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Comment by bellt0wn98121 | Hacker News Reader

Anyone here using solar on their home? What did the initial investment cost?

Non-grid-tie set up here. 4 100 Watt Panels on mine, powers everything except for the propane. Generator for cloudy days. Total Cost: $2000 (wiring, kinda expensive MPPT charge, kinda expensive swing-capable brackets, kinda expensive inverter) already had the propane generator. After learning how to do this on an RV I've decided to never buy a stick home again since most states will require a grid-tie (which is the dumbest thing you can do)... So living in a trailer is the best way to live now.

No batteries?

Curious: what’s wrong with being connected to the grid (assuming that’s what you meant by “grid-tie”)?

So no air conditioning?

So you live in an RV now? Is avoiding a grid tie really enough of a reason to never live in a settled home?

What's the 'dumb' thing about a grid tie?

My system cost about $15,000 via solar city for a 6kwh system. Austin utility paid me about 3000 and I got a 4000 tax credit. Last month my bill was -20 dollars. Looking back on solar, probably not the best financial decision but I think it's pretty cool and I will be able to run the AC this summer at 70 for a reasonable bill.

What was your bill prior to installing solar? (Trying to understand what you're saving per month)

From June till September last year(pre solar) my energy bill was near 200. My financing is about 70 dollars a month for the next 20 years... I'm expecting my solar production to cover probably 70% of my bill. Since I'm paying financing plus utility hookup(mandatory $10), plus what ever I use after solar; I will likely not recoup my investment. Imho, it's more feelgood and a hedge against future energy price increases.

I have also noticed that I pay attention more to my consumption. I've debated on buying an energy consumption device like sense, but it seems like a toy...

> Last month my bill was -20 dollars.

> I will be able to run the AC this summer at 70 for a reasonable bill.

Does this imply that the -20 is after somewhat intentionally raising power usage?

The -20 bill was the result of having pleasant weather and not running the AC as frequently in April, plus it was a very sunny April... I'm pretty sure I will not have a negative utility bill in August.

In Sweden I think it’s around $13000 dollars.

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