On Sep 29, 9:21*pm, "Sac Dave" wrote:
I'm thinking of *going to solar to offset high PG&E cost. *We went to home show and talked to a few solar contractors . But I would like to hear from people that actually have solar. I just know the basic and the amount of panels they can install has a lot to do with your savings.

It is tough to make solar pay. From what you have said, I suspect
that you are not going to make it pay. If the current cost per unit
if energy is very high, then it might. I would suggest that you
should ask any potential installer provide you with their calculations
that show it would be a good investment. You want to see the total
cost of the install, and the expected reduction in units of energy
purchased as a result of the install and the cost of those saved units
of energy. Demand real numbers and if you don't really understand
them, find someone who does and who will be able to show you why the
contractor may be fudging the numbers.

There are cases where it is a good economic choice, but those are
few in number.

You should factor in two additional considerations. Maintenance,
repair and replacement of the solar system and the value to you
knowing you could have a smaller carbon footprint. Right now it seems
you have very large feet.

I would guess that if I would to trade homes with you, my energy
use at your current home will drop more than you might save with the
solar system.

Good Luck