System Size...Better too small than too big???

[Steve C]

I am a new home owner in Northern California foothills. Since I am here, I am obviously considering solar. My question is this... I have been told that buying a system with cash is option A if at all possible. In my case it is possible but that would zap my savings account dry (which is no good and I have never done). Would buying a system 3/4 size of desired system be a legitimate option? We are talking 24K for full install and 18K for the lesser Kw production. I have had multiple bids and most are in this general price range.

I am sure I am leaving out numerous necessary details to form an opinion, so please bare with me.

Thanks,
Steve C.

[thejq]

Did you use http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ to get a production estimation yourself? Sometimes installer will purposely under estimate to sell you a bigger system. Also there's nothing wrong with getting a smaller system that doesn't cover 100% of your usage. In fact in most cases it's the most economical way. Also if you can shift bulk of your usage around, it's worth looking into TOU plans. You might be able to use more than what you produced and still be net zero simply because the dollar value assigned to different TOU periods are different.

[J.P.M.]

did you use http://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ to get a production estimation yourself? Sometimes installer will purposely under estimate to sell you a bigger system. Also there's nothing wrong with getting a smaller system that doesn't cover 100% of your usage. In fact in most cases it's the most economical way. Also if you can shift bulk of your usage around, it's worth looking into tou plans. You might be able to use more than what you produced and still be net zero simply because the dollar value assigned to different tou periods are different.

+1

j.p.m.