[TeCKis300]

I pulled the trigger on a 4.8 kW system early this year. I purchased the system outright. The numbers are working out as planned which is to see an ROI right about 4 years.

I wouldn’t count on the salespeople to do the numbers for you as I found a lot of them to play the smokes and mirrors game about systems/efficiency/quality/etc., that the real goal of ROI is lost. In the end, it’s not about an expensive hobby and that it should be rooted in sound economics. Not to discount those topics as there are indeed a lot of variables and technicalities, but I found the sales people in general to be only concerned about marketing and selling. Also, you want to make sure the company is not a sales only operation, and that you actually want to work directly with an installer.

That said, all the variables are really captured in two numbers – price per watt and estimated annual production for the proposed system. And of course, you want to go with a reputable warrantied installer and hardware with a production warranty. My installed price/watt was better than $3/watt on an ideal south facing install, without space or obstructions related compromises.

Actually, my ROI is actually better than 4 years, as I’ve jumped both feet in an bought an electric car to go along with the system.

[TeCKis300]

My home was built in 2010 and fortunately came with it installed. I believe it may be a mandated feature but I’m not sure.

Given the extent of infrastructure located behind the walls to support such a system, I’d imagine it to be cost prohibitive to retrofit.

[TeCKis300]

State Farm here.

My rates are considerably better than any that I’ve seen posted here, albeit I have an interior lot.

Make sure you take advantage of every discount possible. Here’s my list:
– Home Alert
– Utility Rating
– Home/Auto (Multi-line)
– Sprinkler
– Claim Record

[TeCKis300]

Yes, the MSRP is indeed crazy and a non-starter without incentives. But understand that the technology onboard is the best of its kind as it comes straight out of the Tesla Model S. With incentives, it is indeed 29k + (tax on 49k) making it roughly a 33k out the door car. At that price, it’s a steal IMO, that is further sweetened by the very very low running costs. Note that you may not want to lease as Toyota does not pass the federal incentives to the buyer (like Nissan does with the Leaf).

Between my wife and I, we were paying ~$550/mth in fuel costs. Granted, we have a couple other rather thirsty vehicles. After adding the RAV4EV to our stable, our total fuel costs have dropped dramatically to ~$130/mth for the ~2000 miles/mth.

The RAV4EV is an easy car to get along with. It’s a solid driving car without the typical compromises of a fuel efficient car. Powerful. Tons of utility, storage, and space as the interior is not compromised at all by the battery pack.

It has all the latest electronics – big 8″ NAV, HD/Sat Radio, Bluetooth, Keyless everything. All LED lighting.

Let me know if you have any other specific questions and I’ll happily answer.

[TeCKis300]

Based on what I think I’m reading your needs are, there might be an interesting option for you, and it’s one my family has bought into recently. Your concern doesn’t seem to be fuel efficiency directly, but more the running cost/mile. Which in the case of diesels, won’t buy you any cost benefit as their higher price/gallon reflects their inherent energy density advantage making it mostly a wash.

I think you’re also saying that for extended trips, your family uses your husbands free fuel vehicle?

If that’s the case, the Toyota RAV4 EV might just fit your needs. It’s a joint venture between Tesla and Toyota…essentially a Tesla Model S drivetrain/battery adapted to a proven RAV4 chassis. It’s my wife’s DD and the weekend family runabout, and it’s way exceeded my expectations. From an efficiency standpoint, for the size vehicle, it cannot be beat. ‘Fueling’ costs are about 1/4-1/5 the cost of gasoline through the utility company. And maintenance costs are practically nil save for tires.

Just to give you a perspective, I had an ’05 4Runner V8, and the RAV4 easily eclipses that car in interior volume since you said that’s a factor. I have a LX470 that we use to use as the weekend car, and it’s use has been mostly displaced by the RAV. The unibody of the RAV lends it an inherent advantage in interior volume over body on frame vehicles like my LX470. Yes the LX is wider/roomier, but I was pleasantly surprised at the interior space offered by the RAV.

Along with what others have mentioned, I refuse to do tin can econo cars like the leaf/prius, as when push comes to shove in an accident, mass will win. The RAV4 EV is a legitimate sized vehicle, with the exact same tire fitments as the gas version, so safety is not compromised for the sake of efficiency.

As it’s the Tesla drivetrain, the RAV4 EV is shockingly performant – just about the fastest of all the EV production vehicles save for the Tesla models themselves. Easily a 6.9-7 sec 0-60, which is even faster than the V6 version of the RAV4. And it can go 100-140 miles depending on a standard charge or extended charge. Plenty for a runabout.

It’s a 49k car, but with huge incentives: $10k CA/Fed, $10k Toyota finance cash, and 0% 5yr financing. I got $10k in pocket before I even made practically any payments.

If you don’t need the car for long trips, I wholly recommend it. It’s even more awesome when it’s fueled by a solar system 😉

[TeCKis300]

You’re correct that a refi to a conventional loan would now be a jumbo – which would defeat the purpose of refi’ing. I’m just a bit miffed that I could have locked into a low 4% loan a couple months ago (I’m only 1 yr into my current loan).

About the FHA option. I’m reasonably confident that our property could appraise for $850. Is this option even worthwhile if I’m under 78% LTV? Especially given that the loan is assumable?

I’m completely with you on the HELOC adjustability which is why I’m apprehensive about that path. I do have leverage to pay that off in a pinch by selling off other assets if rates were to skyrocket.

I am currently leaving things as is, but thought there may be other options I’m not considering.

Here’s hoping that the conventional limits will go back up! Thanks for the input.

[TeCKis300]

So I’ve gone in with an agent.

The builders in 4S aren’t negotiating anyways…market demand is too strong for new construction. Figure I might as well let my agent make her commission on my purchase to give me some slack on my current sale.

[TeCKis300]

So I’ve gone in with an agent.

The builders in 4S aren’t negotiating anyways…market demand is too strong for new construction. Figure I might as well let my agent make her commission on my purchase to give me some slack on my current sale.

[TeCKis300]

So I’ve gone in with an agent.

The builders in 4S aren’t negotiating anyways…market demand is too strong for new construction. Figure I might as well let my agent make her commission on my purchase to give me some slack on my current sale.

[TeCKis300]

So I’ve gone in with an agent.

The builders in 4S aren’t negotiating anyways…market demand is too strong for new construction. Figure I might as well let my agent make her commission on my purchase to give me some slack on my current sale.

[TeCKis300]

So I’ve gone in with an agent.

The builders in 4S aren’t negotiating anyways…market demand is too strong for new construction. Figure I might as well let my agent make her commission on my purchase to give me some slack on my current sale.

[TeCKis300]

I’m not trying to be greedy and pocket any commission. And my previous agent has been nicely compensated upon the purchase of our last home.

Only wondering what potential advantages or disadvantages in having an agent would be when dealing with a builder.

[TeCKis300]

I’m not trying to be greedy and pocket any commission. And my previous agent has been nicely compensated upon the purchase of our last home.

Only wondering what potential advantages or disadvantages in having an agent would be when dealing with a builder.

[TeCKis300]

I’m not trying to be greedy and pocket any commission. And my previous agent has been nicely compensated upon the purchase of our last home.

Only wondering what potential advantages or disadvantages in having an agent would be when dealing with a builder.

[TeCKis300]

I’m not trying to be greedy and pocket any commission. And my previous agent has been nicely compensated upon the purchase of our last home.

Only wondering what potential advantages or disadvantages in having an agent would be when dealing with a builder.

[Author]

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