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Any Solar Panel Experts in the House?

Date:August 14, 2007 | Author:drewmeyers | Category:Home Improvement

Clean energy is a hot topic so I was surprised that this “Solar Panels” thread in Zillow Discussions hadn’t attracted any responses. If you have experience with adding solar power to your house, here’s the question that was posted by stevespinner –

“I’m considering reducing my monthly electric bills with PG&E by adding solar panels to my roof. Do you have any information if future buyers will properly value the benefits of solar power and capex of equipment and installation in the purchase price. Also, i’m meeting with SolarCity, Regrid Power, and Akeena Solar – any opinions on those three companies would be greatly appreciated.”

If you can provide any help, please reply to the discussion thread.

Photo courtesy of The Indiana Coalition for Renewable Energy and Economic Development

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Responses (15)

0 tweets 1 likes 14 comments

Stephen Joos 4:36 PM - Aug 14,2007

I don’t have specific experience dealing with those customers; however, I wrote a blog for HouseFront on the topic.

You can view it here: http://blog.housefront.com/?p=60

There is also a calculator in determining whether to go solar at: http://www.findsolar.com/. Unfortunately, the site is currently down.

Hope this helps!
Gayle 8:29 PM - Aug 14,2007

Residents in Mountain View banded together to pick a contractor to install systems in their community. I suggest you contact the City of Mt. View Building Department for a contact learn about their experience.
4MySales 4:12 PM - Aug 16,2007

Most of the solar installation companies are touting that the capital investment in solar does increase the re-sale value of the home, but I have not seen a significant difference in listing or sales prices between houses with Solar and without. Of course there is very limited data on the subject.

However, there are still financial benefits to solar; primarily due to the tax credits and rebates that are currently available. Also, carbon credits (although not significant) can also be sold to offset your monthly cost. I have not yet made the investment, but hope some day to be grid neutral.

With regard to solar installations, for residential I have read the most positive reviews for Akeena. They seem to have their act together, and as a public company, maintain a relatively high level of professionalism in their public presence.

Barrett Niehus
4MySales
John N 9:36 PM - Aug 19,2007

been thinking of Solar panels for like the last four years but i believe it’s still too expensive and if you can afford it, will need to pay cash, get equity loan (lol what equity?) or something really un-attracting loan …

was also thinking of small wind turbine since we get like more than 50 mph wind during the winter time my part of CA

someday when it’s affordable, I would love to get into solar..or until the goverment can seriuosly give us more credit

John Nazareno is a Bay Area Real Estate and homes for sale expert..Thanks
John N 9:37 PM - Aug 19,2007

eck can’t edit, told my sister in Arizona get Solar (more than 330 days of sun) and lower than $300 month utility bill
Dan 7:54 AM - Dec 19,2007

Question: I like the idea of solar power generation, however, what are some ways to attach solar panels to metal roof tops? I do not want to void the panel warranty.
Solar Dave 10:00 PM - Apr 3,2008

John,

Wow a $300 monthly bill, is that all year or just in the summer?
hmmmmm... 2:26 AM - Nov 9,2008

low class!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
Solar Giorgos 6:29 AM - Mar 6,2009

The price of house will be 100% higher with solar panels on its roof. Your only consideration is what type of solar modules you will buy. I suggest for your case polycrystalline sillicon modules.
Nikolaou Nick 11:17 PM - Aug 21,2009

believe photovoltaic panels are hovering at around 14% efficiency right now – when you see high numbers like 41%, that’s an exotic cell, and not in a sturdy glass and metal frame suitable for domestic use. But even at 14%, if they cost $2 / watt, they would be a cost winner in a majority of US homes. Even at $4 / watt today, they are a winner in some places, such as supplying the last few, very expensive kWh’s on someone’s bill.
Athenas Kostas 11:21 PM - Aug 21,2009

There ara great deals in Market and companies will reduce your electrical bill. Gid tied systems is a very good idea to save money.
equity release 2:59 AM - Oct 29,2009

Solar panels look great and are very useful, more buildings should have them.
AV Homes 4:13 PM - Jul 18,2010

Sorry about the “Johnny come lately” response. The best thing to do is to get quotes from multiple different companies before you make any large financial decision, such as getting solar panels for your home or business.
SOLAR Angel 6:28 AM - Nov 5,2010

To search the market is a must. Have a look as well on the guarantees offered for panels and performance as well as installment of the system