Hey everyone! I'm planning to install solar panels for my home in Northern California EastBay, and I've narrowed my options down, but I'd love your input. My house is about 4,400 sq. ft., and I've noticed my electricity bills around April and May total about $1,000 a month, resulting in an annual consumption of over 26,000 kWh (according to PG&E data). While I won't be able to fully offset my usage (probably 80-85%), I need help deciding on the best solar system. Here are my options:
**Option 1:** 17.64 kW with REC Alpha Pure 2 panels, including a FranklinWH battery. Total cost: $71,795.
**Option 2:** 17.02 kW with REC460AA panels and a FranklinWH battery. Total cost: $77,000.
**Option 3:** 17.63 kW with REC410AA panels and FranklinWH battery. Total cost: $75,362 (or $70,000 without insurance).
**Option 4:** Similar to Option 3 but with Enphase battery storage for $75,960.
**Option 5:** 17.63 kW with Tesla Powerwall setup for $65,972 (or $62,732 without insurance).
I would appreciate your thoughts on these options, especially if you have experiences or advice to share! Thanks a lot!
5 Answers
You might want to rethink using microinverters if you're planning to have batteries. They might not be the best choice in your case!
It's worth considering if your inability to offset 100% of usage is based on past consumption alone. Doing a detailed audit could show where you can save energy. Plus, remember there’s no law mandating that all panels must be on the roof; wall, fence, or ground mounts are also viable options if you want to add more capacity.
Calculate how much power your house needs during daylight hours and compare that with the estimated power your proposed solar setup can produce. This will help you determine how much energy you can store in batteries for evening use. Also, think about your ROI; it can be better to invest in a system that offsets your daytime use rather than going all out with batteries right away.
That's a smart approach! Knowing your energy consumption patterns can really help optimize your setup.
Since this is a DIY space, have you thought about contacting Signature Solar? They could customize a design that fits your needs. For example, there's a kit for 12 kW solar and 30 kWh of batteries that might be more cost-effective for you. Just a thought!
Have you checked out resources like youtilitics.com? Analyzing your energy data might give you insights on where your electricity goes. $2,000 a month is a big consumption, so understanding it could really help your decision-making process!
Really? I’m still learning, so I’d appreciate any more details on why that might be a bad idea!