I'm looking to set up a solar system for my home as I consume about 125 kWh daily, and I'm considering a larger system since I have three Teslas. I've received quotes from several solar companies, and I'm not too impressed with the prices ranging from $60k to $120k. I stumbled upon a Sol-ark setup that seems promising, but my electrical knowledge is limited. I have two main questions: firstly, is this a solid system, or am I missing something critical? Secondly, how can I find someone to install this? It feels like solar companies prefer only certain products. Any guidance would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Finding someone to install equipment you've bought can be tricky. Most installers have preferred brands and methods. Also, keep the January 1st deadline for the 30% tax credit in mind—solar installers will be super busy around that time. Decide if you're going with a pro or going the DIY route first, then find an installer who can handle what you want before making any purchases. Good luck!
Make sure you check if your utility offers net metering. In my experience, it really helps with the efficiency of your solar setup. I use SoCalEdison for my solar, but their reimbursement rates can feel pretty low. It's important to understand your usage patterns, especially with three Teslas, as you might need more than what you're planning.
You mentioned needing a big system for your daily use—do you want solar to cover all of that? From my experience, you might need something larger. I have a 17.85 kW array with a Sol-ark inverter and it works well, but weather affects generation a lot. Just be aware of your EV charging schedule since solar is best when the cars are home during sunny hours. If not, you might want to scale up your system accordingly.