Atrum Solar gave me an estiamte of approx. $34,000 for a solar panel system before rebate…?

Hi, We have a cabin which is approx. 1,000 sq ft with approx. 500 sq ft of workable roof space (according to astrum) The system we could able to get would produce approx. 5-6 kw of energy for our home. Does this estimate sound accurate? I don’t really have an issue because i realize it is just an estimate – But i can’t afford this amount of money for a solar system. Does anyone have information about companies the will lease solar panel systems in Pennsylvania? Or maybe some information on DIY solar panel kits? Actually any information on how a may be able to afford solar power would be very helpful. Thank you in advance!

Cool question!

First, I am assuming you are off the grid, in other words the cabin has no connection to the power grid. A grid connected system is going to require the technical assistance of this company and you will be prey to any costs that they want to charge.

The good news is that you can tell Atrum Solar that you only want 100 watts of solar power on the roof and federal regulations allow you to expand its capacity at your own pace. Make sure you tell them that you want the system to have the ability to handle at least 2000 watts of solar power in the future so you can expand as much as you want without buying more equipment.

Second, I encourage you to build your own solar system in the interim. Total cost will be less than $1,000 and you can power a television along with some lights with no problem at all. The solar panels you buy can be connected to the system that you eventually purchase.

The biggest gain from building your own solar system or DIY is that you will understand the costs of the technology and can fight back against over priced estimates. Here are some of my articles on this subject:
Increasing Inverter Capacity with the Black & Decker PI750AB: Solar Project Part 4

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5547078/increasing_inverter_capacity_with_the.html?cat=6

What Do Polycrystalline Solar Panels Have to Offer Over Monocrystalline Solar Panels? Solar Project Part 5

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5566608/what_do_polycrystalline_solar_panels.html?cat=57

I am not paid by any solar company or electric utility for my advice. I am doing this to advance the knowledge of solar power.

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