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Author Topic: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer  (Read 717 times)

Offline Mike S

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Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« on: October 18, 2011, 05:28:45 PM »
Did anyone else get this in the mail? Essentially they install a solar panel system on your roof, and for 20 years they will pay you 80-120 per month with no maintenance costs. This works out to a portion of the hydro generated. At the end of 20 years you own the system outright and you get 100% of the hydro generated.
Sounds interesting but almost too good to be true?
In the case of my house, I have a good southerly roof that wouldnt even be noticeable from the front of the house. 2 neighbors to the side might think otherwise :)
They say it adds to the property value, but havent seen anything at arm's length to corroborate that statement. As long as it doesnt damage the roof (yes they will put holes in it and seal it up), or cause issues down the road, then why not?
Interested in peoples thoughts or knowledge on the subject....
Good things come, to those who bait.

Offline dokdok

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2011, 07:36:00 PM »
First I've heard of it Mike ... and I agree, almost sounds to good to be true  :D  might be worth investigating further thou.

If you do consider this system you might also want to inquire about rebates/ grants:

The federal government has been pushing alternative (green) energy in recent months. For instance I recall a solar powered hot water heater system that might tie into the solar panel you have listed.
I believe there are grants offered for home renovators willing to take the leap ... If eligible, a financial win-fall of $1250  could be yours.

Link:
- ecoENERGY Retrofit
- Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems for ecoENERGY Retrofit

Offline dokdok

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2011, 07:49:00 PM »
One other thought Mike ... just wondering how that might effect your house insurance policy fees  :o  and property tax assessment

Offline Mike S

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2011, 10:45:05 PM »
Good things come, to those who bait.

Offline baldeagle

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2011, 02:30:35 AM »
does sound to good to be true ,but very interesting .....unless you have just had a new roof put on ,the shingles would need replacing possibly before the 20 years is up ....that could add a lot to the cost of a new roof ???....plus if a tree,hail or something  damages it who pays ....the company ,your insurance ???  WHO ??? just a few more thoughts...

Offline Ice Fishing Ham

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2011, 05:16:44 AM »
  Boy does this ever sound too good to be  true. Many valid points have been brought up. One more to consider,  after 20 years how efficient are these panels going to be. Just  thought of another, if the company goes belly-up what happens to the  panels? Do creditors come and remove them and leave your roof in a  mess?   
CQ    CQ   CQ   ?

Offline Ice Fishing Ham

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2011, 08:38:22 AM »
Here’s another question: What happens if you sale your house? It might be like having an in ground swimming pool; some buyers want nothing to do with it.
CQ    CQ   CQ   ?

Offline Mike S

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2011, 08:41:23 AM »
yes good points again.
I wouldnt be too worried about the shingles. its covering many of them and you probably would get a much longer life out of those underneath. As long as when they mount the unit they seal it up correctly. I'd be more worried about the plywood underneath if it traps water there. Should keep the snow off the roof on that side, but some may get trapped around the edges.
They talk about the longevity of the system...the panels are designed to last according to them (some have been around for longer than 20 years they claim). I think if anything, the system could be obsolete by then. I cant help but think of the old 6-8ft satellite dishes that people needed at one time to get television. I think it 20 more years these solar panels will become more efficeient and of better design.. so the big quesiton is how do you protect against obsolescence. They do all installation/maintenance, repairs and monitoring of the sytsem.
I filled in the application, I figure its worth an assessment and I'll have an opportunity to ask all these questions then. To me, the roof is just sitting there, if it can reduce my hydro bill by 100+ bucks a month at no cost to me and with no negative side effects of the program, then why not?
I think anyone can apply, but you have only until the end of the month for this program as its tied into a gov't initiative thats expiring. They want a good southern exposure for your rooftop.
Good things come, to those who bait.

Offline Mike S

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2011, 08:47:08 AM »
Here’s another question: What happens if you sale your house? It might be like having an in ground swimming pool; some buyers want nothing to do with it.
Yes, very good question. They answer this if you dont use the program but just purchase or lease the system (in which case you get 100% of the hydro for yourself for the investment). You have the option of moving it with you (assuming new place is also suitable), or leaving it there for the new owners. So if it adds value to the property like any other improvements done (ie: decks, fences, A/C, etc) it shouldnt be a detriment. Who wouldnt want to save on hydro and end up with a $70K system for 'free'  that you own after 20 years. Which is not that long in the home ownership game.
Of course if problems occur or its not all its cracked up to be, it could be a totally different story, because you're locked into a 20 year contract. Bottom line - if you sell, the new owners would have to honour the remaider of the contract and enjoy the benefits.
Good things come, to those who bait.

