College Place Solar PV Tomi

Residential - March 2023

Hot Solar Solutions installed our 7.77kW solar PV panel system in March 2023. It generates about 40kWh on a sunny spring day. We expect it to reduce our electricity bill n the years ahead. It feels great to see the system on our rooftop feeding clean power into the grid! Go solar! You won't regret it.

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$132

Net Investment

$17,430

Return on Investment

0.8%

Property

Owner:: Tomi Horn
Type:: Residential
Address:: 404 Southeast 8th Street, College Place, WA 99324
Size:: 1,104 sq ft

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: March 2023
Size of System:: 7.77kW kW
Monitor performance:: We use the Enphase app to monitor our solar PV system performance.
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $24,900
Value of Tax Credits:: $7,470
Net Cost of System:: $17,430
Annual Savings:: $132
Own or Lease:: Purchase with Loan
Additional Financial Notes:: We also paid $1000 to install a new electrical panel. For us, the total cost was $25,900.

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: VSUN; Enphase Energy
Installers:: Hot Solar Solutions
Financing:: Verity Credit Union

What You Need to Know

Description:

VSUN (VSUN370-120M-BB) Fuji Solar 21 panel system with Enphase microinverters (IQ7Plus-72) for a 7.77kW system size.

Other Benefits:

The PV system adds about $7500 to our home value.

Maintenance Requirements:

We were told it might need to be washed annually if performance seems to degrade.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

We have already installed energy-saving windows.

My Motivation:

Our motivation were four-fold: a) lock in the benefits of going solar like the low interest solar loan, net metering and solar ITC before these advantages are phased out; 2) insure ourselves against electricity price inflation; 3) feel good about contributing to the decarbonization of the local electricity grid; and 4) increase the value of our house.

Advice:

We recommend starting your solar journey at EnergySage. It is an online solar service aggregator that has been awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy. Their team of energy counselors provide expert advice to people from the standpoint of consumers, but they earn revenue from installers etc. that get sales leads from their site.

Experience with Installer:

We were pleased overall with our installer. Our installation was delayed by some permitting issues with the electric power company, so it is wise to be patient about the installation schedule. It seems like delays are commonplace. It appears utilities have trouble quickly processing all the grid interconnection applications.

Additional Notes:

We are fortunate to have a location where tree shade isn't an issue. We are also blessed with ample south-facing rooftop area.

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