Everyone Gets this wrong with their solar system! | Is your solar working? | Bill Analysis

[@solartimeusa]

If you are in DFW, don't hesitate to reach out: 972 675 7725 ( call or text) or shoot me an email: [e-mail] If you are not, you can also reach out, I do solar consultations and quotes review all the time :) Leave some thoughts below! I try to respond to all comments! :)

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Very helpful tutorial. It must drive you crazy trying to deal with confused customers. You should proactively send all your clients this video.

[@joep5170]

MUUUUUUUCH needed video for those who don't know! Great job!!

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you so so much!!!!

[@bobjohnson7280]

Martyna: Finally, someone helped me understand my home's consumption from my bills. I don't have CT's or other similar devices. I was even able to estimate what size battery I should install. Thanks. I have a grid-tied system with NO battery at present. Was trying to hold out for solid-state, but it looks like that will never happen, at least in the next few years. Go Quantumscape. We'll see ...

[@solartimeusa]

Glad it was helpful! and thank you so much for sharing. I am also looking forward to those batteries!

[@mosheerantar6730]

Great job Martyna! Thanks for explaining this in a very simple way! Keep the great job going 👏

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you so so much!!!

[@malachygallagher4936]

Great job! Very well explained! I am an installer in Ireland! Regards mg.

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you so so much for the kind comment!!! :)

[@andremcamara3120]

You did agreat job explaining this Martyna, thank you

[@solartimeusa]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the comment!

[@kullanma]

Yee Haw! Give us that with battery video! Love being self sufficient!

[@solartimeusa]

Heck yes!!! For sure working on it👌👌👌

[@johnnysager8899]

Great information and I feel most people don't really understand all the fee's and wording of the bill. Might want to mention in the future that you don't want to activate your system until you have permission to operate. The solar company I dealt with activated mine before Duke was ready and I had to pay them for all the energy the system produced for that billing cycle. Just a thought for your new future viewers. Have a great day 😊

[@solartimeusa]

I have heard here that homeowners dealt with the same thing! They turned the system on prior to the meter being replaced and they were “charged” for that went through the meter…. So true! Thanks for brining this up!! ⬆️ Have an awesome rest of the weekend ☀️

[@keything8487]

i look forward to the battery video !!

[@solartimeusa]

@@keything8487 🤠🤠🤠 coming soon!

[@vibeline583]

Good Job Sunshine!

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you!!!! ☀️☀️☀️

[@nemesis851_]

Australia 🇦🇺 is charging solar users for EXCESS power they generate, so a guy was offering free electricity to anyone so he didn’t have excess power going to the grid - crazy 😮

[@solartimeusa]

What?! Like you pay them so they get negative cost of power?! Holi smokes!!!! Batteries for the win in Aussie land then? 👌🔋

[@nemesis851_]

@@solartimeusa Ok, I did find the video now - - - 'Kick in the guts': Solar panel owners could soon pay the price for going green | A Current Affair on youtube

[@InimitaPaul]

He needs a system with feed in control so the energy company don’t get a cent and he doesn’t have to do a thing.

[@X.MillennialResponder.X]

Good for that person we need to start fighting back against these *$$holes grid decentralization is the way we do this and the way we take power back from these guys the cheaper solar gets the more destabilizing. It is to these big companies.

[@mjbates]

Yeah, but Australia basically pays for you to put panels on your house. It can cost you next to nothing, it's why they're lapping nearly every other country in installs.

[@masisoganesyan9048]

You are so awesome. Thanks for the education

[@solartimeusa]

@@masisoganesyan9048 thank you so much! I so appreciate it!!! 🙏☀️

[@shaggydogsales]

As always good info Martyna! Definitely recommend solar and battery storage for anyone that wants more independence for your home. My local electricity authority in AZ requires 2 meters for all residential and commercial installs. The bill is complete with the full picture of import, export and usage.