Offline Mike S

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2011, 08:55:41 AM »
here's how I look at it.. I've lived here almost 8 years and my roof has cost me nothing, nor has it generated any income. Naturally, it just sits there lol.
Over the next 8 years it could generate 8 * $1350 = $10,800 and $27K over the life of the program. After that there is opportunity to make more (quadruple?) per year.
Where else on your property do you get this opportunity?
But I am curious what kind of $$$ they are making off my roof, considering the substantial start up costs and ongoing maintenance/monitoring/repairs. Must be a good chunk of change that will pay off for them in the long run.
ROI on these units is about 6-7 years if you invest in it yourself and buy or lease it outright. But I question this number if its truly a $70K system.
But whether it happens or not, I like the overall concept of the project and think it will be a good opportunity for many.
We havent even discussed the 'green' benefits,  it provides.
Good things come, to those who bait.

Offline bobbyb

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #10 on: October 19, 2011, 09:47:24 AM »
...just curious
 
How much does your Hydro Ripoff Bill run you, on average per month?
 
 
"is anybody alive out there"
The Boss - Bruce Springsteen

Offline Mike S

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #11 on: October 19, 2011, 10:01:55 AM »
With A/C in the summer, hot tub all year, and usual household stuff, I run about 450-600 every two months. (250-300 per month). Of course being in Barrie, this includes my water bill which will be changing in the near future. I suspect I'm higher than normal, I see a rise in the bill after Xmas every year (xmas lights?), and the A/C hits it hard in the summer months.I also have way too many computers running including a high end server, couple of fridges, a freezer, etc etc.
Good things come, to those who bait.

Offline bobbyb

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #12 on: October 19, 2011, 11:28:25 AM »
 
...and I thought we paid too much.
We have a smallish house by todays standards, 3 bedrooms, full basement, 2 freezers, high eff furnace, air conditioning, - sometimes we run it most times we don't cause we have the lake breeze, deep well pump and water system incl a water softner, a full workshop, 3 computers - my better half brings work home, all electric appliances and our average monthly bill is $125.00.
We monitor when we do things - off peak -since the latest crap out of Hydro's give me all you've got vault is not in my best interest.
As far as water charges - I sympathize with you and those that are on city water. Reports from the subdivision next to me have there water bill close to $70.00 + per month.
 
 
 
 
 
"is anybody alive out there"
The Boss - Bruce Springsteen

Offline Ice Fishing Ham

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #13 on: November 03, 2011, 04:44:34 AM »
  We had a good discussion about Solar  Panels last night at Wings. One fellow in our group had a company  come to his house to give him a price for panels to be installed.  There were a few things that he was told he did think of.

 
 
  • A building permit is required.     That is for our area and is not hard to get. Your roof must be able     to hold the weight and wind load.
  • The money you earn  is taxable as     it is income.       
  • From the time the installation is     complete you were guaranteed to be connected to the grid with in 6     months and start getting a return. These isn't the case anymore, no     guarantee on a connection date.      
  • House insurance may go up
  • Property tax may go up.      
  • The price you are paid per kwh is     being re-evaluated and will be retroactive to applications back to     Sept 1 2011.      
  • The efficacy of the panels drops     5% after the first 5 years and by 20% after 15 years
 
 

 
CQ    CQ   CQ   ?

Offline Mike S

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Re: Grasshopper Solar free solar panel offer
« Reply #14 on: November 03, 2011, 06:27:20 PM »
Thanks IFH for posting these comments..
I did put in the application, but I have not heard back from them. When I get a chance to talk to them these are all questions, I will bring up. If I get any followup answers from them, I'll be sure to post them here.
I would cetainly need to consult the insurance company and factor in any related rate increase, and I think you're right about it being a taxable income.. even though we think of it as a rebate or discount, in fact you're selling hydro to offset you're own bill. My own opinion is these guys must be making a good chunk of money to offer something like this. I suspect we'll see more programs like this in the future and perhaps more attractive ones..You're property value is supposed to increase, so I wouldnt be surprised about property taxes possibly being affected.
You're capped at 10 Kw capacity under the microFIT program, so if you're losing efficiency over time that could be a factor. They are 'supposed' to provide all monitoring and maintenance, but I'm not sure it would cover this issue or not.
I did see an ad in I think kijiji for someone installing similar systems on a lease to own basis. Depending on the $$ involved, this may be a better way for someone that is serious about it..
The whole point of these programs are to remove the hurdles and red tape to provide clean power to homeowners.. I think its a start but these questions might mean its not quitre there yet. I still like the idea of using my roof to generate hydro.
On a side note, who's buying their hydro or gas through a 3rd party contract? Do you feel its worth it or a rip off? We had one a few years ago (for gas) that was an absolute rip off..You dont tend to hear of these programs as much these days.
Good things come, to those who bait.

 

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