts! It’s crucial to check for shading, too; otherwise, you might miscalculate your expected energy output. The calculator is quite optimistic, assuming perfect conditions. My experience showed that early morning and late evening production is actually quite significant.
If you’re unsure about the estimate you got from Solar Warehouse, try generating your own projections. Use the PVWatts calculator by entering your address and the specifications from your quote. It can give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of production. If there's a big difference compared to what the company promised, definitely ask them why that’s the case.