Solar power for residences in Austin

[UTME-JD]

I'm moving back to Austin from Dallas and understand that Austin Electric partially subsidizes the installation of solar panels. Has anyone had any experience with this...worth it? not worth it?

On a related note, is there any particular type of solar panels that are better, more efficient?

Thanks in advance and Hook 'em!

 

[wolfman]

I have never had solar power but have read a lot of articles where people who tried to install it and butted heads with home owners associations, and some lost. I think that first step would be to ensure that there isnt any property covenent that prevents you from installing panels. Some HOAs can be real pains in the ***.

 

[jimmyjazz]

I don't think there are significant differences in efficiency from one brand of panel to another. Get some bids from different installers and make it clear you want to not only know cost but max power output and go from there.

The "is it worth it" question is harder to answer, because people have different expectations of payoff. At current Austin Energy electrical rates, payoff on a typical 3 kW residential system will be 9 to 10 years, assuming you take full advantage of local rebates and federal tax credits (which will probably evaporate after 2008). Your out of pocket costs after all is said and done should be around $6K, and you should expect to save $50-$60 per month on a properly-oriented system. You'd be surprised how little "effective" sunlight we get in Austin -- about 5.5 hours per day.

 

[Franco]

Well, 5 hours/day is the rule-of-thumb to use just about anywhere, so it's not like Austin is worse than most other places.

I have looked into solar PV. Even with the very sizable rebate from Austin Energy, the simple payback is quite high, I think it's somewhere between 10 and 15 years. Go to the Austin Energy website and find the page about the solar PV rebate program. They have a lot of information there. To get the rebate, you have to use an installer from a list that they have.

From what I hear, it seems that there is a lot of progress being made in PV research, and people in that industry expect that prices will go down significantly in the next several years.

 

[ScoPro]

My son is a certified home solar system installer here in Austin.

 

[accuratehorn]

This Sunday is the annual "Cool House Tour" where you buy a ticket and can tour several homes that rated highly on the Green Builder index-there are usually a couple that have complete solar setups, where they have the special meter and wiring to put electricity back into the grid.
In past years, sometimes the builder and solar contractor is on hand to give people information-this would be very informative if you can go on this tour.
I think the tickets are available at Central Market, but google Cool Homes Tour.
Also, Austin Energy has the Green Builder Program, and they should have information either on their website or by contacting the company, about the rebates and cost payoff.
I would love to do this in the future.
Austin Energy has a big Green Builder seminar which discusses these various building techniques once or twice a year, and I went to it about a year ago. It is easier to build green from scratch, but some things can be retrofitted.

 

[Bernard]

Solar FAQ from Austin Energy

In my opinion, you are better off waiting for cheaper solar technology to mature. Why buy a system now that has a 10-15 year payback when you can wait 10 years and buy one with a 2-3 year payback?

If you want to go green, just buy your electricity from a green power generator. Your money is better spent buying a Prius, or Civic or a Smart right now and buying solar power later.

Bernard

 

[CleverNickname]

I agree with the post above. Wait a while longer, the price per watt is still coming down. However, what you can do now is look for a house that would be a good candidate for a solar retrofit. That would be a house with a large south facing exposure on the roof, with no large trees blocking the sun. I've heard that Austin Energy can and will inspect your house, and will not reimburse if the house is not a good solar candidate.

 

[jimmyjazz]

The "risk" of waiting is that local rebates and federal tax incentives will expire, turning a very marginal financial decision into a downright stupid one.

Now, if you're just doing it to be "green", and you have the green to burn, then fine, it's not a financial decision.