5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Solar Panels

[@SolarReviews]

Solar Calculator: www.solarreviews.com/solar-calculator?aff=36180&cam=688

[@dchow007]

solar calculator came up blank.

[@charlesgeorge2197]

Site is a a dudd, wont load

[@LuvThe350Niner-Garth]

Link is the USA calculator.

[@MrFirstone23]

Site is a a dudd, wont load

[@alanheadrick7997]

I bought cheap Chinese panels about ten years ago and they are still working great. They were even hit by lightning once, the panels were fine everything else was dead. Do it yourself and don't put them on your roof.

[@alanheadrick7997]

@Dave N They have been on the roof the whole time. This unlike a certain company that had 200 fires related to their solar panels. Yikes!

[@mrwess1927]

How important is a large copper grounding rod?

[@alanheadrick7997]

@@mrwess1927 It should theoretically provide a direct path to ground. In my case it seems the lightning went everywhere except to the ground.

[@dabbbles]

WELL SAID. My 40-year-long experience agrees with you; and I've never seen Chinese panels that aren't very good. Probably be worth finding a (Chinese??) retailer of Chinese panels, which will provide a better chance of warranty applications if necessary. ps. The roof is still the most practical installation site. But give my particular situation I have groups of (4/5 panels) scattered all over the place; including the roof of my van parked out the front (in the sunniest spot available, of course!🙃) with a lead running into the house.

[@artsmith103]

I just went to your calculator. My electric bill was $40 before I installed solar but other than your $50 minimum, it was very accurate for size and cost.

[@DeepValueOptions]

How much was it? How many panels and KW?

[@artsmith103]

@@DeepValueOptions I installed 3kW. Mostly DIY grid tie almost all on stands. Equivalent of half panel on the roof. Around $7K.

[@coolhead8686]

Lease guarantee the production of solar energy. This of course will save you lots of money in 25 years. It is like guaranteeing that the sky will not be cloudy for 25 years. I already I start receiving reimbursements for my solar energy for the months of November, December, January and February. The guarantee production for each month is 504KW per month, but the production for each of these months was below 200KW. Also, not only during winter. There were some months in Spring and Fall that the production was below 200KW. So for my situation, the lease will prevent me from having huge electrical expenses for years that don't have much sunlight. If you completely prepay the entire term of the lease then there is no possibility that there will be a judgment lien on the house. Because there is no possibility of a default on the lease. Last, the new owner could assume the lease and continue with the saving. So in this case selling the house is not a problem.

[@TithiHatun-r1f]

Robinson Christopher Jackson Karen Moore Angela

[@kasmstamps1897]

I live in regional SA (OZ) so don't have much local choice. So going with a national supplier: so cheaper panels but resonable but upgrading the inverter to Fronius. So potential to add battery later if it becomes reasonable or i get a job.

[@lynfoster6493]

I had the top up batteries and the lightening hits the box and problem after problem

[@fynens]

Very good advice, but do me a favor and drop the music background in your videos. The music distracts and annoys.

[@matthewknight5641]

You seem to be very honest with the way you speak and thats really cool. I build my own stuff but still like your videos for some added education. Thanks man

[@SolarReviews]

Thanks Matthew

[@samusvi2693]

the first thing anyone needs to know is why are there no videos of people telling us how good and cheap solar is after 10years. since solar has been around for so much longer. very simple they do not want to tell you about all the costly replacements that they have experienced replacing most of their components. oh what about the cost of a new roof and the costly expense of taking the system apart just to do a new roof. never hear about that one. got to love all the sales men telling you how cheap it is. good luck

[@USA__WILL]

I know right. People come knocking at the door every 1-2 months wanting to sell me solar. I tell them I'm planning to sell in 2 months because I'm moving out of state. And if you notice at home Depot the salespeople only go up to older couples or people wearing wedding bands.

[@glennboyd1549]

Hi Andy, 2 things. I gather you're an Australian , alikea me :) , BUT this link you give ( for calculating), is American. I know mathematics is universal, but I can't put in my post code, I don't have an option for my north facing home. Question 2, is , I'm a carpenter and I've had solar installers fit solar on a renovation job,( not all solar installers are equal) and I don't want solar installers on my roof!! I just want to be able to buy the good brand h/ duty racking and all the panels and do the install myself. ( of course I'd need a sparky to do the wiring / their trade side of things). How / where can I go to buy the good quality panels ( I'm fairly certain I could buy the racking- no problem).I live in NSW , Australia. I realise that approaching it this way, might give me problems with warranty, but at least I know the job would be done properly/ straight/ true in line/ measure equal distance from gutter at both ends. The last job that solar installers did for me ,the panels were 55mm out of parrallel from the gutter . And that was over a distance of just 6 panels. So no, I don't want solar installers wrecking my roof. Signed OCD carpenter, or a very particular one.