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you so much for sharing! And yes for sure, in a lot of cases in Texas we also need to do batteries when we start seeing those super low prices they pay for credits. I am working on adding it to my home so I can test for the channel as well.

[@nemesis851_]

In Florida they mandate you pay them (Energy Co) a minimum amount, even if you generated a huge credit for them

[@solartimeusa]

@@nemesis851_ like a base fee? I have that in my rental property where they give me full credits for excess but they always charge a base fee of $40…. ;/

[@malachygallagher4936]

Great job! 👍

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MoeinEsther]

great video and accurate information as usual.

[@solartimeusa]

Much appreciated! 🙌☀️

[@Rpol_404]

Thanks for the nice explanation. I just recently started with a very small grid tied experiment and I fortunately have an older type of meter that has the “consumption wheel” so I can get an immediate idea of how much power I’m getting back. The slower the wheel spins, the more power is coming from my solar system. If it goes backwards, then I’m producing more power than I’m consuming.

[@solartimeusa]

Oh wow! How cool! Thank you so much for sharing :)! Yes you're so right, thats the way those older style meters worked!

[@mike_realityi]

I am grateful that Eversource New England required a Production Meter. SunPower is gone and I had issues with them tracking production so now I have a true source of truth for my production as the meter was new for me when it was installed.

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you so much for sharing, and I am sure its pretty stressful to have Sunpower go under but hopefully if you have ever any issues the inverter manufacturer will help. Also its good to know you had that extra production meter. Thank you for sharing!

[@mike_realityi]

@@solartimeusa Yes, I have the IQ7+ and Enphase has come out to backup the hardware warranty. Same as Maxeon. My installer, a SunPower Master Dealer, is still around and is an amazing company. One reason we went with them instead of SunPower directly. The major stress is now dealing with the SunVault as no one has come out to back it's warranty or anyway to manage it remotely.

[@davidbrandt2610]

Your presentations are always informative. There are other good experts out there, but they aren't as easy to watch.

[@solartimeusa]

I so appreciate the comment and the kind words. It definitely is very motivating!

[@Waldoe16]

Ah I remember that first time we got out solar installed, the first bill we were like ok, the second like "why" , then the third bill "yay". First bill was solar installed in late billing cycle, second bill smart meter was installed, third bill net metering was enabled finally. We had to wait two billing cycles to finally see $4 bills. Now we have enough credit that bills are literally $0.

[@solartimeusa]

Yay!! And yes I know that story! Lots of people in same situation in the first Few months of their solar ownership. ☀️☀️☀️

[@fw1421]

I installed a Span Panel that dumps usage information to an app and I know in real time what my home is using.. great piece of hardware.

[@solartimeusa]

That is awesome! I’m working on a project with a few spans next week, hoping to make a cool video out of it soon! Any feedback as to what could be better about it?

[@fw1421]

Just make sure the electricians mark every circuit so you can set up the name of each breaker properly,it’ll save time later when you are prioritizing your circuits that you want to have turned on in a power outage. I’m supposing you have solar or backup generator?

[@DerekRhoads]

Hello, I do not see the link to the Excel sheet to download. Thank you. 9:43

[@solartimeusa]

Hey! Here is the link: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TnYHDxiOU4C1Ry2Ug6Cxydvr-bRO34pv63Mn-dtao4w/edit?usp=sharing Ideally download the sheet, to make sure its not edited by others :)

[@walkerdarin2003]

Another tip is shutting off levelized billing. Great for consistency but threw me for a loop.

[@solartimeusa]

@@walkerdarin2003 oh my gosh! That is so true!!! Lots of people go for it to be better “prepared” but overall this screws people over price wise….

[@tommanley2924]

Stand alone for the win.

[@codegame027]

my city utility is a co-op and they still offer net billing up to 10KW. My roof really can only easily accommodate ~5kw so I want to put in a system while net billing is still offered.

