FerroxLabs Solar Energy Evaluator
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- User asks about solar evaluator
- User needs guidance on solar evaluator topics
- User wants a structured approach to solar evaluator
Do NOT use when:
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance
Questions to Ask First
- What is your average monthly electricity bill (in dollars and kWh)?
- What is your roof's age, condition, and material?
- What direction does your roof primarily face (south is ideal in the Northern Hemisphere)?
- Are there significant shading factors (trees, buildings, chimneys)?
- What is your utility company, and do they offer net metering?
- How long do you plan to stay in this home?
- What is your budget, and are you considering purchase, loan, or lease?
- Have you checked your area's solar irradiance (sun hours per day)?
- Are you interested in battery storage, or grid-tied only?
- Have you already received any solar quotes?
Phase 1: System Sizing Calculation
Step 1: Determine Your Energy Consumption
Monthly electricity usage (from utility bill): _______ kWh
Annual electricity usage: _______ kWh (monthly x 12, or sum from 12 months of bills)
Adjustment for future changes:
- Adding EV? Add 3,000-5,000 kWh/year
- Adding heat pump? Add based on estimate
- Reducing consumption? Subtract estimated savings
Adjusted Annual Usage: _______ kWh
Step 2: Calculate System Size Needed
System Size (kW) = Annual kWh Needed / (Peak Sun Hours x 365 x System Efficiency)
System Efficiency: ~0.80 (accounts for inverter losses, wiring, temperature, soiling)
Example:
Annual Usage: 10,000 kWh
Peak Sun Hours: 5.0 (varies by location -- check PVWatts)
System Size = 10,000 / (5.0 x 365 x 0.80) = 6.85 kW
Round up slightly: 7 kW system
Step 3: Estimate Panel Count
Number of Panels = System Size (watts) / Panel Wattage
Example:
System Size: 7,000 watts (7 kW)
Panel Wattage: 400 watts (current standard)
Panels Needed: 7,000 / 400 = 17.5, round to 18 panels
Roof Space Needed: ~18 sq ft per panel x 18 panels = ~324 sq ft
Peak Sun Hours by Region (US Averages)
| Region | Peak Sun Hours | Example Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 5.5-7.0 | Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque |
| Southeast | 4.5-5.5 | Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte |
| Midwest | 4.0-5.0 | Kansas City, Indianapolis, St. Louis |
| Northeast | 3.5-4.5 | New York, Boston, Philadelphia |
| Northwest | 3.5-4.5 | Seattle, Portland (lower in winter) |
| Mountain | 5.0-6.0 | Denver, Salt Lake City |
Use NREL's PVWatts Calculator (pvwatts.nrel.gov) for precise local data.
Phase 2: Roof Assessment
Roof Evaluation Checklist
| Factor | Ideal | Acceptable | Problematic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 10 years old | 10-15 years (may need replacement first) | Over 20 years (replace before installing solar) |
| Condition | No damage, leaks, or wear | Minor wear, no active leaks | Active leaks, missing shingles, sagging |
| Material | Composite shingle, metal, tile | Flat/membrane roof | Wood shake (fire risk), slate (fragile) |
| Direction | South-facing | Southwest or southeast | North-facing (poor production in Northern Hemisphere) |
| Pitch | 15-40 degrees | 0-15 or 40-60 degrees | Very steep (>60 degrees) |
| Shading | No shading 9AM-3PM | Minor shading (1-2 hours) | Significant shading (>3 hours) |
| Structural | Can support ~2.5 lbs/sq ft additional load | Needs verification | Cannot support additional weight |
| Obstructions | Large unbroken roof area | Vents, skylights (can work around) | Many dormers, complex roof geometry |
Shading Analysis
Tools for shading assessment:
- Google Project Sunroof (google.com/get/sunroof) -- free, satellite-based
- Solar installer site visit with shade analysis tool (SunEye, Solmetric)
- PVWatts calculator with shading adjustments
- Satellite imagery review (Google Earth)
Impact of shading: Even partial shading on one panel can significantly reduce output of an entire string of panels (with traditional string inverters). Microinverters or power optimizers can mitigate this.
