Solar Panel Installation Advice

[Sensei]

I am thinking of getting solar installed on my home, but don't know what is the best service or where to start, who to trust, etc. I saw the company that installs for free and then gives you a meager discount on your electric bills for 10 years, not interested in that.

Does anyone have info on what the best deals are, or know where I can find it?

Thanks!

[matsuki]

How handy are you? Some of the DIY kits they sell nowadays make things really simple, easy to customize, and much cheaper than paying for an install.

Personally, would look into what Tesla offers. Bundle it with 1 or 2 of their powerwalls for max efficiency, easy monitoring, and power when the city has a blackout.

[Coligny]

I am thinking of getting solar installed on my home

Why.

Answer this first.

[Sensei]

How handy are you? Some of the DIY kits they sell nowadays make things really simple, easy to customize, and much cheaper than paying for an install.

I'm not quite that handy, alas.

Personally, would look into what Tesla offers. Bundle it with 1 or 2 of their powerwalls for max efficiency, easy monitoring, and power when the city has a blackout.

I'm located in West Tokyo, I think Powerwalls would be overdoing it; we didn't even have brownouts when Fukushima happened, the power supply is pretty stable. All I'd want are panels to offset electric costs over time.

[Sensei]

Why. Answer this first.

Same reason that I bought a house instead of renting an apartment. It's more expensive in the short run, but better for you financially in the long run. I am aware that it would take as long as ten years to recoup the payments, but in that time I would at least be using solar and not fossil, and after x number of years, I'd save more on electricity bills. Your curt reply suggests that you're not too hot on the topic. I'm mostly just asking if anyone knows a resource where I can get the straightest information, not just a sales pitch.

[matsuki]

I'm located in West Tokyo, I think Powerwalls would be overdoing it; we didn't even have brownouts when Fukushima happened, the power supply is pretty stable. All I'd want are panels to offset electric costs over time.

They aren't...think about the roof sizes here and how that limits your panel array size. Think about nights, when the weather isn't cooperative (like today), and when your energy demand exceeds the panel output. (think summer cooling and winter heating needs) The more you lean in to elec, the more they will make sense....and if you're putting panels up, you should lean in and make the most of them. Basically, the buffer they provide will pay for themselves.