Tuesday, May 21, 2019

How much is solar for the entire purchase, including installation and what am I really saving

shopping for your solar panel system is just as hard as finding and paying the installers. And frequently, you are getting over priced by companies who are charging to high, without giving you any options. That’s why it is best to taking shopping more seriously than anything else. I work as a Do It Yourself home remodeling professional most of the time, but frequently I also refer people to using solar, mainly because most of my homes that I work on are in the state of California, where new homes will require solar anyways. But most of the time people don’t understand the extrinsic benefits. And, calculating your solar costs may be harder than expected when it comes to the entire system, installation and all of the add ons and accessories like batteries and inverters. When you calculate your solar costs there’s a few factors. The average cost of your home utilities, and your homes size will greatly determine how big of a system you need, than the output of the system will show you how much electricity you are generating considering the costs of the installation and the price of the system, minus the amount you get back in taxes, than you can counter this by the costs you are usually paying for your utilities without solar. 
Here is an example System Size: 3.3 KW - DC, which at the end of the day is equal to $7,088 Net Cost.
Your project address: ####, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
Your average monthly electricity bill: $100
PERMIT & PRODUCT COST As Low As: $5,770
Solar Product Package includes:
Engineer / Permit: $798
Panel:12 pcs * $145/pcs = $1,742
Inverter & Accessory:$1,418
Racking: $529
BOS: $672
Other mis:$0.05/watt * 3,300 watt = $160
Sales Tax:$5,159 * 8.75% = $451
*Solar product package does not include electrical main service panel upgrade, and finance expenses.
*Sales Tax Rate: 8.75%. Please consult with your CPA for more information of sales tax.
Your Project Analysis
Permit & Product + Installation Cost
$5,770 + $4,356 = Total Cost $10,126
System Size: 3.3 KW - DC
$30,699 20 Year Net Savings
In 2009 after your solar tax rebates you will be at $7,088 Net Cost
5.4 Years Payback
IRR: 17.9% Internal Rate of Return
INSTALLATION COST Installation Cost $4,356
Our data collected from 2296 completed residential projects shows costs of $4,125 - $4,587 for similar solar installations in your area. Input your budget here to review financial analysis.
Solar Installation Package includes:
Application for solar installation permit from local building safety department.
Scheduling the Installation of the System at a mutually convenient date and time, make sure solar system will be installed based on pre-approved engineer layout.
Removal of all Installation tools, construction/installation equipment, machinery, waste materials and rubbish from and around your Property prior to utility approval of the System.
Guarantee that any roof penetrations made for the System shall be completely weather-tight.
Making sure your system will receive Permit to Operation (PTO).
*Solar product installation cost does not include any construction of roof improvement to support solar system and any upgrade of your existing electrical service.

Monday, May 13, 2019

What is HahaSmart

There are a lot of standard solar panels on the market that are a lot less expensive than the solutions Tesla provides, which for solar are increasingly being seen as an overpriced option with lower efficiency levels. Other manufacturers, include WINAICO, Canadian Solar, Csun China Sunergy, Hanwha SolarOne, LG Solar Panels, QCells, SolarWorld, Silfab, Solaria, SunPrem… All of these manufacturers are cutting edge, and offer great costs and quality when it comes out to your watt output. The unique approach over dry solution to HahaSmart are
1) You have option all of the best solar manufacturers on the market, at factory direct prices that are cheaper than buying from the source
2) Prices are outnumbered lower at an average market value of 25% compared to the standard market value
3) You are immediately connected to the largest installation network in the U.S., where you're being delivered factory-direct prices for solar panels and accessories all in 1
Given average panel life, and the cost of alternative solar on your roof is either expensive or easily damaged standard Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline (cheaper but less efficient), is still greatly preferred.. LG backs its NeON panels with a 25-year guarantee.
Other costs associated with getting your panels on the roof, outside of the principle panel costs will include. that may be thought-about right away include:
  • Engineer / Permit
  • Installation labor expenses
  • Inverter & Accessory - Top tier brand inverter, rapid shutdown box and other necessary parts required by NEC code.
  • Racking - UL 1703 / UL 2703 / UL 467 certified. Fire Rating Type 1 and 2 certified. Structural engineer pre-stamped.
  • BOS includes combiner box, solar cable, copper wire, AC disconnect, DC disconnect etc.
  • Misc. costs including Hex bolt, T bolt, Flange nut, MC4 connector, J-box, Chemlink sealant etc.
  • Sales Tax - Sales tax may vary, please check with local BOE and your CPA
A good thing about HahaSmart (yes I do work there, but it is no bias), is that they support all of the major manufacturers, and with a growing installation basis across the United States, you are still getting the best prices from independent solar panel installers, as well as products. In fact, it is an average of 25% below the market value for rooftop solar solutions, and it’s a one-stop-shop so it is the only destination you really need to pick. Try using the price-checker to determine your gross solar panel and installation bill, based on your system size. And, look forward to a 30% tax write off on the product you’re purchasing, which is also calculated in your net balance.

