Reply #23: we have 18 pv panels plus solar hotwater system. We are net-metering [View All]

[peacebird]

so our power meter rolls backwards all day and forward at night. The solar hotwater was very inexpensive and will pay for itself in about 3 years. It alone made a HUGE impact on our bills! Our power company told us that solar hotwater is the single least expensive way for folks to reduce their power bills - and they were right. We saw the impact immediately!

The PV system (we got a bigger converter and can add up to 8 more panels) was expensive, and will likely not pay for itself in energy cost savings at the current rates - but we felt it was something we could do, and it feels like the right choice to us. It *will* help keep our power costs to a more reasonable rate for us when we retire - so I guess we are paying for the future now? :-)

We would need to add more panels to be close to off grid - and replace our fridge as well. In the winter we heat with a tulikivi soapstone fireplace, so our electric bill is only about $35, and in the summer it has been averaging about $75 even with the AC on.

We had our system installed to feed back to the grid and are using a SunnyBoy inverter. We have not purchased a battery backup system (where the excess power goes to batteries before it goes to power company) so if there is a power outtage - we will be powerless along with everyone else.