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Showing posts 26 - 40 of 40, (reverse)
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 08/18/2012 01:00:48 PM · #26
as an update. the install is finally done, still waiting on final approval from the inspector. i still need to finish the underside myself, the contractor only did did enough to the framing to get the inspector to approve, but its operational and the meter is spinning backward!

this update is being entirely posted off the grid.

here are a few final pictures, no portfolio or workshop so sorry for the external links.

we built a new roof over the existing deck to house 14 more panels than the existing roof could hold, its an 11kW system, which equates to about me being 80% or so sun powered, so depending on sunny days, im only going to be drawing 20% from the grid.








08/18/2012 03:16:03 PM · #27
Shiny! Looks great Mike :)
 08/18/2012 05:32:04 PM · #28
Good for you Mike.

I looked into that, and after considering the installation cost, life cycle of the units, projected repair costs, and factoring in things like loan repayment and taxes on income generated it was not worth my while.

Looks great though, and if it meets your needs then it's a win/win situation for you.

Ray
 08/18/2012 07:12:06 PM · #29
That is SO cool!
 08/18/2012 08:47:58 PM · #30
I really like that Mike. Have you done the solar barrier (not the spray on stuff) in your attic? I did and if you do it yourself it is a quick payback. My 3200sq ft house was about $1100 and with the help of a friend took two weekends.
 08/18/2012 10:14:58 PM · #31
Originally posted by RayEthier:
I looked into that, and after considering the installation cost, life cycle of the units, projected repair costs, and factoring in things like loan repayment and taxes on income generated it was not worth my while.

Planet Hater. :P
 08/18/2012 10:37:55 PM · #32
cool, you're now officially a pinko liberal! congrats and welcome! ;-)
 08/18/2012 10:54:55 PM · #33
Originally posted by skewsme:
cool, you're now officially a pinko liberal! congrats and welcome! ;-)

Thanks, now step aside so I can hug your tree.
 08/19/2012 10:21:19 AM · #34
Originally posted by David Ey:
I really like that Mike. Have you done the solar barrier (not the spray on stuff) in your attic? I did and if you do it yourself it is a quick payback. My 3200sq ft house was about $1100 and with the help of a friend took two weekends.


I'll have to look into it. Its a cape cod so my attic isn't easily accessible, well there are lots of access holes, but none that really allow me to go up and move around. Its nearly impossible to get my body into the top.I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to do the areas I can get though.

As a plus the new roof keeps the sun from beating on the back of the house and warming it up. As you can see I have no trees for shade and there is now relief from the blazing sun on the deck.
 08/19/2012 10:37:51 AM · #35
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Good for you Mike.

I looked into that, and after considering the installation cost, life cycle of the units, projected repair costs, and factoring in things like loan repayment and taxes on income generated it was not worth my while.

Looks great though, and if it meets your needs then it's a win/win situation for you.

Ray


My brother owns the company so got a good deal as a model home :-) .

I pay $150 a month for the next 20 yrs. Plus whatever electric I use. The first year im only projected to save about $300. But over time as energy costs increase, the savings increase. Maintence, repair is included. So really it was a no brainer for me, I paid no upfront costs, I'm not running a deficit plus I'm helping the planet and I got an awesome roofover my deck.

It not setup yet, but it will also be able to be monitored online in real time. my brother is expanding into home monitoring so I will be model case for that too. Turning on/off lights, adjusting heat/AC when I'm not home. I'll be able to see how much power I am using/generating at any time.
 08/19/2012 10:51:22 AM · #36
Wow ....you must have big birds round your way
 08/19/2012 11:01:27 AM · #37
That's great Mike. We've gone solar too but I can say that it, so far, has been a complete stuff up. Very long and frustrating story attached that just makes me incredibly angry every time I think about it. I really hope yours works out for you - and what with the deal you got, you should be on a winner.

I have to say, however, that being from Oz, the first thing I actually noticed was your essential lack of effective pool fencing. There is no way on God's green earth that your set up would be allowed here!
 08/19/2012 11:19:46 AM · #38
Originally posted by pamb:
That's great Mike. We've gone solar too but I can say that it, so far, has been a complete stuff up. Very long and frustrating story attached that just makes me incredibly angry every time I think about it. I really hope yours works out for you - and what with the deal you got, you should be on a winner.

I have to say, however, that being from Oz, the first thing I actually noticed was your essential lack of effective pool fencing. There is no way on God's green earth that your set up would be allowed here!


Funny, the inspector, who hates me, made sure to mention that to my contractor that the fencing on the deck isn't to code.

He actually approved it when put the pool in, so dont know what his problem is. in my town it is legal depiste his claims, i have a 6ft privacy fence with locking gates around the property, so I don't need one around the pool itself. Its the same for an in ground pool.
 11/02/2014 08:23:15 AM · #39
Originally posted by Mike:
my brother owns a solar company he needs a model home in my neighborhood.

i volunteered and am getting solar panels. i wont be completely off the grid since my roof inst big enough, but we are building a roof over the deck to add panels to. so i get solar panels and a back porch.

i will be about 80% solar when its all done.

Hello friend bit old thread but I have gone solar recently..I am able to save plenty of money now and also contributing my bit to save nature..
 11/02/2014 09:44:45 AM · #40
LUCKY dog!!!!!

I so have been wanting this for our home and seriously have been looking at DIY projects still expensive, too bad your brother won't travel lolol.... I envy you right now. The costs are just insane but if I could get off the grid I would so do it in a heart beat.

Very exciting news considering leasing may be an option now :))
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