California Solar Initiative

California Solar Initiative
This has to with certain incentives offered when homes are required to adapt solar panels to their homes, whereas SASH, is trying to make it affordable for everyone qualified as a low-income homeowner. In 2019 all future home constructions require solar, as a part of the 2045 goal for 100% clean energy.
The Single-family Affordable Solar Housing Program provides incentives to qualified low-income homeowners to help offset the costs of a solar electric system. SASH is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission and administered by Grid Alternatives, a non-profit organization.
Are you interested in installing solar panels in the state of California? That’s OK, SASH or no SASH you can find out your homes approximated costs for rooftop solar fast. With HahaSmart, their price-checker shows you average prices 25% below the average market value of home solar. The solar panel price-checker is a great option for shopping because it gives you costs incentives from A - Z. To finding the local installers, and to purchasing your solar panels, BOS, and accessories, plus your state incentives are high, with at least a 30% itemized tax deduction at the end of the year, you are looking at even more savings. The solar panel Price-Checker mentioned, will factor our net costs based on the savings in taxes, in addition to what you are saving by finding a good certified local installers, and the best prices on solar panels and equipment. For on-grid living, in California and anywhere else in the United States you will see substantial credits your way, when it comes to paying a local utilities provider, like PG&E.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Easy ways to save money using solar beyond the ordinary expectations

Sometimes the hardest aspects of installing solar are in shopping because if your prices aren't meeting buyers expectations, then you find yourself not meeting any real means of adding solar to your home utility mix. Sure it can be generally said that solar is a way to save money compared to relying on your home utilities provider 100%. But, are you sure on your purchase? If you shop anywhere or decide to the buying on your own you may not be meeting the best price


HahaSmart is a good solution for a number of reasons. Firstly in most areas you are saving 25% below the average market value, and even if you have a smaller home, and you make a point to keep the lights, off you are still savings thousands compared to the competition when it comes to paying for a smaller system size.

HahaSmart takes out the middle man features you would have to go through without an installer network, and manufacturer direct prices. Unlike shopping here and there, you're getting all of the best prices quite literally under one umbrella. Over 400 installer to choose from, HahaSmart makes it easy to find a trustworthy installer near buy. If you're shopping for your own installer you would have to make sure they are; certified, legitimate, and cost effective. We've already done all of the hard work for you.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Shopping Smart For Home Solar

Home solar panels are in fact very practical for homeowners. There’s a great alternative out there but let's first cover homeowner practicality. If you’re in CA building your own home, you’ll want to talk to our installers anyways. Try out the HahaSmart DIY tools to get started pricing out your solar panels. They offer a convenient approach to get the best prices. I’ve been working with them for years as a DIY pro that refers all of my new home-builders, floppers, and re-modeler to use their services, because they’re 25% below the average market value for home solar.
Solar panels are not so easy to understand, so grasping the technical details can be daunting. Why not leave it up to people who already know what they’re doing? HahaSmart takes out all of the middle men you need to go through, so you can do it all yourself.
The great thing about HahaSmart is ‘shopping’ is no longer such a difficult situation. Shopping can thwart your purchase ROI and make changing to solar otherwise financially non-advisable, and outside of the eco-friendly solutions solar provides, you’ll otherwise find yourself falling into an environmental trap where your being sold on solutions that adapt to your states sustainable algorithm, but do not meet smart purchase incentives. If you shop right solar can become one of the more cost effective aspects to your budget. But if you shop wrong, you’re really just losing an arm and a leg.