[@kevinmatthews2620]

hi Martyna,here in the UK when i had grid tied solar installed in 2013,as part of the install they installed a additional "export meter" ,essentially a dumb one way meter @ the end of every quarter, i read it and get paid on the export for the quarter split over 2 rates 100% for all generated power @ the higher rate currently 23.70p per kwh, and a 50% "deemed export" rate of 7.14p per kwh for 50% of the total generated during the quarter, as this system is classed as a "green energy" system no taxes are payable on this money, obviously the exports are above the house demands, me personally my export payments over a 12 month period pays for gas/electric with a tidy surplus @ the end of the year :) :)

[@solartimeusa]

Wow that sounds awesome! It’s no longer offered in this form to new solar installations I assume? Man! That must have helped with original cost and payback period 👌

[@kevinmatthews2620]

@@solartimeusa thats the now defunct UK FITs scheme,i have just this morning got my statement for the last quarter ended yesterday, for 1547 kwh generated and 773 deemed export @ the 50% rate, i have earned £421.87p i will get this money in my bank ac in proably 2 weeks, i unfortunately didnt get into the scheme earlier ,those that did @ the outset of the scheme in 2010 were paid 22p pkwh index linked, mine was 16p p pkwh index linked, the scheme guranteed set payments index lined with annual RPI increases for 20 years, unfortunately due to its popularity/decreasing costs of solar the FITs scheme closed in 2019 @ which time it was a much lower guranteed price per kwh ( i think it was 4/6p per kwh), so me and others who joined before me are still getting a high rate of payments for the balance of 20 years tax free :),just for the record my intial costs for 4kwh solar panel,16x 250w and grid tied inverter was £7200, now long since paid for, in my case paid for after 2 years due to tax rebates :)

[@offgridwanabe]

Don't forget to calculate the price per kilowatt you actually pay for you electricity as many people are led astray by the utility advertising their price per kilowatt. So take your actual cost per month and divide by how many kwh you used, this is the real cost per kilowatt which you will find is way higher than the advertised price the utility has, why because they find ways to increase your cost, delivery, management, taxes, etc etc they add on all these after the price per kilowatt. Also understand most utility net metering systems only pay you for the price of a kilowatt which they buy from electricity producers which is only a small part of your cost so likely you have to produce 4 -5 kwh of electricity to buy just one kwh delivered to your home.

[@solartimeusa]

Thankfully for sharing, yes lots of utility companies will add extra fees all over the billing. It’s getting kinda ridiculous. Some companies used to charge 4.95 base fee now charging $25+ I am with a coop in my rental property and the base fee is $40!!!

[@robertboryk791]

What about putting in batteries for at night, or when power is out? That way you have most of your house on battery and costs less for electric bill. The upfront cost for batteries and knowing any power out would not bother you and lowering your electric bill more. Total time it takes to pay for itself.

[@solartimeusa]

Yes I’m working a video talking about a system with batteries added to it and I’m also adding batteries to my home that I used the bills here;) very much agree that batteries are a very great addition so we can store power for nighttime use! 🙏💪🏼

[@mustangdj1]

Benefit of using your generated electricity depends on the rate plan and buyback rules of your electric company, and varies greatly by region, state and country. In my case, my power company credits me at the same price as they charge me (aside from a few cents per kilowatt for delivery). When the solar is running, I sell for 45 - 75 cents per kilowatt. At night I buy at 11 cents a kilowatt. For me it is worth trying to sell all my generated power and use as much as I can from the grid during the cheap 12 to 6 am.

[@solartimeusa]

Holi smokes that is a really good buyback you have!! I AM DEFINITELY JEALOUS! :) Thank you for sharing!

[@txflyerken173]

Hi Martyna, did you ever make the other video on Bill Analysis when using batteries with your solar system.....Also, what do you think about the EG4 12kPV Hybrid Inverters. Thanks!

[@solartimeusa]

WORKING ON IT!!! :) Sorry for any delays!!!

[@txflyerken173]

Thank you, I’m sure you stay very busy!