[@teresaanthony9987]

What is your personal review for Helio Solar, they say their out of Bloomington Illinois.

[@Ash-mx2oo]

lg are out there not making panels any more good luck with warranty

[@JM-hq5md]

My bill is almost 400$ I’m thinking of going solar but nervous

[@davidporter7853]

Has anyone helped you with your solar questions? Did you find a reputable company? If so, who did you go with and how did it work out?

[@TheBubblyBartender]

I went solar and then I loved it so much I started selling it 😍😍🥰🥰

[@elson_correia]

How? Have a laundry business or similar? You should have been solar by now

[@jetmartin9501]

Thanks for sharing...and for the calculator!

[@zencone]

Good advice. Ditch the music in the future.

[@Nikosi9]

Lose the "music". It's annoying and tiring.

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

Okay...your honesty made me subscribe!

[@matthewknight5641]

I've built my own 100% off grid solar power system. It has costed me about 30 grand but I could have done it for half that if I hadn't bought crap the first time around. Buy victron charge controllers and build your own battery bank from 280 eve grade a cells... buy a good quality inverter and stay away from the all in one units. I don't like grid tie stuff but that a personal preference I guess. My system will likely never pay for itself but the hobby and making my own power is so worth it

[@dejananneleeristic8744]

What are the top 3 types of services that a solar company needs to provide to the client over 25 years please?

[@SolarReviews]

Our experts say that routine maintenance and replacement of faulty equipment are typically the only services a solar company will provide.

[@hectorrivera66]

The door to door solar sales people are annoying. I had one kid at my door telling me he was from the 'metering team'. Love your video. Thanks!

[@VlogsWithteeepeee2]

Thank for good tips

[@kjrchannel1480]

Then there are those that charge 400% more than most. Some come to your door and twist your arm into a done deal in the same day.

[@artsmith103]

Done deal the same day is a permit impossibility. Maybe you're not quite correct.

[@tombradygoat1456]

How do you deal with installers/dealers who have abandoned my project? Sunnova partnered with an installer who has left my project for over a year and Sunnova refuses to complete it. How do I not pay/terminate the contract?

[@Ash-mx2oo]

if u pay over 5 k for a 6.6 kw system its not worth it tip 1

[@wheelie642]

I am toying with the idea of building a solar system only big enough to run one outlet for my 220vac air conditioner. Just one electrical outlet separate from the house. Just to take the edge off my summer electrical bill.

[@glennboyd1549]

Just on my letter below/ last night. Re - "OCD carpenter, or a very particular one". I'm not perfect , but I try to do the best I can, knowning that some time down the track, I will make a mistake that's a dozzie. I'm just trying to reduce the " collatoral damage"

[@RP-le1fp]

The first thing to avoid is SUNRUN Solar believe me.

[@ABCC528]

Andy, URE URECO (Taiwan based) what is you advice about them ? they claim to be a tier 1 company

[@SnarkySolarGuy]

Mistake #1- calling them panels instead of modules

[@dylangaradyn6734]

I don’t have enough capital to buy off, but I want solar energy. What should I do

[@iHoffman93]

Trinas always crack or fail. I service solar systems

[@michaelstephens2875]

Your video although very helpful and informative, confirms that the process of deciding on the right company and the right price, is a most daunting task, especially for seniors like me. Have dealt with at least 7 or 8 who want to communicate with you via TEXT! One company texts me a proposal in the form of a legal document! Did have one 30 min. video presentation on a Saturday. When I had follow up questions on Monday, he did not respond to phone calls or email. I do appreciate your efforts to make sense of all this but I still feel like a one legged man attending an A****kicking party.

[@kingjohnson7854]

I hope you have found the answers you are looking for. I am a Solar Advisor and Id be happy to answer any questions you have or provide you some information I have at my disposal. You are right, it is a daunting task. Good luck!

[@dabbbles]

PS... And PARTICULARLY don't fall in to people who declare themselves 'advisors' or 'experts', or insist ANYTHING to do with solar/alternative-living is "daunting". It's NOTHING of the sort. I've been finding and installing systems for people since 1980 (entirely without 'qualifications' or self-decreed 'titles'.) I'm 78yo. and in the last two years have bought cheap systems and installed them for the Oldies living in the retirement village into which I was unwillingly installed (by the Victoria police!) for reasons unrelated. Take care!