Phase 3: Financial Analysis
System Cost Estimation
SOLAR SYSTEM COST ESTIMATE
============================
System Size: _______ kW
Gross System Cost (before incentives):
Average cost per watt: $2.50-$3.50 (varies by market)
System cost: _______ kW x 1,000 x $______/watt = $__________
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
Current ITC rate: 30% (through 2032, then steps down)
ITC value: $__________ x 30% = $__________
State/Local Incentives:
State tax credit: $__________
Utility rebate: $__________
SREC income (est. annual): $__________
Other incentives: $__________
Total state/local incentives: $__________
Net System Cost:
Gross cost: $__________
- Federal ITC: $__________
- State/local incentives: $__________
= Net Cost: $__________
ROI and Payback Period Calculation
PAYBACK PERIOD ANALYSIS
========================
Net System Cost (after incentives): $__________
Annual Savings:
Annual electricity production: _______ kWh
Utility rate: $_______ /kWh
Annual electric bill savings: $__________
+ Net metering credits (if applicable): $__________
+ SREC income (if applicable): $__________
Total Annual Savings: $__________
Simple Payback Period:
Net Cost / Annual Savings = _______ years
25-Year Financial Analysis:
Total savings over 25 years: $__________
(Account for 2-3% annual utility rate increases)
Net profit over system life: $__________
Return on Investment: _________%
Typical Financial Benchmarks
| Metric | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payback period | Under 7 years | 7-12 years | Over 12 years |
| 25-year savings | Over $30,000 | $15,000-$30,000 | Under $15,000 |
| Year 1 savings | Over $1,500 | $800-$1,500 | Under $800 |
| Cost per watt (before incentives) | Under $2.75 | $2.75-$3.50 | Over $3.50 |
Phase 4: Net Metering
How Net Metering Works
When your solar panels produce more electricity than you are using, the excess is sent to the grid. Net metering policies determine how you are credited for that excess.
Full Retail Net Metering: You receive a credit at the full retail rate for every kWh exported. This is the most favorable for homeowners.
Reduced Rate Net Metering: Credits are calculated at a lower rate than retail (wholesale, avoided cost, or a set rate).
Net Billing / Buy-All-Sell-All: You sell all production to the utility at one rate and buy all consumption at another.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Net Metering: Credits vary based on when you export (more valuable during peak hours, less during off-peak).
Questions to Ask Your Utility
- Do you offer net metering?
- At what rate are credits calculated?
- Do credits roll over month to month? Do they expire?
- Is there a system size cap for net metering?
- Are there additional fees for solar customers (grid access fees)?
- What is the interconnection process and timeline?
- Are there any pending changes to net metering policy?
Phase 5: Incentive Programs
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
| Year | Credit Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2032 | 30% | Inflation Reduction Act extended and increased |
| 2033 | 26% | Step-down begins |
| 2034 | 22% | Further reduction |
| 2035+ | 0% (residential) | May be extended by future legislation |
Requirements:
- Must own the system (not lease)
- Must have sufficient tax liability to use the credit
- Credit can be carried forward to future tax years
- Applies to solar panels, inverters, racking, installation labor, battery storage
State and Local Incentives
Common state-level incentives:
- State tax credits (additional percentage or fixed amount)
- Property tax exemptions (solar does not increase property tax assessment)
- Sales tax exemptions (no sales tax on solar equipment)
- Renewable portfolio standard (RPS) incentives
- SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates)
- State rebate programs
- Low-interest loan programs
Finding incentives in your area:
- DSIRE database (dsireusa.org) -- comprehensive database of incentives by state
- EnergySage (energysage.com) -- incentive calculator
- Your state's energy office website
- Your utility company's website
SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates)
In some states, solar system owners earn SRECs based on electricity production. These certificates can be sold on a market. One SREC = 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) of solar production.
States with active SREC markets: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Illinois, Ohio (partial list -- check current status).
Potential SREC income: $20-$400+ per SREC depending on the state market.
Phase 6: Installer Comparison
Getting and Comparing Quotes
Get at least 3 quotes. For each, document:
SOLAR INSTALLER COMPARISON
============================
Installer A Installer B Installer C
Company Name: ___________ ___________ ___________
Years in Business: ___________ ___________ ___________
License Verified: Y / N Y / N Y / N
Insurance Verified: Y / N Y / N Y / N
NABCEP Certified: Y / N Y / N Y / N
SYSTEM DETAILS:
Panel Brand/Model: ___________ ___________ ___________
Panel Wattage: ___________ ___________ ___________
Number of Panels: ___________ ___________ ___________
Total System Size: ___________ ___________ ___________
Inverter Type: ___________ ___________ ___________
Inverter Brand: ___________ ___________ ___________
Racking System: ___________ ___________ ___________
PRODUCTION ESTIMATE:
Year 1 Production: ___________ ___________ ___________
Production Guarantee: Y / N Y / N Y / N
COST:
Gross Price: $__________ $__________ $__________
Cost per Watt: $__________ $__________ $__________
After Federal ITC: $__________ $__________ $__________
After All Incentives: $________ $__________ $__________
WARRANTIES:
Panel Warranty: ___________ ___________ ___________
