Solar

[Ted Shackleford]

So I just had a free consultation with Solar Wolf Energy. Has anyone else used them before? It's a Florida company that is now here too. Anyone else used them before? They were quite open about the numbers, a bit shocked by that approach to say the least.

[Account Closed]

@Ted Shackleford, I suggest you research solar panels carefully before taking the leap.  In particular, if you're installing them on the roof, in fixed positions (which is the most common application down here), take note of the direction the roof faces as well as the angle they'll be installed.

For optimal performance, solar panels should be installed due south (and ideally track with the sun's movement).  It amazes me to see folks who have installed fixed solar panels on both sides of their roof (and some are even facing east-west)!

As well, the optimal angle for panels is relative to the geographic latitude in which the panels are installed and the angle changes seasonally.  So in Boston, that range can be nearly 50 degrees from summer to winter!  That means, if they are fixed, they're only performing well a fraction of the time.

Curious, did the numbers that the solar company presented, take into account the reduced efficiency of the panels based on the actual direction they'll face, the seasonal adjustments (and of course, snow days), or did they give a one-size-fits-all simply based on ideal conditions and kWh comparisons?