One of my cousins told me she recently installed solar system with batteries and her electricity bill is too lower than earlier. I am also looking for solar options but my budget is slightly low to opt for batteries. Should I still invest in batteries or on- grid solar would be sufficient if I live in Delhi.

Hi everyone,

We are currently planning the installation of a PV system.

We will be using 38 × AIKO A485-MCE54Db Neostar 3S+54 modules (485 W each) – 18 modules in one string on the south-facing roof and 20 modules in one string on the north-facing roof.

I'm still trying to get my head around the inverter and battery storage options. My requirements are as follows:

• Home Assistant integration
• A low-voltage battery storage system (48 V) to keep costs down, as the budget is limited
• Backup power capability
• The ability to activate loads such as the heat pump's immersion heater when there is excess PV power
• Nice to have: the option to connect one or two plug-in balcony solar systems as well

Do you have any recommendations for an inverter that would meet these requirements, and which battery storage system would you pair it with?

After doing quite a bit of research, I've narrowed it down to two candidates:

• Deye SUN-20K-SG05LP3-EU-SM2 (20 kW)
• Hoymiles HIT-20L-G3S Hybrid (20 kW)

I'd appreciate any feedback or recommendations!

Hello, I'm wanting to set the time I discharge (export) my batteries to the grid. How do I do it?

Finally got PTO on this system. NEM2 ESS with 28.6kWh

Just wanted to confirm, before switching my rate plan, that 18kpv battery charge + self consumption programming is capable of matching the following profile.

What is a good way for me to dry-run it for a couple days before switching? Mainly I'd like to know a good way to extract the data in an easy way to sling into Gemini to do the validation for me.

Hello - I have been considering solar for a while and am ready to go. We have a 2600 sqft ranch home that just eats electricity to the tune of 31,000 kwh yearly. Would love some feedback on this proposal. I feel good about the pricing and equipment, but would welcome any feedback. I am mostly concerned about panel placement. My state(Delaware) offers a cash rebate up to $10k which is why you see a spread between the numbers. In order to qualify, panels need to meet certain requirements for azimuth and TSRF. The first image was the original design. The panels on the front side of the house are ideally placed and will generate optimum output with a combined TSRF of 90%. However, the panels facing the back do not qualify because of the azimuth. Therefore, it was suggested that those panels be moved over to the right side as seen in the 2nd photo to earn the max rebate. Oddly enough, they qualify for the grant even though the TSRF(53%) is lower than the original placement(65%) because of the azimuth. I wanted to avoid this area as it's literally the only place that gets any shade. The trees arent on my property, so I can not do anything to improve sun exposure here. Does this placement make sense? Thanks in advance for any feedback or suggestions.

Hello, I know nothing about solar and refinancing but my parents used my credit to install solar panels 2 years ago witb Mosaic (now Solar Servicing) the interest is quite high at 11.49% so the monthly payments we are paying all goes to interest and nothing to the principal. I want to pay this faster. Please advice 🥲 I just don’t want to get stucked in this debt…

We are buying a house which gets tons of sun. No tree cover at all. There are panels on the main house and garage. The lease bill is $140 a month and $20 or so to be on the grid. What can I do to utilize the solar capabilities to the max? Im aware of certain tax advantages but not 100% clear on them and we have steam heat via gas and 5 zone split ductless so I'm thinking we get the house warm once real good in the winter with gas and otherwise run the ductless off the solar credits from the warmer months? (Ive heard we can roll credits til the greyer months.) Let me know if you have experience please. Thank you!

Hi all,

I have a 5 year old 9.99kw system (paid off) through Ion Solar in VA. Looking to get a battery installed. Talked to a rep for a while today, and he said they only do Tesla Powerwall. Told me $16,500 for one.

Any advice or guidance on what you all recommend? Or experience?

Thanks!!