[@bobcole3852]

Good explanation BUT... I would never put in a system that sells to the utility. They pay you wholesale rate for what you sell them and charge retail rate for what you get from them. I put in an offgrid inverter that only uses grid for backup if solar and batteries don't supply enough.

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you for sharing! We have a few utility companies in north Texas ( my area around dallas Fort Worth ) that pay avoided cost and in those systems we either recommend doing a smaller system to offset daytime usage. This looks different for all families since the power is used differently based on lifestyle or definitely adding a battery where you store your excess power for nighttime consumption 🙌☀️ thank you again for sharing your info as well 🙏

[@nevadaxtube]

Thanks Martyna for the video. My name is Andrew and I've had my solar system for almost a year and I still find my bill hard to read and understand it. We only get 75% credit for the energy we send back to the grid. So would it make sense for me to use my appliances when I'm producing power during the day? I don't really want to subsidize the power company with my energy production. For instance, should I cool down my house as much as possible before the sun goes down or just keep the A/C at a consistent temperature? Thanks so much.

[@solartimeusa]

Hi Andrew! Thank you so much for your comment. It’s very hard to tell without knowing what your utility company. But if they compensate you 75% value, then yes! You should use as much as you can during the day when you generate it. That way you use power that’s 100% value of what you would otherwise paid to your provider. If you would like email me a bill so we can see what company you’re with and if we can give any more guidance. Also check with your provider if they show you daily updates like if they show you how much you exported on a daily basis. This will help you understand when you use most power. And you can play accordingly to change things done at home🏣 [e-mail] is our work email.

[@JithinJose2]

Around the world...And in america. :)

[@solartimeusa]

Yes ☀️☀️☀️🙏🙏

[@jabbathespud]

Arizona is one of those states that requires a separate solar meter. Which adds to the cost of any solar installation.

[@solartimeusa]

Could you share how much more for the meter cost? 💲 and if you know if it affects the way billing works as well??

[@SuperBuzzbomb]

I have batteries with my solar system and the Franklin app actually breaks all of this down by how much the solar is producing, how much the home is using, how much is going to charge the batteries and how much is being sent back to the grid.

[@solartimeusa]

Yes!! Their app is awesome! Can you share what system size you have and what inverter you have for your solar panels ? Thanks again for sharing!!

[@alexherrera3918]

great video as always!!! Coul you comment what to think on installers that promised 25year warranty but other just 1 year....there are other like i think your company 10years. what is better and who is not reliable or may not telling the truth. Thanks!!! Greetings from Katy,Tx

[@bryanwhitton1784]

Are you referring to the installation warranty? There are many warranties involved with a PV solar system. The PV modules, the racking and mounting system warranty, the inverter and the installation or labor warranty. The modules are typically warrantied for 20 to 25 years based upon the company. The inverter warranty is 10 to 25 years depending on the type of inverter and the company. The installation warranty varies by installer. Some offer shorter warranties like you expressed in your post. Others have longer warranties as much as 10 years perhaps even longer. As a PV customer you must read the fine print and know what you are getting into. Even a company like the ones you are referring to that only offer a 1 year installation warranty can claim a 25 year warranty on you PV array and still offer a 1 year installation warranty without technically lying. But they are being misleading and you are wise to point this out before you sign a contract. This is why you get at least 3 quotes and they compare the quotes and not just the price. It is important to remember that the longest warranties come with the most reliable components. Modules almost never fail so long warranties are common place. Inverters fail more often although they are far more reliable now than they were 20 years ago. In my opinion an installation should have a warranty for 5 to 10 years. That will cover the wiring and conduit work and replacement of what I call infant mortality of any components. You just want to make sure you are protected. It is very difficult to warranty a job longer than that realistically. The house settles, hail storms bang things up. These are out of control of the installer and are hard to deal with. However, the installer should know what is a stable mounting method and foundation. You don't typically install on a 20 year old roof. That is crazy. A new roof needs to be done before the array is installed. There are main panels that are unsafe and the installer should know about them and never install a system in them. That is why you want an experienced solar installation company. Martyna: I hope you don't mind that I gave my opinion on this comment.

