Teddy1971 said:
. I am not an electrician (even though I have a computer science back ground). I can only go by those that are experienced to tell me.
I don't want to come across as a "know it all", I am far from it. If you met me face-to-face, it might be easier to tell I'm not that type. Speaking through a keyboard makes a person "hard to read." Just because I'm an experienced electrician, doesn't mean I know anything about solar electric systems. It was a new learning experience for me and I studied many types of systems before spending any money. I've worked as a electrician, housebuilder, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operator, tree-man, farmer, etc. I've switched around many times in my life because I get bored with anything if I do it too much. Sort of a curse. I have, however, been around enough to realize to always question things and not assume a person with a license, certificate, degree, etc. knows anything useful. Some do, some don't - with and without creditations.
I'm not picking apart your proposed system either - just offering what I've experienced along with some knowledge you might not be getting from your installers. My personal experience with installers was very frustrating. Most were NOT experienced electricians - yet to get the incentive money you are required to hire them. That makes NO sense to me. A few I met were very knowledgeable and several others only knew enough to read instructions and install a premade kit. I also found with all I met, that they were only interested in the easiest jobs, that installed the fastest, and made them the most profit (parts and labor). From a business sense - that's all fine. But, silly me - I really thought at the outset that some of these guys were doing it partly due to interest in environmental issues. They may be out there, but I haven't met one yet. I will further add that the woman running the New York solar incentive program also is not experienced in solar. She is a bureaucrat transferred from another department.
My point about your system is - you plan on making more power than my system with less panels. That requires that much more sunlight to do so - and I don't believe there's anywhere in New York that gets that much more - but, I could be wrong. The stats say your area gets around 15-20% more annual sunshine then here - but stats are just a general guideline. New York is full of microclimates.
In regard to being able to use your panels - regardless of the grid being on or off. That's a big issue to me, but I understand others might not care at all. I installed my system for some level of independence. I also regard it as a lifetime investment. I'm 60 years old, so I'm sure the panels will outlive me. I might move to northern Michigan in an off-grid area and would take the panels and equipment with me. Only requirement in NY after incentive is to keep them here two years - and even that isn't enforced.
I don't need the panels for backup. I have two large diesel generators, several smaller ones, a 25KW generator that runs off my farm tractor PTO, etc. Even have a generator that will run off of wood-smoke. Also have 1000 gallons of diesel fuel here all the time. But, I knew after studying these systems, that they can be installed and made available to run off grid - with no added expense. So to me, anything otherwise makes no sense. In case we ever have a large-scale National disaster and power is out indefinately, I like knowing I can make my own without fuel. That is, unless it gets siezed for the "greater good", and I'm only half joking. Government guidelines permit FEMA to sieze such things when deemed necessary - during certain types of emergencies.
