It sounded all good like we would be able to more or less run the house from solar panels and only have the grid connection for the odd necessity. This is not how it ended up working at all.
At first we were told that this was how it would work. Then they wanted us to sign more agreements before getting the full information and design. Then as we were thinking about it someone else in the company said that the system would be much different and that solar would only cover 60% of our need. So on top of everything we were being told different things by different people. In the end we looked into doing it ourselves. We quickly realized now unregulated so much of solar still is.
If I had more land and the ability to take a hit if parts needed replacement due to failures, then maybe. As it is we don't have the room for solar (way better to be ground mounted) and do our gardening and have a yard. Whereas the roof gives more sun access, it also voids the roof warranty and is hard on maintenance. They perform better mounted down and if they can move some with the sun even better. The roof is seldom optimal for the angle.
We also talked to a guy who has installed more systems than I could have imagined, a real pro. He recommended not doing solar for our situation for many of the reasons above. I know there is the government support right now but I don't see going solar any time soon.
What these companies are doing is using the government programs to cover the install and staff payroll and at the same time "renting the panels to you." They are in effect paid twice for a good portion of the panels. If you want the panels they sell them to you at full price, prorated for value but not the discount they got up front. On top of that they probably got a bulk discount on the panels as well.
If someone tells you that your house will be considered an energy producer with Oncor, it's a lie. A house will NEVER be more than a house. Oncor will always get their cut in all directions.