[@solartimeusa]

Howdy!!!! I agree, a warranty or the workmanship and labor warranty should be 5-10 years. Below that does not sound right. Bryan hit the nail on the head. thank you!!! There can be a company that has been in business 2 years and offer 25, does not mean they will be around to help though. Reviews are huge for selection, and even if the company is out of business in a few years, good reviews mean good quality work ( hopefully).

[@solartimeusa]

Howdy!!!! I agree, a warranty or the workmanship and labor warranty should be 5-10 years. Below that does not sound right. Bryan hit the nail on the head. thank you!!! There can be a company that has been in business 2 years and offer 25, does not mean they will be around to help though. Reviews are huge for selection, and even if the company is out of business in a few years, good reviews mean good quality work ( hopefully).

[@solartimeusa]

PERFECT RESPONSE, again THANK YOU!!!

[@fixnkev]

Even though I produce more electricity than I use (except July/August), I still end up paying APS (Arizona Public Service) because of the peak usage charges @ $.39kh between 4-7pm plus all of the 'other fees' that add up to ~$50/mo! And they don't pay you a 1 for 1 ratio for the normal $.10kh. ($.083kh I think). I'm adding batteries asap.

[@solartimeusa]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing! Yes batteries are a huge change for those systems with bad buyback... Sc**w those utilities, store your own excess in the battery, and use it at night before you have to tap into their power.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I installed 47kWp, 250kWh DIY LFP. No power bill for 2.5 years.

[@solartimeusa]

Holi smokes! Share if you can what panels and inverter, battery you chose! 🔋🔋🔋🔋

[@donbrloks3959]

What was the cost?

[@makoto5071]

Hello from Tokyo, Japan 😊 I enjoy watching your channel, since you're so cute ❤ I have 50, 400 watt panels for my Off-Grid Solar home using batteries from 8 used Nissan Leafs (60 kWh batteries x 8, so 480 KWh total) Japan does buy electricity if your Solar home is grid-tied (but for like... $0.13 per kWh 😨), so I went off-grid.

[@solartimeusa]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing. Thank you also for letting us know how much they buyback electricity for. Do you mind letting us know how much they charge if you don’t have solar? Your system sounds awesome. If you can maybe you can also tell us what kind of equipment do you use. Thanks again so much for leaving a comment. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@makoto5071]

It will differ in which plan you have and which regional Electicity company, but basically (I will use Tokyo Electric aka TEPCO if I was Grid-Tied) Base fee (Exchange rate: $1=144JPY) Under 6KVA: 1,474JPY ($10.23) 7kVA～10kVA: 2,457JPY ($17.06) Over 11kVA: 2,457JPY + 311JPY per 1kVA over 11kVA ($17.06 + $2.15 per 1kVA over 11kVA) Up to your first 80kWh: 33.78JPY/1kWh ($0.234/1kWh) Above 80kWh to 200kWh: 41.76JPY/1kWh ( $0.29/1kWh) Above 200kWh: 46.71PY/1kWh ($0.324/1kWh) Night time rate (from 10PM to 5AM, only if you have the Night time discount plan) 28.99JPY/1kWh ($0.201/1kWh) So... In my case, I use an average of 900kWh/month of electricity.. $280.32 + Base Fee(Over 11kVA) $17.06 + $215 = $512.38/month if I haven't had Solar 😨

[@makoto5071]

Oh, my Solar panels are all from LG. Inverters/charger/controller stuff is all either from Panasonic or proprietary because of the Used 330v Car batteries.

[@shubinternet]

Speaking only for myself, I really appreciate the use of real world examples with real world bills. But I would have liked to see those real world bills onscreen for a longer period of time. And sadly, there’s a lot of people out there who cant understand Excel spreadsheets. Making those available for us who can understand spreadsheets is great, but that does leave out a certain portion of your viewer base.

