Anybody here do solar as part of their business model?

[swbuilder]

Looking at adding alternative energy systems, particularly solar at this time to our business. Would be interested if anyone else here has done the same thing and some of the things they learned they might share.

[ThingOfBeauty]

I don't do solar as part of my business, but a lot of it isn't that complicated.
I installed my own PV solar panels. Someone else "designed" the system. But all the parts came in one delivery from a wholesaler including the disconnects and racking. I had to buy wire and lag screws. If you could find a good dealer who would do the design and send you all the stuff, then attaching it and working with your electrician to wire it should be little hassle.
THere are some tricks to the DC side of the electrical, for example you need a special disconnect, you want a disconnect on the roof for safety, and there's special connectors for the wires. So, there is a bit of specialized knowledge.
Overall though it's very simple and could fit well with other remodeling work.

[David Meiland]

Randy, we have installed some solar. I'd say you need to do three things. One, make yourself knowledgeable enough about the various systems and strategies that you can choose subs correctly and understand/agree with what they are going to do. Two, run the numbers and give your customer an accurate payback period on the investment. Three, understand the tax credit and incentive picture and present that as part of the project. This last part is constantly changing so it takes ongoing research.

[swbuilder]

Eagle roofing tile (makers of concrete tile roofing) have approached me about doing solar. Their local rep spoke with me about it and he made it sound fairly simple. I believe they will design it for me (they work with one of the largest manufactures of solar equip) according to him). They make both rack mounted panels and tile versions that blend a little more seamlessly with the flat concrete tiles.

One concern is that going through Eagle roofing won't be as cheap as finding a manufacturer myself?

[Bill Robinson]

Randy, how many solar contractors are there in your market?
I would think there are quite a few and it will be a challenge to offer something exceptional in solar alone.

And the preferred strategy is to reduce base load before going solar. So IMO, if you offer energy performance improvement and then solar you got something.

Solar, PV, is not difficult and if you want you can go to the school offered by your preferred manufacturer and maybe take a couple more courses then you will be good to go.

In most cases anyone can install the panels however it takes an electrician to hook it up.

It is the rebates, permitting and agreements with the power companies that takes the effort.

Solar Bill

[swbuilder]

Bill
I'm not sure how many people are already doing this in my area. I suspect that you are correct though as there may be more than a few. One advantage I feel I have though is good exposure to potential customers with our commercial office space. In any event as I understand both coasts are really taking off with this green energy movement although the Midwest is more lagging and possibly more skeptical. I'm not that far from the coast so I think I better get cracking.

[David Meiland]

Bill's comment re reducing load is correct as it applies to PV, but not to solar thermal (hot water). In your climate you could do solar thermal very easily and find that the paybacks are quite good. PV is going to have longer paybacks but a lot of people are doing it anyway,