[@andrewa6607]

Can you use a heloc to fund the solar panel purchase and use that interest for tax deduction? I think the heloc interest deduction rules are that it’s going towards house upgrades. Seems like this would be an upgrade to the house. If so, that seems like the best rate you could get

[@pritidodhia5059]

Very very informative video. Extremely extraordinary.

[@Paul-GrnHil]

Your tips are spot on. I installed a year ago and am very pleased (NEC Solar in RI). It wasn’t the cheapest quote but I was very fussy about installation on my recently renovated home. I didn’t want it to look bad or ruin my newly replace roof. The company was locally owned and were most informed about utility incentive programs and timed my installation to take advantage of the limited incentive program offered by my utility. I am now working with them to install battery backup. I paid cash for the installation after hearing horror stories about leasing and other types of financing. If you need to finance the project take out a HELOC.

[@ERG173]

Why say in 5mins when you can take 30 mins.

[@realworld822]

What do you think of greensun solar

[@solarindependentutilitysystems]

Happy Utility Independence Day

[@arronramlogan2709]

Hi there, been loving the information you are putting out. Very good, researching solar for over a year now, and you keep it straight. When you’re referring to the average solar panel cost per watt around $2.40 or $2.80, in which states, or area of the US are you referring to? I am in South Florida, greater Fort Lauderdale area, and pricing for that I get are usually around 3.50 or 3.75!

[@USNEM]

Keep looking around. You can find quotes for $3 or less per watt.

[@justsnuggle]

Yeah I missed that I heard him say $260 a watt it wasn't till you're posted that I understood he meant $2.60. but I don't know what that is. Is that just for solar panels or is that with installation and hookup?

[@mrwess1927]

Less than $100 for a 100 watt panel now

[@dabbbles]

YIKE!!! I'm in Oz and have 40 years experience with solar systems. GIven the prices you site you;d do better to import your panels from Australia. Plenty of dealers advertise panels for about 40 cents per Watt; and I'm currently using a second-hand 2.5kW system that cost LESS THAN 10 CENTS per Watt (and that included all the fittings). Although there's some question about warranty issues these panels had (originally) a 25-year warranty cover and were 8 years old when I bought them (about 2 years ago), so I'm willing to take a chance, and expect at least another 10 years use out of them. (Total price $230 AU = about $150 US). On an average summer/winter day they currently produce about 8.5kWh, or twice the power I need. And the really good news is that I don't pay the ATROCIOUS 'connection' fees demanded when I was grid-connected. Added tip: Instead of metal mounting-rails use 3"x 1.5" treated pine. Much lighter and easier to use, and the panels can just be clipped to them with a couple of small tacks. (especially useful if you want to add, or rearrange) panels later on

[@solarindependentutilitysystems]

Any solar power questions?

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You for All that you are doing for World Peace and for our Planet... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. La Paz.. Namaste .. 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮️ ❤️ 💐 🕊

[@miriamgomes1957]

I couldn’t load my solar company

[@dannydaw59]

My roof points north, south, east and west so I don't know how to answer the which way does your roof point question.

[@asdfhun]

If your roof has the same area in every direction, you obviously choose south, because that's how it''ll get the most sunlight. If your roof does not face directly to south, you choose SE or SW whichever is closest to south. If your south facing roof cannot take that many solar panels that covers your consumption then you might want to put additional panels looking east or west, but they'll be less efficient than the south facing ones because they're getting less sun.

[@scottshingleton7659]

@@asdfhun That's why ground mount is better because they can be placed anywhere as long as you have the space. Plus they are easier to clean especially in the winter. Personally roof mount is a ripoff. I have a ground mount system which required less panels and it is located in exactly the right direction.

[@androidchannel309]

Buying? Leasing? I'm seeing ads every day saying they are free? 🤔

[@thesolarenergychannel]

Solar is NOT free. Run from those companies. Beware of these scams -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIaUd4SAltRggbc

[@thezfamily989]

Lol they are "free" because you don't pay anything upfront beside your montly payment under the lease or loan.

[@elcompaneo6850]

Gracias 👍

[@zxrjimmy1]

Anyone recommend sunergy panels

[@thesolarenergychannel]

Here's a great recap of the best solar panels available -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/laWlqWaJaLaGnKM

[@robertcretu4363]

Why did you leave DIY out??? That’s the biggest saving. Oh wait, you have agenda.