What is the average rate of increase for homes with solar

Houses with solar panels on them are on the rise in the U.S.. There are more than 58.3 Gigawatts of solar capacity are now installed, which is growing at an average rate of 59% over the last 10 years.
Top 6 Factors -
  1. State policies - Some states, even going as far as requiring solar panels in new zoned homes after 2019 to meet state sustainable NEM goals.
    1. This is a key factor because many states are increasing their standards of sustainable energy by making miscellaneous laws supporting solar. CA has always been considered one of the more environmental states, creating their own state specific standards. And, after offshore drilling regulations were cut back, the state also considered some initiatives for home solar. CA is becoming the first state to create construction laws, that require solar to be a part of new home construction zoning initiatives.
  2. Sustainability policies - Many regions across the United States, are for the first time looking at a 100% renewable trajectory.
  3. Cost effective - Solar panels are becoming more cost effective over time. Additionally you are looking at a standard 30% itemized tax deduction.
  4. High level efficiency - efficiency ratings are going up so panels are able to produce energy at even faster rate, by advancing silicon based cells such as Monocrystalline solar panel models.
  5. High Energy Returned on Energy Invested - In terms of the amount of fossil fuel consumption, that would go into a panel, or any materialized structure, the ERoEI from the panels, is high enough to outweigh factors.
  6. Easy of access to install solar panels on your homes - with online tools, solar panels are becoming plentiful on the market. Hahasmart’s solar panel price checker, is one of the easiest tools you can use to get the job done, from finding the local solar panel installers with certifications, to buying your solar panels, inverters, and etc. … Plus, it is considered 25% below the average market value costs of solar panels. And, this factors out the tax incentives you are looking for.

Monday, April 29, 2019

What makes or breaks your solar panel costs

Solar panels break even fast. if you shop right. I’ve been working with them for years, as a Do It Yourself professional because they easily adapt solar to your home if you are doing construction, planning a new home in a state like CA where solar is become standardized, or simply re-modeling, it always adds a taste of elegance and substantial savings.


An average home would average 5.5 kW system sizes, and the household may have an average utility bill of about $2,000 annually, in this case the pay off time for a system that costs roughly $12,000 would be finalized after ten years. But with HahaSmart your pay off time might be less than five years because of the competitive rates, and the easy ability to shop smart. The HahaSmart price-checker tool takes all of the guess work out and shows you a full system size, which is estimated 25% below the average market value of home solar. HahaSmarthelps you check the prices in your area. ‘shopping’ frequently becomes the hardest part mainly because of this factor where the pay off time may become longer and become less practical for purchase. All of the customers I have referred to them have been satisfied!

Solar panel costs make a big difference



Here's a fare estimate from the system

System Size: 5.8 KW - DC Your project address: 2768 Desert Rose Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, USA

Total Cost $14,429

Your average monthly electricity bill: $168

PERMIT & PRODUCT COST As Low As:
$8,129 Solar Product Package includes: Engineer / Permit: $798

Panel:21 pcs * $145/pcs = $3,049

Inverter & Accessory:$1,725

Racking: $907

BOS: $738

Other mis:$0.05/watt * 5,775 watt = $280

Sales Tax:$7,217 * 8.75% = $632

*Solar product package does not include electrical main service panel upgrade, and finance expenses. 
*Sales Tax Rate: 8.75%. Please consult with your CPA for more information of sales tax.

Total Cost $14,429 - Your Project Analysis Permit & Product + Installation Cost $8,129 + $6,300






Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Example Project Estimate

The difficulties of choosing the right solar can be insurmountable, especially if you've never thought about your electricity bill too much beyond what it is in the surface, a bill that goes up every month if you don't pay it, one that can leave a negative track on your credit score for many years if it isn't caught up after your next move. Something, that could potentially be thwarted be irresponsible neighbors telling the utilities provider that you're sharing the same bill. If you're not careful your utilities can leave an indent in your budget, your credit and your stress level. And, if you decide to make the switch to solar, you need to do your homework and shop diligently. Getting a good perspective can  be the hardest part, and shopping can easily change your buying decisions, and the real impact that switching to solar ultimately gives you.

