Hey folks! I'm reaching out on behalf of my dad who's diving into solar energy. He's got a spacious house in southwest Florida, over 5,000 sq ft, and uses about 35,000 kWh per year. He's been tinkering with solar panels in the backyard and is now ready to install some on the roof. We met with a local installer who suggested setting up 60 panels (405W each) connected to the grid with a price tag of $58,000, and he may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. My dad is considering paying upfront, no loans involved. We're looking for the best advice on home solar setup and any recommended companies. I've heard mixed things about Tesla. We'd love to power the house and, if possible, sell any extra energy back to the grid. Thanks for any help!
2 Answers
It's great that your dad is getting into solar! Just a heads up, the tax credit might not last forever—the clock is ticking on that one. But if he's okay without relying on it for the cost, that’s a solid mindset!
I started my solar journey with just six small panels and some batteries—it was a fun intro! If your dad is comfortable, DIY might be the way to go. With battery backups, he won’t need to be grid-tied, which can be crucial during power outages. Just make sure he researches it thoroughly, as hiring a pro doesn’t always guarantee a good install. Some people have had issues with their roofs getting damaged.
But how does that work if he wants to sell excess energy? Don’t you need to be grid-tied for that?
There are hybrid inverters that let you connect to the grid but also go off-grid with battery storage. They are a bit more complex, but definitely worth considering, especially if outages happen often in your area.
Yeah, I totally agree! It would be a bonus if he can grab that credit, but planning without it is smart.