Solar power- Vivint Solar

[beamie]

How old is your roof?

What happens when you need a reroof. Who pays for the dismounting and remounting of panels? Or if there is just a simple leak because of the install. Something to think about.

[rickhern]

Originally Posted by beamie

How old is your roof?

What happens when you need a reroof. Who pays for the dismounting and remounting of panels? Or if there is just a simple leak because of the install. Something to think about.

With SolarCity, they want the roof generally less than 15 years old. They have a $2MM insurance policy against leakage or other damage from the system. If you need a reroof, they charge a flat $500 to remove and reinstall the panels.

[Back Beach]

Mike,

Research the purchase versus "free" approaches. We put 150 "free" panels on the maintenance facility last year. A wise man stopped by my shop after the install and mentioned purchasing the panels outright will pay you back in 5 years or so due to the fact you receive a higher rate of return if you own the panels.

Getting the panels "free" simply means the company selling you the panels takes half the subsidy and gives you half. If you own the panels outright you receive the full rate. They're expensive but a better long term Investment if you own them as opposed to leasing or getting them for "free."

[bassballer]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Mike,

Research the purchase versus "free" approaches. We put 150 "free" panels on the maintenance facility last year. A wise man stopped by my shop after the install and mentioned purchasing the panels outright will pay you back in 5 years or so due to the fact you receive a higher rate of return if you own the panels.

Getting the panels "free" simply means the company selling you the panels takes half the subsidy and gives you half. If you own the panels outright you receive the full rate. They're expensive but a better long term Investment if you own them as opposed to leasing or getting them for "free."

Being in the business i agree with Mike. This is the way to go. Depending on different factors you could be making money on the grid in a few years. Its a big initial investment but worth it in the long run.

[Fly Rod]

Sine I have a natural gas furnace ...I'm looking into a natural gas furnace with an energy cell of which I would only use 1/3 of electricity produced from the cell and sell back the rest to the grid....the other good thing if electricity goes out in neighborhood or city I would still have electricity, same as having a generator.

[rickhern]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Mike,

Research the purchase versus "free" approaches. We put 150 "free" panels on the maintenance facility last year. A wise man stopped by my shop after the install and mentioned purchasing the panels outright will pay you back in 5 years or so due to the fact you receive a higher rate of return if you own the panels.

Getting the panels "free" simply means the company selling you the panels takes half the subsidy and gives you half. If you own the panels outright you receive the full rate. They're expensive but a better long term Investment if you own them as opposed to leasing or getting them for "free."

Agreed, yet the vast majority of new systems are leases or PPA's. The purchase option takes a little more effort, securing financing, etc.., but the payoff is much better. Most people take the easy way out(in everything).