Inverter Warranty: ___________ ___________ ___________
Workmanship Warranty: _________ ___________ ___________
Roof Penetration: ___________ ___________ ___________
REVIEWS/REFERENCES:
Google Rating: ___________ ___________ ___________
BBB Rating: ___________ ___________ ___________
References Checked: Y / N Y / N Y / N
Inverter Types Comparison
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| String inverter | Lowest cost, proven technology | One shaded panel affects entire string | Unshaded roofs, simple layouts |
| Microinverters | Panel-level optimization, better for shading | Higher cost, more components | Shaded roofs, complex layouts |
| Power optimizers + string inverter | Panel-level optimization, central inverter monitoring | Moderate cost, added complexity | Mixed shading, multiple orientations |
Phase 7: Battery Storage
When Battery Storage Makes Sense
Good reasons to add batteries:
- Time-of-use rate structure (charge during cheap/solar hours, use during expensive peak hours)
- Poor net metering policy (low export rate)
- Frequent power outages
- Desire for energy independence
- Off-grid applications
When batteries may NOT make financial sense:
- Full retail net metering available (the grid acts as your battery for free)
- Reliable grid with rare outages
- Limited budget (panels first, batteries can be added later)
Battery Comparison
| Metric | Tesla Powerwall | Enphase IQ | LG RESU | Generac PWRcell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 13.5 kWh | 3.36-10.08 kWh (modular) | 9.6-16 kWh | 9-18 kWh (modular) |
| Power Output | 5 kW continuous | Varies by config | 5-7 kW | 4.5-9 kW |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10-15 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Approximate Cost (installed) | $12,000-$16,000 | $10,000-$20,000 | $10,000-$14,000 | $12,000-$20,000 |
Note: Battery prices and specifications change frequently. Verify current pricing with installers.
Battery Sizing
Battery Size Needed = Critical Load (kWh) x Hours of Backup Desired
Essential loads during outage:
Refrigerator: ~1.5 kWh/day
Lights: ~1 kWh/day
Phone/device charging: ~0.5 kWh/day
Wi-Fi router: ~0.25 kWh/day
Sump pump (if needed): ~1 kWh/day
Medical equipment: varies
Example: 4 kWh/day essential load x 2 days backup = 8 kWh minimum
(Account for ~90% depth of discharge = need ~9 kWh rated capacity)
Phase 8: Financing Options
Comparison of Financing Methods
| Method | Ownership | Upfront Cost | Monthly Cost | ITC Eligible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | You own | Full cost | $0 | Yes | Maximum long-term savings |
| Solar loan | You own | $0-low | Loan payment | Yes | Good credit, want ownership |
| Home equity loan/HELOC | You own | $0 | Loan payment | Yes (interest may be deductible) | Significant home equity |
| Solar lease | Company owns | $0 | Monthly lease | No (company claims) | Low/no upfront, lower savings |
| PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) | Company owns | $0 | Per kWh rate | No (company claims) | Low/no upfront, predictable cost |
Financial Decision Framework
If you can afford to buy (cash or loan): BUY.
- You receive the federal ITC and all incentives
- You own the system and the increased home value
- Maximum lifetime financial benefit
- No escalation clauses or contract complications
If cash purchase is not possible:
- Solar loan is the next best option (you still get ITC)
- Ensure the loan payment is less than your current electric bill savings
- Avoid balloon payments or variable rate loans
- Compare at least 3 lenders
Lease/PPA is better than nothing, but understand:
- You do not own the system
- Savings are typically 10-30% of current bill (vs. 50-100% with ownership)
- Escalation clauses may increase payments annually
- Can complicate home sale (buyer must assume or you must buy out)
- You do not receive the ITC or other incentives
Phase 9: Ongoing Maintenance
Solar System Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | DIY or Professional | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection (look for damage, debris) | Monthly | DIY | Free |
| Monitor production (via app or inverter) | Weekly/monthly | DIY | Free |
| Panel cleaning (if needed) | 1-2x per year | DIY or professional | $0-$300 |
| Professional inspection | Every 3-5 years | Professional | $150-$300 |
| Inverter replacement | Every 10-15 years (string) | Professional | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Tree trimming (for shading prevention) | As needed | Professional | Varies |
Monitoring Your System
- Most modern systems include monitoring apps
- Check daily/weekly production against expected output
- Sudden drops in production may indicate a problem
- Compare month-over-month and year-over-year production
- Report anomalies to your installer (usually covered under warranty)
Panel Longevity
- Most panels are warranted for 25-30 years
- Panels degrade approximately 0.3-0.5% per year
- After 25 years, expect ~85-90% of original production
- Many panels continue producing well beyond warranty period
Solar is a long-term investment. Take the time to analyze your specific situation thoroughly, get multiple quotes, and understand all the financial implications before committing. When the numbers work, solar provides decades of clean energy and significant savings.
Output Format
SOLAR EVALUATOR OUTPUT
======================
Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations
Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable
Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
Example
Input: "Help me get started with solar evaluator"
Output: A structured solar evaluator plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.
Edge Cases
- Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.