[@fredchester921]

Always amazing to investigate a product, and see a large number of videos and web pages, and NEVER GET INFORMATION BREAKDOWNS on the costs. From how much the panels are, to the poles and mountings, to the extra gear, to the cabling and total cost that includes installation... and how much power, in simple terms, will be generated, so that a 'regular Joe' can get an idea if solar power is for them. --- It's clear that the cost is enormous, and the real costs are hidden. And hidden by an industry that's intended to cheat you, and surprise you with the hidden fees and shortcomings of this product. So sad. Green energy is progressive and should never be a minefield of impossible obstacles to immediately getting the numbers. Of course, this all reminds me of going to a restaurant where prices are NOT listed. If you can't afford it, you shouldn't ask the price. Well, I will pass. Until this industry can get its act together, regular folks will put off getting panels. Leave that for corporations and the uber-rich. As for this very instructive video, Andy never gives us any idea of the price of any solar panel for a "average home.' I guess that cost would give you an immediate heart attack.

[@artsmith103]

All of the information you're crying about is extremely readily available. There are numerous calculators that will convert your location and angles into annual kWh for any array you choose. The bottom in solar prices passed thanks to FJB inflation. If you missed it, now you'll have to pay more :-(

[@truesurf]

Solar is another scam just like college. We added extra insulation in the attic, created an air gap between the rafters and the roof decking with foam board, added a fan in the attic, rescreened the windows with solar screens, and updated the condensing unit to a SEER 14 unit. Total cost for everything was just over $5800.00. We did all the work except the condensing unit. We live in Texas and for June, July, and August our electric bill on average was $235 per month and is now on average around $165.00 per month. To install a 5kw solar on our roof was around $22,000-25,000 for equip, install, and permitting. Too many cons for solar for us. Trees, hail, hurricanes, roof leaks, cleaning on a 2 story home, shoddy contractors, and not covered by homeowners insurance. We calculated around 13-15 years for a payback in a perfect world.....too long. You're better off taking the $$$$$ and putting into real estate or low cost index funds.

[@1989cranston]

Jesus your figures are insane. In Australia it must be so much cheaper to get solar on, plus typically pay back is around 5years. Because it is so much cheaper to install we can do both what you did, plus get the solar. It most definitely is not a scam lol, don't spread mis-information

[@truesurf]

@@1989cranston not knocking it in it's entirety, but it's not a shoehorn for everyone. Always do the research and yes we get a ton of mis information with all the setters canvasing the neighborhood. I didn't join the double comma club by buying things that most people don't need.✌️😉

[@davidnoble6843]

Bloody hell that's expensive.. I have had 4 quotes for a 13kw system and a 10kw inverter feeding back into the grid at 12c a kw and the most expensive quote was $7500 u.s

[@claystephens9386]

@@davidnoble6843where are you located? The market in Florida is way higher. At least in north east FL. I just got a quote. 10kwh at almost 75k$$$

[@Imwright720]

Rent them from Tesla. He guarantees you’ll pay less or they remove them. No contract.

[@Franchise-p7g]

A lease is a contract

[@Imwright720]

@@Franchise-p7g when you rent a machine from home depot do you call it a lease. If so then yes, other wise it’s a rental. Like when you rent a hotel room.

[@dougmartin7129]

@@Imwright720 if you rent for a fixed period of time it’s a contract.

[@Imwright720]

@@dougmartin7129 the “contract “ with Tesla is month to month. everybody else has you sign a very long term lease. Your not getting out of it cheap.

[@richardcoughlin8931]

Given the amount of labor involved in installing solar panels a month to month rental arrangement is a terrible business model.

[@williamofrights1471]

High pressure sales for horrible customer service and over priced junk. Read all of the reviews. The only reviews with any detail are all 1 Star All the 5 Star reviews are 1 sentence that has no details. This is because the reviews are done by employees and new customers that have not experienced anything yet. What the news reports about all the unhappy customers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moeUl36qgqmdi8U Look up the Detroit News report as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aovKnICpjrN9fMU Another victim: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGYfX6YZ8eFZrM

[@Reve14twelve]

Only an accountant can tell you if you qualify for the tax credits

[@juanacash7298]

Be careful people.

[@davidwilson1114]

First way to save.... DON'T BUY THEM

[@mick62569]

Photoelectric panels is nothing but junk