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> Are we nearing any tipping point where local solar becomes a “big thing”? Probably not, tbh. Its getting a lot cheaper, but its really possible that subsidie

by jsight 5y ago

> Are we nearing any tipping point where local solar becomes a “big thing”? Probably not, tbh. Its getting a lot cheaper, but its really possible that subsidies will start getting smaller along the same time. In my area, rules to force utilities to allow net metering on good terms are trending weaker as well. The combination hurts solar competitiveness. If the cost of powerwall type systems fell by at least 50% some of these things might change, as the utility interconnect might not be needed any more.

throwaway0a5e 5y ago
The utility interconnect really drives up the minimum price of solar because you have to go through licensed professionals who know you can't avoid them so there is no downward pressure on price unlike all other residential electrical (new construction notwithstanding).
- coding123 5y ago
  Do your homework on that. In many areas you can hire a solar guy to do your last mile for $600 to $1000. Everything else is DIY and Alibaba. Just make sure to get county approval on the inverters and UL listed etc...
- jsight 5y ago
  I've noticed that effect, but I don't think the problem is on the installer side. A big part of the cost for them is the "soft costs" and a part of that is dealing with sometimes intransigent personnel at power companies. There are horror stories of them needing to pester the company for months to get the final approval to energize the system, and that adds significant cost. The solar companies would love to get rid of this problem. I don't think that I'd want someone that isn't a licensed roofer or electrician doing the installation work anyway.
yardie 5y ago
Subsidies are in place to solve the chicken/egg problem of inducing demand and creating a new market. If solar panels are getting cheaper then subsidies should start to go away once targets are met. BTW, I still feel we're far away from withdrawing subsidies. Until we get below $1000/kw its still too steep for most homeowners. Currently, Florida is $2600/kw.
- jsight 5y ago
  Oh, I agree and I have nothing against the subsidies getting scaled back over time. The issue is that it makes cost cutting in the industry less effective, as the savings don't always get directed to the buyer's bottom line. I think it might create a long stall where solar doesn't really expand that much in consumer markets.

by jsight 5y ago

throwaway0a5e 5y ago

The utility interconnect really drives up the minimum price of solar because you have to go through licensed professionals who know you can't avoid them so there is no downward pressure on price unlike all other residential electrical (new construction notwithstanding).

coding123 5y ago
Do your homework on that. In many areas you can hire a solar guy to do your last mile for $600 to $1000. Everything else is DIY and Alibaba. Just make sure to get county approval on the inverters and UL listed etc...
jsight 5y ago
I've noticed that effect, but I don't think the problem is on the installer side. A big part of the cost for them is the "soft costs" and a part of that is dealing with sometimes intransigent personnel at power companies. There are horror stories of them needing to pester the company for months to get the final approval to energize the system, and that adds significant cost. The solar companies would love to get rid of this problem. I don't think that I'd want someone that isn't a licensed roofer or electrician doing the installation work anyway.

yardie 5y ago

Subsidies are in place to solve the chicken/egg problem of inducing demand and creating a new market. If solar panels are getting cheaper then subsidies should start to go away once targets are met. BTW, I still feel we're far away from withdrawing subsidies. Until we get below $1000/kw its still too steep for most homeowners. Currently, Florida is $2600/kw.

jsight 5y ago
Oh, I agree and I have nothing against the subsidies getting scaled back over time. The issue is that it makes cost cutting in the industry less effective, as the savings don't always get directed to the buyer's bottom line. I think it might create a long stall where solar doesn't really expand that much in consumer markets.