Hey, Don!
Seems like you've had a bit of a dry spell looking for some viable info for your issue. While I myself have yet to enter the field, I have been training to conduct solar site assessments and can assist you if I can get a bit of more information if you wish to send me a private message. I am not NABCEP certified yet, so I would most definitely get a prior consultation from a reputable company before you make a decision, but I can assist with some basic info. If you want to just find some reputable source material to conduct your own research, might I suggest turning to energysage.com for finding quality solar companies and finding info on other energy-saving or renewable energy information. These cats are a go-to resource for anything energy related. A link will be provided below.
Another tool you might find useful if you wish to keep your personal information to yourself is the PV Watts Calculator which allows you to utilize Google Maps to determine how much energy you can produce. While it would require some spit-balling, it could be feasible if you could get a rough estimate of annual energy usage (even if a couple of years are missing, you could get an Energy Audit done for the building. Some solar companies may conduct a full audit, but at the very least, they will account for electrical energy use and gas use if you express interest in going full electric after a deposit is made).
Just an FYI in case you don't know, the average residential system is grid-tied and is sized about 5 kW, so depending on your wants and needs, the pricing and size will vary. Adding storage will definitely add a hefty chunk to the price but is definitely a good idea if you plan to make this your home for a long time. I believe Colorado companies charge around $3.45/watt, so given that it will be a minimum of 5 kW, the base system will run around $17,250. Storage (assumed to be lithium-ion batteries) would be added given the following values:
- $4500–$9600 for 6kWh
- $9800–$14,000 for 10kWh
- $8000–$18,000 for 13kWh
Some sources say the price per watt has gone well below that, but it'll have to be something you'll have to talk with the Solar Companies about. Luckily, the Federal ITC covers 30% as a rebate (which some companies might take from the list price), and, depending on the structure's current energy provider, you can get even more cost struck from the bill from the local energy provider (which also may be struck from the list price). And there is also always the ability to generate and sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS).
Anyways, enough of my two cents, here's links which can help you out without paying a dime:
Energy Sage Colorado Solar Companies:
Best Solar Companies in Colorado: 2022 Rankings | EnergySageEnergy Sage Colorado Solar Incentives:
Colorado Solar Incentives, Rebates & Tax Credits in 2022 | EnergySagePV Watts Solar System Calculator:
PVWatts Calculator (nrel.gov)(This last resource may require some updating, but might provide leads for more incentives)
DSIRE:
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® - DSIRE (dsireusa.org)Hope this helps a bit! Take care!
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Nathan Freeman
Student
ASES Technical Divisions
Milford DE
nfreemn93@yahoo.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-19-2022 09:28 PM
From: Don Hamilton
Subject: New Solar + Battery + Product Conversion Project--Colorado
Hello All,
I am beginning a new project on our newly purchased home in the Central Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We wish to add solar + battery and convert some appliances to electric if appropriate. The home was not used much during the two prior years of taking over, so the usual 2 yr. historical electric and propane usage data is worthless. Any suggestions on who to turn towards for mentoring or maybe even offer services for this project?
Thank you!
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Don Hamilton
Donhamilton5@gmail.com
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