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Electricity rates in California are egregious.
After the 30% federal tax credit, our system will pay for itself in about four years of ownership.
We’re net zero for each of the first three years, so far, with a net surplus that was equal to about half of what we estimate using for the Solterra. So, we’re not totally net-zero with the recent addition of the Solterra, but we’re really close (and only drive about 5,000 miles per year, anyway, so we’re only expecting to pay for the shortfall of the equivalent of charging the Solterra for 2,500 miles). We also ran out of room for panels on the top of the garage when the fire department insisted that because the separate garage structure was tied by a deck to the house structure, they needed a three foot walking buffer zone for firefighting. Had to drop from 20 to 18 panels to get it all to fit.
Off-peak rates are about 35 cents US per kWH in California.
There are two weird EV rates, one with separate metering, which I don’t like since I have a net metering account, and one which combines all usage (no separate meter), but is wonky with net metering, too, so for the small amount of savings, it doesn’t seem worth switching to it and screwing up some other net metering agreement. And the up-front cost of the second meter and panel and the monthly per-meter minimum charges eat up some of the savings. Perhaps someone who drove 20-30k miles per year would do better on one of those EV tariffs.
So, take a good look at how fast you get a payback and see if it’s possible to save enough in your expected lifetime. Obviously there is an up-front cost to the solar (if you want the 30% federal tax credit and any utility or state incentives).
Get a recommendation for a reputable local solar installer and have them give you a free quote, including payback analysis. You’ll want to start with a couple of year history of monthly usage and add in your expected Solterra home charging usage. That’s the most important item you need to provide them.
Take another look!
After the 30% federal tax credit, our system will pay for itself in about four years of ownership.
We’re net zero for each of the first three years, so far, with a net surplus that was equal to about half of what we estimate using for the Solterra. So, we’re not totally net-zero with the recent addition of the Solterra, but we’re really close (and only drive about 5,000 miles per year, anyway, so we’re only expecting to pay for the shortfall of the equivalent of charging the Solterra for 2,500 miles). We also ran out of room for panels on the top of the garage when the fire department insisted that because the separate garage structure was tied by a deck to the house structure, they needed a three foot walking buffer zone for firefighting. Had to drop from 20 to 18 panels to get it all to fit.
Off-peak rates are about 35 cents US per kWH in California.
There are two weird EV rates, one with separate metering, which I don’t like since I have a net metering account, and one which combines all usage (no separate meter), but is wonky with net metering, too, so for the small amount of savings, it doesn’t seem worth switching to it and screwing up some other net metering agreement. And the up-front cost of the second meter and panel and the monthly per-meter minimum charges eat up some of the savings. Perhaps someone who drove 20-30k miles per year would do better on one of those EV tariffs.
So, take a good look at how fast you get a payback and see if it’s possible to save enough in your expected lifetime. Obviously there is an up-front cost to the solar (if you want the 30% federal tax credit and any utility or state incentives).
Get a recommendation for a reputable local solar installer and have them give you a free quote, including payback analysis. You’ll want to start with a couple of year history of monthly usage and add in your expected Solterra home charging usage. That’s the most important item you need to provide them.
Take another look!
