First pic is 7.2kW system-total cost $60k, municipality covered 50%, so I paid $30k (just installed Feb '10). About 5% of my needs; monthly electric savings $125+/-
Second pic is 18kW system-total cost $150k, state covered 50%, so I paid $75k (installed Feb '09). I just received my first check for selling last years srecs. It generated 20 credits which I netted $283.50 each--I got a check for $5670. About 40% of my needs; monthly electric savings $400+/-
Third pic is 6.3kW system- total cost $45k, state covered $10k in cost, so I paid $35k (installed Nov '08). Those srecs sold in Feb at $300 each for 9 credits generated in '09--I got a check for $2700. About 8% of my needs; monthly electric savings $100+/-
The 60 sq. ft. solar hot water panels, including a new Rinnai, cost $12,500. The state covered $2k of that. Monthly savings on natural gas is $350-450. That system was installed in Dec '08. That payback is two years. In my opinion, solar hw is a no brainer for the car wash. Even if there are no rebates/grants, the payback is quick. I am getting ready to add another 100 sq. feet of hot water panels to the existing system. Maryland has a 15% rebate for adding 100 sq. ft. of more. The net cost to me will be about $5500. I expect my gas bill to drop another $100-150 per month.
As well, all renewable energies receive a 30% federal tax credit in the first year, then 4 year accelerated depreciation for the remainder of the cost basis.
All my utilities do allow net energy metering (NEM). When I am not busy, excess electric feeds back into the grid.
Most states have recently lowered the rebates. All three where I am installed now only have 25% grants available, and there is a 2 year waiting list to receive the funds.
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