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[@CityPrepping] STOP! Don’t Buy Solar in 2025...

· 6 min read
[@CityPrepping] Summarizer
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@CityPrepping - "STOP! Don’t Buy Solar in 2025..."

Link: https://youtu.be/62okprJqftw

Short Summary​

Number One Action Item/Takeaway:

Bypass traditional solar companies with high commissions and overhead by working directly with a reputable supplier like Shop Solar Kits to build a high-quality, code-compliant solar system at a significantly lower cost, but define clear milestones upfront with the installer.

Executive Summary:

This video provides a comprehensive guide to installing a whole-home solar and battery backup system, emphasizing cost savings and control by bypassing traditional solar companies. By choosing components and working with a trusted installer, viewers can achieve energy independence and preparedness at a fraction of the cost, while the presenter advises viewers to define project goals upfront with the installer to maintain accountability.

Key Quotes​

Here are four direct quotes from the transcript that I found to be particularly insightful:

  1. "The markup from solar installation companies that knock on your door is mostly commissions and overhead, not better gear." This highlights a key reason why the presenter was able to save money by going with a different approach.

  2. "If I were to have done this project all over again, I would have defined clear milestones and timelines from the beginning of the project. Many contractors you'll find are very skilled at the work, but they lack strong project management skills." This is a valuable lesson learned about working with independent contractors and managing expectations.

  3. "The key takeaway is that by bypassing salespeople and working directly with a supportive supplier, you can build a high quality code compliant system at significantly lower cost. And the truth is this route isn't just cheaper, it's smarter. You stay in control, you choose the parts, and you learn the system inside and out." This quote summarizes the main point of the video, that bypassing the traditional solar company route can lead to a better and more informed outcome.

  4. "At the end of the day, this is not just about saving money on your electricity bill. It's about energy independence, long-term preparedness, and building something that puts you in control no matter what happens to the grid." This quote encapsulates the broader benefits of solar energy beyond simple financial savings.

Detailed Summary​

Here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, focusing on the key points, arguments, and information:

Key Topics:

  • Whole Home Solar and Battery Backup System Installation: The video documents a complete solar and battery backup system installation on the host's property.
  • Hybrid System (Off-Grid & Grid-Tied): The system is a hybrid, capable of operating off-grid, connecting to the grid, or both simultaneously for maximum flexibility.
  • DIY vs. Contractor Installation: The video showcases a contractor-installed system but aims to educate viewers on the entire process, even if they don't do it themselves.
  • Cost Savings: The video emphasizes building a comparable system at a significantly lower cost by skipping the traditional solar company middleman.
  • System Components and Functionality: Detailing the specific equipment used (solar panels, batteries, inverter, etc.) and how they work together.
  • System Capabilities and Performance: Live demo of the system and its power capabilities.
  • ROI and Value: Calculating return on investment based on electricity bill savings and considering other benefits like backup power.
  • Common Questions (FAQs): Addressing frequent questions about solar and battery systems (performance at night/cloudy days, expansion possibilities, powering AC, grid integration).
  • Contractor Lessons Learned: Sharing experiences and tips for selecting and managing a solar installer.

Arguments and Information:

  • Purpose of Installation: The host installed the system to gain energy independence, prepare for power outages (common in their area due to fire season), hedge against energy price inflation, and educate viewers.
  • Cost Comparison: The host's system cost about a third of what a traditional solar company would charge for a comparable system. One of the host's friends had spent over $100,000 for a less capable system.
  • System Components:
    • 20 bifacial Rich Solar mega 550W solar panels (total 11,000 watts). These panels generate power from both sides.
    • Four 5kWh Pipes lithium batteries (total 20kWh capacity).
    • EG4 18kW PV hybrid inverter.
    • Critical load panel (powers essential circuits).
    • Tigo optimizers for maximizing solar panel performance and monitoring.
  • System Operation:
    • Solar panels generate power, which is sent to the inverter.
    • The inverter routes electricity to devices in the house or to charge the batteries.
    • If solar production is insufficient, the inverter draws power from the batteries.
    • Excess solar power could be sent to the grid (not currently implemented due to state policy changes).
  • Critical Load Panel: The system powers essential circuits, including lighting, refrigerator, microwave, well pump, mini split AC, and central air conditioning. There are limitations to the number of appliances that can be operated at once.
  • Shopsolkits.com: The host obtained the system from shopsolkits.com, who helped size the system based on the host's needs. The kit included detailed diagrams and a parts checklist.
  • Installation Process: Concrete pad, battery cabinet installation, inverter mounting, solar panel racking and mounting, wiring, and system configuration.
  • Contractor Tips:
    • Define clear milestones and timelines from the beginning of the project.
    • Ask about the installer's experience with the specific equipment used.
    • Ensure familiarity with local permitting processes.
    • Confirm comfort level with hybrid systems.
  • App Monitoring: The EG4 app provides visibility into battery voltage, charge status, solar production, and load usage. The Tigo app monitors panel-level performance.
  • System Cost Breakdown: System components approximately $27,000, Labor and additional materials around $6,000, totaling $33,000.
  • ROI Calculation: Payoff time is estimated at 9 years based on current electricity bill savings in the area ($250-$300/month). ROI is significantly affected by local net metering policies (NIM 3.0 makes grid buyback less worthwhile in the host's state).
  • Benefits Beyond ROI: Backup power, lower energy bills, energy independence, and peace of mind.
  • System Expansion: The system is modular and can be expanded with more solar panels and batteries.
  • Generator Integration: The inverter is designed to connect to a backup generator.
  • Legal Compliance: The system uses UL-certified parts, enabling legal permitting and grid connection.