I'm putting this out here because I have a bit of time crunch to make this decision, and I am trying to gather as much information as possible in the next few days.
I'm planning to put solar panels on my house, and just had a meeting with a company; they can put an arrangement of panels on my house, a 4.4kW system (太陽光4.4kWシステム) with a 9.9kWh battery (è“„é›»æ± 9.9kWh), distribution 60A (分電盤60A). Roof is clay tile, 20 years old, panels would be on the east and west side, good position for maximum output. Panels themselves have a 25 year warranty; the battery and power conditioner have a 15 year warranty. They informed me that the power conditioner might need maintenance every 10-15 years or so. They ran a simulation for our house and area and estimated that we could put out 4955 kWh per year with this system.
They quoted me ￥298万 for the whole package.
EDIT:
This company was chosen by the prefecture for the group discount so they are pretty high demand, if we sign now the construction wouldn’t begin until March. There is a chance if we wait too long that it would be April, thus entering next year’s group and no guarantee that there will be the same discount (or that the prefecture will select them again and arrange the discount).
Therefore, the price is conditional on the group discount we would get as part of this year's group, no exact date as it depends on demand and their availability this month, but I’m told that if we don't make a decision soon (like in a week-ish), the price will not be guaranteed.
As for my current electricity usage, we have a plan with Looop denki and average about 39 yen per kWh in our 3-bedroom house, family of four. I am told that this solar panel arrangement would not completely cover this, but reduce our reliance on it significantly.
Our main reasons for going solar – in this order, #1 being the main one – are 1) sustainability during disasters 2) the potential savings on utility costs from this long term investment and 3) to be conscious about the environment.
Ideally, I would like a bit more time to gather more quotes from other companies and learn a bit more about solar panel systems, but I also wonder if I'm going to miss out on this chance to get a good package which seems like a fairly reasonable price already.
I just want to put this out there. I am grateful for any advice, or anyone who has experience with this. Any tips at all appreciated. Please don't hesitate to send a link or point me in the direction of resources that will help me learn more about this. Or maybe there is a different subreddit I could ask. Thank you.
by irishtwinsons