Hi everyone im a solar installation apprentice in Nigeria,based near alaba international market,my goal is to become a solar design engineer but I'm having trouble finding professionals in this field nearby ,any advice or guidance on how to get started or connect with mentors will be gladly appreciated.

I'm thinking about putting a solar ground mount, a roof with panels or a solar pergola over our hot tub. The tub is ground level, and is about 7.5' X 7.5'. I'm looking to do as many as 9 panels of REC Alpha 460s, but could do fewer. Which of the three options (or perhaps even another option) would you do and why. Does anyone have any pictures of a project they've done or someone else has with solar over a hot tub?

I’d lease as I don’t have the money to buy. Starts at $301 w a .99% escalator.

I don’t expect to move, maybe ever, but certainly not any time soon.

I’ve heard solar is a scam, too many problems, etc.

I’m in Cave Creek, AZ so no weather really and always sunny.

I have three bids which all recommend we roughly add about 30% excess capacity as we are considering a plug in hybrid or electric vehicle in the future. This is not the max number of panels that can fit but we felt like it was about right. Its a PPA style agreement for 25 years with a highly recommended company. I previewed the contract and can see that the performance guarantee is 90% of the original kwh after application of yearly degradation factor so a system that is designed for 10kwh has a performance guarantee in year 25 of 7900. Really? Is this what people are actually experiencing?

Hello I'm pending getting solar installed on California with 2x Enphase IQ 10C batteries. The install location is supposed to be north exterior wall outside of my garage. There's about 17.5 feet of horizontal space next to the gas meter, so they have said 36 inches distance between gas meter and solar equipment, leaving 14.5 feet. Problem is, they are telling me they can't install both batteries side by side because of a small passive vent to the garage (maybe 12x4 inches), sitting at 78 inches above the ground. I don't see any problem with this and everything I'm reading is 3 feet away from "windows". So what gives? Should I ask them to identify the regulation that restricts this install? Thanks

Long story short, I’m trying to help out my best friend, ride or die kind of guy, would help me hide a body kind of guy… he’s in a tough place.
He lost his job, has no degrees or specific skills/certifications, and 5 kids.
I told him I would pay for any classes/certifications he wanted to pursue.
I asked him, what do you think realistically you could do as a profession, but just need some classes to get there. After some time to think about it he came back with Solar.

Our region happens to be a giant hub for solar.

Information about him.

34 year old male, high school diploma, jobs in customer service. Southern California, specifically Mojave region.

What I’m asking is. Where do we look to go forward? Is there certification classes or even companies you would recommend? What are the next steps

AM I THE ONLY ONE TRYING TO FIND A HYBRID 3000w 120v GRIDTIED INVERTER WITH ZERO EXPORT THAT USES A 48v BATTERY???? WHY IS THIS SOOO HARD?!? I NEED TWO FOR AMERICA SAD INEFFICIENT SPLIT PHASE BS SYSTEM... WHY CAN'T WE JUST USE 240v ON EVERYTHING??? I don't want 120v in my life any longer...

UPDATE: It took less than 2 business days

I submitted my PTO request for an ESS install late last week, not long after they completed the construction on my street in support of my project. So I don’t believe I’m subject to PG&E’s recently announced construction slowdown.

What have folks been seeing recently for PTO to be granted?

Okay, here’s the deal. In 2022 I had 20 panels and one inverter installed by a company. I immediately did a site transfer and transferred the monitoring ownership to me as an installer. I then expanded my system with and additional 30 panels and a second inverter. Then a few months later I installed another 20 panels. Since then I’ve replaced multiple optimizers and RMA three inverters which was all changed out by me.

The original installer went out of business. I am working on a solar loan issue with Goodleap and just recently found out Goodleap took possession of the ownership of the monitoring platform. Now I’m trying to map two inverters and not able to since Goodleap transferred the ownership. I was told I could transfer it back to me, but I’m getting nothing but fight from SolatEdge.

