Off Grid VS Grid Tied

[CREATIVE1]

OK, now looking at complete installed systems.  This company is just down the road from our property.  I'm considering the mid size package for a total of $15,025 including installation.  I'll be calling them tomorrow.  Any comments or questions I should ask them?

http://www.firemountainsolar.com/packagesystems.html#offgridpkg

[glenn kangiser]

Ask if the inverter is full sine wave of modified sine wave.  Only accept full sine wave to keep from blowing things up without having to worry about it.  Ask for references but even one I consider a jerk here had decent refs from people who don't know.

More in a minute - the system seems a bit small to me for the money.

[glenn kangiser]

Less than $6000 worth of panels there.  Get brands - models and specifics - don't commit until we all talk.

[glenn kangiser]

Compare  these - we bought from them - not installed but better value and installation is easy or get help if you need it.

http://www.partsonsale.com/cabins2intermediatetemp.html

Scroll down for the big stuff. 

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=4740.0

"I'm posting this sales persons number as he directed me to a much better deal they had going.

877-498-6527 Jim extn. 208"  , me.

[CREATIVE1]

Thanks again.  I still haven't made up my mind, just trying to get all the facts in the month or so I've got before my quote from the electric company runs out.

I did see that the electric company will give me between a $600 and $1,000 rebate for Energystar appliances when I build.  I think net metering is available too, and they are starting to run fiber optics (think fios) along with the electric lines. 

Guys, it's REALLY VALUABLE to get ideas here before talking to company and government reps.  It helps when you know what to ask!  That one question that doesn't come up can be a disaster down the line.

[MountainDon]

I think net metering is available too,

Here in NM our electric company offers true net metering with an optional arrangement (costs a $100 setup fee) where you can actually get paid by check-in-the-mail for any excess generation. Some net metering deals only give you credit to be applied to future bills and they will never give you cash. Ask about that.

Also, FWIW here in NM we have at least one builder of new homes that offers a zero energy cost option. It cost about $41K and up;$41K on their smallest home of 1600 sq ft. They use all the good building practices like cellulose insulation in walls and ceiling (R50 ceiling). There is an air/heat exchanger. The zero energy models have a hefty array of PV panels. They have no gas hookups, everything is electric. Water heating is solar with electric assist when necessary.

Anyhow that's what they charge for a complete solar PV electrical system, grid tied, no batteries, big enough to ensure no utility costs without having to think about it all the time. The homes are also fitted with refrigerated A/C. (hot desert climate in summer). Electric heat when needed. The zero net energy figures are based on a year of use.

[CREATIVE1]

Apparently each county in Washington decides if it offers net metering and under what conditions.  I think Mason County just offsets your bill.

Isn't it amazing how much the "details" vary across the country?  We're all subject to a different set of rules.

[MountainDon]

Yep. One of the reasons our power company has such liberal rules regarding metering is that the NM state government under Gov Bill has mandated certain percentages of the power must come from alternative sources. The way the rules are written allow the power company to count the privately generated alternative power as a portion of that requirement IF they offer net metering with full rate buy back. They actually went a step further and pay 13 cents (per KwH) for it even though the average user would only be paying 8+ to 10 cents.