Residential SOLAR: Does it make sense in NYC?

I would be very curious if someone who has done a recent residential solar install could publish his/her cost-benefit analysis… or simply the SPECIFIC installation costs, rebates, and power generation stats.

What I’m looking for specifically is:

1) Upfront cost of total solar system
— assuming a standard 5 kW system, or whatever RESIDENTIAL size you are familiar with
— It would be interesting to break out into: equipment, labor, city/professional fees (arch & electrician)
— Or, how the costs broke-down as pr scented by the firm which installed the system
— Current installation rebates, and State and Federal tax benefits

2) Any continuing financing costs
— Or how you rationalize the “opportunity cost” of the upfront system cost
— I think most people miss this point: installing $20k worth of equipment which will last 20 years, actually has a monthly cost, whether financed or not

3) Data on real world Solar hours obtainable in NYC
— I’ve seen upto 5, but I’m c urious if any system actually can achieve this in our latitude and proximity to the ocean
— Actual average kW generated each day per season

Thanks

jjq

in General Discussion 5 years and 7 months ago

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Putnamdenizen | 5 years and 7 months ago

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We had our panels done through Brooklyn Solarworks. They came and ran the numbers for us, etc. Some federal tax credits are “sunsetting” so if you are going to do it, probably better sooner rather than later. I am very happy with them. https://brooklynsolarworks.com

stevecym | 5 years and 7 months ago

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you are on a good place to analyze this by cost/benefit/time. a lot of these folks really get down to that kind of analysis where some of us think “this sounds great let’s do it” and we fall into the trap of doing it because it is the right thing to do at the moment.

every time something comes up on here about cost benefit of power consumption, i think of my cousin who works for the DOE and has written scores of articles about appliances and power consumption. i wonder what he might come back with if email him?

jjq | 5 years and 7 months ago

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Im the original poster of the other thread. Just wanted to take the post off a “roof” thread, and start it again under “solar.” The original analysis was made about three years ago… I’m just wondering if things have changed dramatically, especially install costs and Gov rebates…… thnx.

workisfun | 5 years and 7 months ago

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I worry that I would invest, install, and then my neighbor would build up, as they’re currently allowed to do, and I would then be on the hook for my new solar panels that get no sunlight in addition to the supplemental gas and electric.

stevecym | 5 years and 7 months ago

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the title of the other person post is “roofer recommendation and solar” and it was posted 9 days ago.

stevecym | 5 years and 7 months ago

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there is another post on here right now about this, read down a bit as it is just this past week.

i have often wondered what you are asking and i know someone on long island who has a system and he thinks it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. but if you read what others are saying, you might figure your money is best invested elsewhere.

i thought about this for my own house, we have a fully exposed roof. but i cannot get my head around the complications of getting wires to the box downstairs and dealing with any permits. i no longer think it is worth it.