The reason I refer so many people to HahaSmart, is because as a DIY expert, and someone who has paid a lot of electricity, bill, I can safely tell all of my customers that these guys, are giving you a fair and accurate price. Here is an example of a full system, generated by the sites price-checker. All you have to do is fill out your location, your average utility bill, and the site sizes your full system right away. From installation, to buying the panels and accessories you're getting an overall discount compared to the average market value of home solar. After tax incentives, your net costs is reduced by 30%, and the overall prices are  25% below the average market value of home solar. 2019 is still going to be one of your best years to adapt to solar, because  it is going to go down 4% from the original 30% reduction after 2020.

So, in 2019 here is what you are getting. The example is from a system size assessment in Santa Rosa, CA in 2019. And, switching from your standard prices is quoted as  $53,369 savings over a 20 year period. However, if you are looking for a partial system based on a certain amount of tools use the DIY tool instead. The following is from the price-checker.

System Size: 5.8 KW - DC
Your project address: ###, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, USA

Your average monthly electricity bill: $168

PERMIT & PRODUCT COST As Low As: $8,129
Solar Product Package includes: Engineer / Permit: $798

Panel:21 pcs * $145/pcs = $3,049

Inverter & Accessory:$1,725

Racking: $907

BOS: $738

Other mis:$0.05/watt * 5,775 watt = $280

Sales Tax:$7,217 * 8.75% = $632

*Solar product package does not include electrical main service panel upgrade, and finance expenses.
*Sales Tax Rate: 8.75%. Please consult with your CPA for more information of sales tax.

Your Project Analysis
Permit & Product + Installation Cost $8,129 + $6,300 = Total Cost $14,429
System Size: 5.8 KW - DC


$10,100 Net Cost - This is after tax incentives in 2019

Thursday, April 18, 2019

How is solar energy used to generate electricity?

In a basic sense solar energy is used to generate electricity, by enabling homeowners to put energy back on to the grid and receive electricity credits from their utilities provider. On a fundamental level it is photovoltaic energy (PV). PV is a system of solar power designed to supply power  through the solar panel system. PV with Net-Energy-Metering is what the stand alone home solar panel system is for, which is to create state-wide sustainable standards. In the U.S. politics are considering solar as more and more of a necessity to stay sustainable in coming decades. And, some states such CA are putting emphasis on it by requiring new homes to utilize a solar panel system, and be equipped to at least get some credits by putting power back onto the grid.
Try using HahaSmart’s site, and buy solar direct. These guys know what they’re doing and are saving customers 25% below the average market value from purchasing their panels to connected them to installers.

Financial incentives for homeowners looking to buy solar

Three Ways To Financial Gain Through Solar
On a preliminary level, lets discuss the facts. If you prefer to buy your solar energy system, solar loans can lower the up-front costs of the system. In most cases, monthly loan payments are smaller than a typical energy bill, which will help you save money from the start. Solar loans function the same way as home improvement loans, and some jurisdictions will offer subsidized solar energy loans with below-market interest rates, making solar even more affordable. New homeowners can add solar as part of their mortgage with loans available, where borrowers can start financing for home improvements in the home’s purchase price.
Firstly, a PPA could be your highway to easy payments and get solar regardless if you have the oney or not, Consumers have different financial options to select from when deciding to go solar. In general, a purchased solar system can be installed at a lower total cost than a system installed using a solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA). Solar leases and PPAs allow consumers to host solar energy systems that are owned by solar companies and purchase back the electricity generated. Consumers enter into agreements that allow them to have lower electricity bills without monthly loan payments. In many cases, that means putting no money down to go solar. Solar leases entail fixed monthly payments that are calculated using the estimated amount of electricity the system will produce. With a solar PPA, consumers agree to purchase the power generated by the system at a set price per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced. With both of these options, though, you are not entitled to tax benefits since you don’t own the solar energy system.
The second biggest factor is ITC - Buying a solar energy system makes you eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, which is a 30 percent federal tax credit on your system that is available through 2022. 
Then there is Form 3468,  is a a government incentive to encourage people to invest in clean energy and allows them to get even more credits.  Solar qualifies as a renewable energy resource and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so it is an important factor to Form 3468. Read more information on Intuit Turbo Tax about it here.

Solar In 2020 - California

Certain Exemptions to California's Solar Mandate California  has been a national leader in the solar power industry for years. Th...