I understand that some of you feel like every time I write things on here, I’m asking for advice or for someone to tell me what to do. We are capable of making our own decisions and we’re paying for whatever we do . . not asking for donations or anything like that. I love your comments but sometimes, they come across, as I’ve said before, as though some think we’re just not able to make competent decisions.
The investments we’re making aren’t for everyone but because it doesn’t make sense to you doesn’t mean it isn’t a good decision for us. Heck, what most of you pay for a new car will pay for our complete solar installation. I don’t fault you for buying a new car . . it’s just probably something we’ll never do again. Can you give me the same respect?
Remember that I wrote that there were three companies that advertised they would buy back our excess power. In order of what was the best deal for us, Company #1 is the one we planned to go with. They said no . . sorry . . not offering that plan in your area. Then we went with Company #2 . . next best deal for us. Vince went through the whole scenario with them, they assured him everything was good in our area, they sent us the forms to fill out, we did everything, sent it all back to them . . good to go! Til . . the next day and they called and said “sorry . . not offering that plan in your area.” That’s when I ran screaming . . through the woods . . ripping my clothes off as I ran past the lions, tigers and bears! 🙂
Vince came home and assured me everything would work out! We probably won’t have our solar panels up and running til the end of April or the first of May anyway and by May 1, when the actual deregulation takes place, those two companies assured us they would have a buy back plan in place . . like I believe anything they tell me at this point.
So . . Company #3 . . the least best deal for us actually turned out to be the best deal for us . . not only because it’s the only deal but because the first two companies weren’t including “line charges” that are added by the TDU so . . all things worked out for the best . . so long as Company #3 doesn’t call us back and say “sorry . . we’re not offering that plan in your area!”
As it is, if the rates stay the same (they won’t!) and the dollar stays the same (doubtful), our payback time is 8 years. We’re hopeful that battery technology will improve within a few years so that we can eventually be completely off grid. We’re happy with the way things are now . . and are hoping that we don’t get any more bad news.
Sherrill says
That image of you screaming while ripping your clothes off in the woods is seared into my eyeballs..please do not make anymore comments like that!!! HAHA Good grief,, this has been a HUGE trial and makes me skeerd even to start looking into it all. I’ll just keep thinking about it!
Juliana says
As I think I commented before, I love reading about the story of your and Vince’s adventures. I really enjoy reading about the processing and processes of y’all’s decisions. How are the chickens and their little mixed communities doing?
Good luck with all of the solar stuff. Based on what I have seen in the last months of reading your blog, you and Vince will figure this out so that it meets your needs and goals.
Diana in RR,TX says
Keeping fingers and toes crossed that it all works out now.
Tinkerfeet says
Sounds like everything is working good for you! Now you can sit back and knit and enjoy your solar!
Jane says
Off subject: What about the goats? Have you taken pictures yet? Have you built shelter for them! Just wondering
Sherry V. says
DH & I have often discussed having solar panels installed if we decide to build a house when we are ready to retire. I had thought that ALL power companies had to compensate you in some way if you were generating more power than you were using. Imagine how silly I feel after following your saga.
I’m the more “financial” of the two of us. .. and I don’t know if I could manage all the details that Vince has been going through (and I’m sure you have only spoken of a few of the details that are involved). .. . so I’m not sure solar power would be in our future — unless we were able to somehow store our power for our own use.
Now, the image of you running through woods while tearing your clothes off & screaming had me snorting in the office!! LOL Now I feel silly & everyone in the department is looking at me weird.
Thanks Judy!! LOL
Katie Z. says
Good luck! I appreciate your sharing all this trauma as you go along as we are also on the search for alternative energy. Witnessing your battle from the sidelines tells me what I need to prepare for!
Nancy says
Yours is the first blog I head for each morning. Love reading about your adventures!
We solarized 2 1/2 years ago. No regrets here.
Terri says
If I had a quarter for every time I wanted to run screaming thru the trees……….
Anyway 🙂 8 years doesn’t sound like a bad payback time at all to me. And hopefully as time goes by the utility companies will have better options. I’m not real hopeful tho, sometimes I wonder if the utility companies and even the “government” really want us to be more green. Looks like a lot of $$ out of their bottom line.
Sadly I’m not surprised by the runaround you’ve been getting. So many just don’t seem to stand behind their word anymore. Just not right!
Good luck thru this, I find it very interesting and so glad you are taking us along!!
diane - FL says
Wow! I would think ( having not looked into solar yet so have no knowledge) an 8 year payback sounds good. I think the last time the husband looked 1/2 way into it the payback was in the double digits.
I too am curious about goat milking 101. We are starting to think about moving again. This time we are looking OUT of a neighborhood and onto some land. Nothing huge maybe 10-20 acres with most of it wooded and a pond. I want animals and space. I’m tired of having to talk quietly when outside so the neighbors don’t know all of my business. I have a loud voice. 🙂
Donna Williams says
Hey 8 years sounds like an awfully good payback! Not to mention the part where you have the power you need when you need it. In my opinion, that;s worth its weight in gold.
I too am jonesing for a goat update. We’ve been on the road for a week or so and every time we pass goats on the side of the road I point and say -hey! maybe those are Judy;s goats! (we have been in Texas this week).
Debra says
Thanks for posting info about the utility companies. I will add it to our growing list of “be sure to research this” in preparation for our move to TX,
Susan says
Fingers and toes are crossed that company #3 is the real deal!
Claudia W says
I will be so interested to see what happens!
Terri says
You know, nobody was rude in their comments, and you could just ignore the unwanted advice. No need to get upset about it, which you obviously were, because you were a little bit touchy there. I didn’t see any lack of respect.
Judy L. says
Terri, you didn’t see all of the comments. One that included bad words was held for moderation and deleted. Another came via email.
Firelei says
I, also, have to laugh at the idea of your running screaming through the woods in all your glory. I truly appreciate reading about your life…how nice that you share it with us…the laughter, the tears and everything in between! I agree that an 8 year payback for your solar is fantastic…too good to pass up. We looked into it, live in southern California and the payback was 20 years with zero buy back. So congratulations to you and Vince!
Frankie says
I’m really hoping it all works out just like you want it to. I absolutely hate when a supposedly “reputable” company can’t give a straight answer or, even worse, gives a completely wrong answer. Get you act together people! Now try to keep you clothes on today. ;D
Dana Pellerin says
sounds like you really know what is going on so your choice is probably going to be right . Wish you luck on the solar journey, we will probably want one when we see how much you save in the long run.Good luck. Dana
Rebecca in SoCal says
Well, I read this as a (kind of) “good news” post. All the trouble and “take-backs” (instead of buy-backs) had me thinking solar just wasn’t going to work. Glad to see that it will pay off in just 8 years.
Now, I was picturing not only your run, but the L,T,&B lined up, just watching you. Nothing would eat that crazed human!
And I can certainly understand mistrusting a statement from a company that would renege on their written word!!