this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2023
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With rooftop solar I get to be the asshole that doesn't care about the grid.
And you too can be an asshole!
The orientation of my house sucks and our neighborhood has many old growth trees. I wish I could be that asshole, but after running the numbers I don't even break even over the expected lifespan of the panels. :(
Stick a windmill up there, that aughta do it!
If that ain't enough, get a nuclear plant installed in your backyard 😤💯
Tiny lot + aforementioned old growth trees means that's also not viable. :( My "best" option (which I have) is a nat gas backup generator for when the grid goes down. It's expensive, and very much NOT a clean energy source, but it's what I have to work with. I work 100% from home and need full-time power.
Your right! There are many kinds of renewables.
*you're right.
*wind turbine
With (only) rooftop solar you're still dependent at night, and during the day when it's cloudy.
You are correct. I am on the grid instead of having a battery.
But any minute I might just buy a battery!
FYI, right now LiFePo server rack style batteries seem to be the best bang for your buck. If I had the money, I would buy the EG4 or similar.
Same boat, looking into this now...
Whoa awesome! https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-with-free-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/ this just went way up on my list.... Thanks for the post!
I would love to get it, but I am getting hounded two or three times a weekend by door-to-door solar salespeople.
It's always the same shit routine they pull about saying they are just passing the word about some change the power company just did or something. They supposedly just want to give a "consultation" about what that means and they are not trying to sell me anything.
If their blatant trespassing didn't already piss me off, their bullshit faux consultation pitch absolutely does.
The end result? I really don't want anything to do with any solar company, at all. It's a shame, TBH. I really don't want to start shopping for solar in full defense mode like I am about to buy a used car. The sales people in that industry have absolutely fucked it for me.
That reminds me. I have a three part Ring recording of one of those people going into mental meltdown saying that offering me a quote and consultation was not solicitation. It's hysterical.
That really is unfortunate. Maybe if you found and chose a company yourself...?
True. If there is a positive to my rant, it's that I am getting a list of companies not use.
Go all in and do it yourself
Honestly, that is something that really interests me. If there is anything that I am holding out for, it's solid state lithium batteries. (A significant battery bank is high on my list of requirements and having garage full of current generation li-ion batteries still makes me cringe a little.) Prices should be much better once they go into mass production for EVs. Hopefully.
People still often use lead acid for solar storage as energy density is less of a concern when you are just stacking them on a shelf.
Sadly, I am space constrained so no lead acid batteries for me. Having the ability to actually maintain my own batteries would have its perks though.
You wouldnt need a garage full of batteries. Something like this should work: https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-with-free-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/
Buying used panels and mounting them yourself can be very cost effective, you would only need to hire an electrician. Of course be aware of local code regarding such things. I understand that the time commitment isn’t an option for some people.
diysolarforum.com
It's not rocket surgery.
Lots of great content there! If you are remotely a DIYer and have the means, do a lot of the solar install yourself and hire pros to ensure you're safe/ connect to grid if needed.
If the US got similar problems as Norway, you should still care as there is a lot of energy wasted on transferring it from A to B.
Aren't they expensive as Frick though?
Solar panels? They keep getting cheaper. And great federal rebate on them now in the US. I think it's 30%?
They pay for themselves, how long changes by area
Yeah, but I mean aren't they the price of a small used car? My bill averages $100 a month, except in winter when it doubles. That's a looong time for it to pay itself off.