this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2023
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With rooftop solar I get to be the asshole that doesn't care about the grid.
And you too can be an asshole!
I would love to get it, but I am getting hounded two or three times a weekend by door-to-door solar salespeople.
It's always the same shit routine they pull about saying they are just passing the word about some change the power company just did or something. They supposedly just want to give a "consultation" about what that means and they are not trying to sell me anything.
If their blatant trespassing didn't already piss me off, their bullshit faux consultation pitch absolutely does.
The end result? I really don't want anything to do with any solar company, at all. It's a shame, TBH. I really don't want to start shopping for solar in full defense mode like I am about to buy a used car. The sales people in that industry have absolutely fucked it for me.
That reminds me. I have a three part Ring recording of one of those people going into mental meltdown saying that offering me a quote and consultation was not solicitation. It's hysterical.
That really is unfortunate. Maybe if you found and chose a company yourself...?
True. If there is a positive to my rant, it's that I am getting a list of companies not use.
Go all in and do it yourself
Honestly, that is something that really interests me. If there is anything that I am holding out for, it's solid state lithium batteries. (A significant battery bank is high on my list of requirements and having garage full of current generation li-ion batteries still makes me cringe a little.) Prices should be much better once they go into mass production for EVs. Hopefully.
People still often use lead acid for solar storage as energy density is less of a concern when you are just stacking them on a shelf.
Sadly, I am space constrained so no lead acid batteries for me. Having the ability to actually maintain my own batteries would have its perks though.
You wouldnt need a garage full of batteries. Something like this should work: https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-with-free-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/
diysolarforum.com
It's not rocket surgery.
Lots of great content there! If you are remotely a DIYer and have the means, do a lot of the solar install yourself and hire pros to ensure you're safe/ connect to grid if needed.
Buying used panels and mounting them yourself can be very cost effective, you would only need to hire an electrician. Of course be aware of local code regarding such things. I understand that the time commitment isn’t an option for some people.