[@solartimeusa]

You’re very right and me being me I always want to make sure I make it as simple as possible but also I love excel…. So I do agree and so appreciate the feedback. I wonder if there should be 2 videos done. One more in debt and one super simple and explained with easy words…. Thoughts? Again so appreciate the feedback

[@gregvalunas6342]

Just an FYI, if you tap the spacebar while watching, you can pause/resume the video, so you can get as long of a look as you need on the charts that pop up. Cheers!

[@masisoganesyan9048]

Do you have a video that talks about installing Tesla ev charger with Tesla’s solar system with 2 power wall 3 batteries. I want to understand what the configuration would look like

[@solartimeusa]

NOT YET but its coming! I am currently working on a video showing a 6 PW3 install with 4 main panels, so it will be a very in-depth video! :) I will also be doing some other battery manufacturer installation videos soon.

[@peterponcedeleon3368]

Serious question, is it inaccurate to claim the inverter (grid tied) carries a load? The grid tied inverter is in what's called current mode, which means, it's simply a accounting of what the PV system is producing at any given moment in time, to the extent that the home is consuming. An multimode inverter that is designed to be off grid will operate in what's called voltage mode, and this will allow the inverter to carry loads.

[@Liu-Ggboy]

Working in a solar company and I’d like to say to you: solar systems are so cheap in China. You can buy the photovoltaic devices and install them yourself. It’s quite easy to do that. So you are welcome to ask me for the solar.

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you for the comment and sharing. Problem with buying directly is some of those products don't have the UL listings and testing needed to pass a city inspection that is in most cases required.

[@mindbender50]

I don't export to the grid I have a 12 circuit manual transfer panel and 60kw of seplos batteries. I have a sungoldpower 10kw MPPT inverter/charger that's tied to the transfer switch circuits and have the batteries communicating to the inverter and the inverter communicates to my orange Pi with solar assistant on it..(with all the stats I could ever use.) Governments change the rules all the time I prefer to not help the electric company monitor or get free something they don't deserve from my hard earned installed equipment..

[@solartimeusa]

That sounds great! Thank you so much for sharing and yes I so agree about them changing policies and mixing things up for us all the time 😭

[@Keepithonest7]

Considering the cost of running a power line to new construction. Off grid is not as expensive.

[@solartimeusa]

Yes, that is a factor for sure. Thank you for bringing up that point.

[@wasiftraderssolarenergy386]

👍 Good 👍 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@solartimeusa]

Thank you!!!

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

The Utility tells me that I would pay between 55 cents and a couple bucks per KWh no matter what and they will pay me 4 cents per KWh for what I produce... AND when the grid goes down so do I.. GO OFF GRID, cut the wire and be done with them..

[@solartimeusa]

YUP batteries are a must in a case with such a bad buyback :(

[@ardenbowman4489]

GO WITH A TRANSFER BOX,RUN EVERYTHING YOU CAN OFF A BATTERYS S,SYSTEM,YOU WILL NOT BE CONNECTED TO GRID,,BAD WEATHER TRANFER BACK TO GRID,GET A 12,000 SYSTEM AND A TRANSFER BOX AND A SUB PANEL,I HAVE ABOUT A 1/3 ON SOLAR FOR A YEAR CUT MY BILL BY HALF,FIXING TO GO ANOTHER SUB AND TAKE MOST OF WHATS LEFT TO SOLAR

[@solartimeusa]

Can you share what equipment you chose and if you had good bad or ugly experience with it? Thanks so much for sharing!!!! ☀️☀️☀️

[@allenbarrow4904]

Does the local power companies check those meters?? If so, they are probably reset them...let that thought sink in your mind!!!!

[@solartimeusa]

Those are mostly remotely controlled meters. I am unsure what you meant though?

[@allenbarrow4904]

@@solartimeusa No I am in America. What mean is the local utilities companies like Coal, Gas & Oil will have to worry when China, Russia and India coming after their markets. How soon is the question??? Hmmm !!!

