Maybe cheaper up-front but you’re paying for an additional utility service in perpetuity. In Michigan, each utility meter is $8.50 /month just to have the connection. $2000 over 20 years and that doesn’t include any other fixed charges. Will be layout dependent of course, but more utility service isn’t always the answer. Additionally, you have solar PV shown - add more of that and energy storage and maybe it could be cheaper to keep the ADU off-grid. Just need some behavior and expectation adjustment - electricity is no longer an endless buffet!
Hector that's awesome info! I'm actually working with Natalie for my blue prints by your recommendation, drop the contact for this electrician please! I'll be needing him soon for my ADU
Another way is to install a larger than the minimum requirement solar system for the ADU. The ADU then can be completely off grid with the larger system. The the added cost may be $5-10K depend on the size of the ADU minus the cost of running a line form main panel to ADU. Then you can charge the tenant $150/month for electricity. You'll break even in a few years and after that it's free money
@@Adileneee16 yes I’m in a unincorporated area and all my paperwork and permits are from la county The new address permit was one of the first things I have to pay when I was waiting for approval of my plans and was little over 800 dollars All they do is the new address is going to be the same you have in your house plus a 1/2
@@houmanghasemian3580 not to you they are going to charge that to the people who activate the service on the new address your bill are going to stay the same is 2 different accounts
Aren't ADU suppose to be solar only? Sorry, I don't know much about electrical systems. Do still have to connect with City's electrical system even with solar? Thanks for any info.
Many newer neighborhoods don’t have overhead lines, but are all underground. Can this same concept work if underground? Meaning, can you run a new line from the street instead of from the existing panel?
Depends on the power company. “New” options exist now with the advent/popularity of EVs. Some power companies are allowing the dropping of more lines, for example SCE.
That's correct. I am building an ADU in norCal and the electrical company wants only side by side panel in one location with 2 meters next to each other. Not at the location ADU.
@HektorCastillo, I appreciate you for all this information. I still need to discuss this with my wife, lol. Right now, our plan is to have power from the main house with the solar panel. Thank you for inspiring me doing this project as a owner-builder.
2:19 Get the city to add a new, separate meter for the ADU rather than have an electrician run a line from your main panel. That's the tip. No need to spend over 10 minutes listening to this overly verbose video.
