this post was submitted on 25 Apr 2024
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I'm sorry for posting this here. There isn't a solar panel instance, nor did I see anything for electricians. I know there's been a lot of gripe with certain solar companies (solgen being in litigation, and others) but I didn't hear much about freedom forever, since they're new to Seattle area where I'm doing this. Reddit seems to hate this company. But the price seems alright. I'm paying $22k for 7.4kw but getting it down to 15k after the state stipend. Less than $3 a watt which I'm guessing is really good. I'm planning to pay it off in 2 or 3 years. Not the full 25 which will cost me so much more. Can anyone point me in the right direction and if I'm making the right decision?

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[–] Nimrod@lemm.ee 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

What’s with the financing? 0%-11%

Is the rate adjustable?

Ask for the cash price and see what the actual interest rate is. Generally the financed price is higher, and the interest rate is low. But if you’re planning to pay it off in 2 years, you might be better off saving up and buying in cash.

That’s just been my experience (oregon, not Washington)

[–] Aermis@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Yeah? Maybe. I just want to get in before PSE stops the 1 to 1 net metering.

[–] Nimrod@lemm.ee 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

That makes sense. Can’t you give PSE a call and see what the schedule is?

Otherwise you could check what the cash price is anyway, and use a HELOC or personal loan to get a fixed interest rate (this really only makes sense if you’re serious about paying it off quickly)

But seriously ask about the “cash price”. Because I was shocked at how much more the principle is on the financing offered through the Solar company. It seems solar companies are partnered with financing companies to make the monthly price palatable for larger groups of customers.

[–] Aermis@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Yeah he should me what it would cost with a lower interest rate. I hate door to door sales men so I made him work. We say down and calculated every panel, micro inverter, framing, inverter, and permits and it came out to around $11k for just material. I'm paying $4k more for install of it all since I'm only paying 15k with the incentive. They're obviously making more.

I looked everywhere to see if I can get the incentive if I buy and install the panels myself but I couldn't find any details on that. It would turn a 15k system to a 12k system with my own labor

[–] Nimrod@lemm.ee 1 points 6 months ago

Good deal. Seems like you’ve got a pretty good grasp of it.

When I got the sales pitch I just leaned into it, and went out and got quotes from 3 others. Compare and contrast!