[@WiktoBroka]

W napisach

[@solartimeusa]

Czy jest ta opcja dostępna żeby w napisach były po polsku ? 🇵🇱

[@WiktoBroka]

Martyna brak jest języka polskiego¿??????????

[@solartimeusa]

O nie!!! Jutro rano sprawdzę na innym komputerze! Może KZbin translator potrzebuje np 12-24 h? Muszę to sprawdzić ale dzięki bardzo za info! Daj znać czy w pon już będzie działać

[@NickWindham]

I think I’m in love. If she’s taken, where can I find a woman like this?

[@solartimeusa]

Poland/ Polish Women are great! I'm sorry, no offense to other women, I am clearly biased. I'm Polish :D

[@NickWindham]

@@solartimeusa Poland huh, shucks. I’m in shambles over here. How long does it take to learn Polish on Duolingo? Winter is warmer here in Ft Worth though. Can we fly them into DFW Intl? In all seriousness, I am interested in buying a solar installation through you. I’m the # ending 6365 that sent a text.

[@ZoeyR86]

This is useless in California under 3.0 rules

[@solartimeusa]

Can you share more? You mean like with no battery? I also have heard that doing a smaller system that offsets the daytime usage without the excess power production

[@ZoeyR86]

@solartimeusa power here is based on time of day a credit maxes out now at 6 cents per kwhr but peek demand per grid use is 44-75 cents per kwhr and is from 4:30pm to 9pm. With overnight at 34-40cents per kwhr and day rate from 6am to 430pm in 18-20cent range. If you don't have enough battery to store power for night time use even a 20kwhr system with have a very small impact on the bill. Most homes including mine are empty tell 4-5pm when we get home from work I have a Smarthome with home assistant in control of everything so when we are away my power draw is under 800w and that's static load from fridges, power supply's, inverters. I have a 28kw solar array with an auto cleaning system and over 400kwhrs of storage. I'm fully offgrid on my diy system 😎.

[@charlieodom9107]

To anyone watching...NEVER install solar without battery backup. It is completely pointless and defeats the purpose of installing your own power grid. You can still grid tie if you want, but as a professional in the field, I highly recommend NOT going grid tie. Grid assist is a much better option.

[@solartimeusa]

Can you elaborate please. One of my properties in Melissa,Texas is with a co-op that offers one to one buyback. They literally credit me for everything I sell to them at 100%. For 3 years of owning the property there was not a once outage. Battery in that coop made no financial sense to me. I am always open for discussion so do let me know how a battery would be beneficial in this case? I’m asking with respect and not sarcastically. 🙏☀️

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Thank you sir Charlie! I use mostly solar with batteries, The grid is my backup power/ standby generator. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

@@solartimeusa When a hurricane pases through you will know the benefit of batteries.

[@charlieodom9107]

@solartimeusa it is never one to one, because you are always paying surcharge, fuel costs, etc, but that is not the issue. The entire reason for going solar is to have power when the grid goes down, and without a battery, grid tie won't work. Why even get solar if you are going to still rely on the grid? At that point, you are literally wasting tens of thousands of dollars for zero gain. In my experience, a smaller solar array with batteries and grid assist, always works better for the customer. I see way too many unhappy customers that get sold on the bullshit grid tie zero power bill lie. The entire reason why you made the video is to try to gas light unhappy people into believing their grid tie system wasn't a bad choice, instead of telling them what they should have within the first place. Always, always, always, install batteries with solar, no exceptions.

[@TheUweRoss]

@@charlieodom9107 It very much depends on what your objective is, where you live, and what the buy-back/net-metering policies are. Straight grid-tie without batteries still makes sense in places where true 1:1 net metering is available. A generator is a much less expensive way of riding out a power outage than batteries, and you need a LOT of battery capacity to ride out a long power outage without a generator. To me, the ideal setup is just enough battery capacity to make it through the night. If weather is good the next day, re-charge from solar. If weather is bad, fire up the generator for an hour or two and re-charge from it.