I’ve told the attorneys Goodleap is more than welcome to come collect their crap. But now my monitoring system is being held hostage by Goodleap and SolarEdge is being asaholes about transferring it back to me.

I have 50 panels and 4 inverters that 100% belong to me and SolarEdge has effectively stolen my rights to components I own outright.

Has anyone else had to deal with this type of issue with SolarEdge?

Hi everyone!

I’m a recent architecture graduate, and I’m interested in transitioning into the renewable energy sector, particularly solar energy and sustainability-related roles.

During my internship, I gained experience in sustainability and building physics, which sparked my interest in the technical and environmental side of design. I’ve realized that I’d like to explore career opportunities beyond traditional architecture, specifically in renewable energy.

I’ve been researching the skills and software commonly required in the renewable energy industry. I noticed that several programs, such as AutoCAD, Grasshopper, and QGIS, are tools I’m already familiar with and have experience using through my architecture background. I’m also currently learning PVsyst and working on developing my knowledge of other industry-specific software and technical skills that I came across in my research.

My main concern is figuring out how to break into the industry with an architecture degree rather than an engineering degree, especially as a fresh graduate.

I’d really appreciate some advice on a few things:

- Is it realistic to transition into renewable energy with an architecture background?

- What entry-level positions should I be looking for?

- What software, technical skills, or certifications would make me a more competitive candidate?

- Would I need to pursue a master’s degree in renewable energy or a related field, or could I make the switch through self-learning and practical experience?

- Has anyone here made a similar transition from architecture or another non-engineering background?

I’m willing to put in the time to learn and build the necessary skills, but I’d love some guidance on where to focus my efforts rather than spending time learning things that might not actually be useful.

Any advice or personal experiences would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I am doing some paperwork seeing how much solar has helped me and ran into a logical problem. I am consistently seeing every month by month more FROM battery, then TO it. That doesn't make sense and actually should expect the reverse by about 85% - 90 % I would imagine, has anyone else seen this? I have double and triple checked that I have not just read wrong, makes me think the APP itself is showing the fields in reverse.

Spoke to a very reputable company today, they recommended a Goodwe 10kW inverter/18kWh battery for an existing solar set up. Installed for just under $10K. I don’t mind paying a little extra to deal with a good company, any thoughts on this quote?

Hey everyone, I’m looking at buying a house in Arizona and I’m a first-time homebuyer. I’ll also be using a VA loan for the purchase, if that makes any difference.
I really like the house, but it has an existing SolarCity/Tesla solar lease that I would have to assume with the purchase.
I got a copy of the actual lease and I’m trying to figure out whether this is a big deal or something I can use to negotiate with the seller.
From what I can tell:
● Original SolarCity lease was signed in 2014
● 20-year lease
● 8.5 kW system
● Original payment started at $79.09/month
● Payment increases 2.9% every year
● Final-year payment is around $136/month
● Tesla currently services the lease
● If I buy the house, I would assume the remaining lease obligations
● The panels are leased, not owned by the homeowner
● I’ll be financing the home with a VA loan
The HOA is cheap, so that isn’t really a concern for me. The solar agreement is the part I’m unsure about.
Would you guys:
1. Ask the seller to prepay the remaining solar lease?
2. Ask for a seller credit toward the remaining payments?
3. Negotiate the purchase price lower and just assume the lease?
4. Not worry about it if the solar production/electric savings make sense?
5. Avoid buying a house with this type of lease altogether?
Also, does using a VA loan change anything when buying a house with leased solar? Has anyone here gone through a VA purchase where they had to assume an existing Tesla/SolarCity lease? Did it cause any issues with underwriting, qualifying, the appraisal, or closing?
I’m planning to get the seller’s most recent Tesla statement so I can see the exact current payment, remaining term, and whether the account is current.
I like the house and don’t necessarily want to walk away over the solar, but I also don’t want to take over a bad contract without realizing it.
What would you do in my situation? Anything else I should ask Tesla, my VA lender, or the seller for before making an offer?