Complete newbie, forgive me. Quote advice

[MSalus]

My name is Michele and I live in Murrieta, CA (southern CA). We are starting our solar search and received a few quotes. I won't mention names but here is what we have so far:

Company A:
2 different systems

System 1:

LG300W SMA TL Solar System: $28,801 ($4.00/W)
Federal tax credit: ($8,8856)
Total System: $20,664 - includes a 6400, and a 1500 quiet cool system installed

Qty. 17 - LG Electronics Solar Cell Division Model: LG300N1C-A3Qty.
7 - LG Electronics Solar Cell Division Model: LG300N1C-A3
Invertor: SMA America Model: SB7000TL-US-22 (240V)

Total System Size 7.200 kW DC Power (STC) / 6.451 kW AC Power (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 12,144 kWh

System #2

SunPower 327W SMA TL Solar System: $34,981 ($4.85/W)
Federal Tax credit ($10,950)
Total system $25,551 - includes a 6400, and a 1500 quiet cool system installed

Qty. 18 - SunPower Model: SPR-X21-335-BLK
Qty. 4 - SunPower Model: SPR-X21-335-BLK
Inverters Qty. 1 - SMA America Model: SB7000TL-US-22 (240V)

Total System Size 7.370 kW DC Power (STC) / 6.773 kW AC Power (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 12,657 kWhPV

Company B:

SunPower system: $39,228
Tax Credit: ($11,768)
Total System: $27,460

Qty 15 - SunPower Model: SPR-E20-327
Qty 8 - SunPower Model: SPR-E20-327
Inverters Qty 1: SMA America Model: SB7000TL-US-22 (240V)
Total System Size 7.521 kw DC Power/ 6.702 kW (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 12,291 kWhPV


Just looking at dollars and cents Company A is the better quote. Company A however wants to drill our Spanish S-tile roof, whereas Company B uses clips. I am concerned about drilling causing future roof leaks.

We were looking at SunPower because we have a smaller available roof line, though the LG is tempting as well...

Thank you in advance for any advice

[J.P.M.]

My name is Michele and I live in Murrieta, CA (southern CA). We are starting our solar search and received a few quotes. I won't mention names but here is what we have so far:

Company A:
2 different systems

System 1:

LG300W SMA TL Solar System: $28,801 ($4.00/W)
Federal tax credit: ($8,8856)
Total System: $20,664 - includes a 6400, and a 1500 quiet cool system installed

Qty. 17 - LG Electronics Solar Cell Division Model: LG300N1C-A3Qty.
7 - LG Electronics Solar Cell Division Model: LG300N1C-A3
Invertor: SMA America Model: SB7000TL-US-22 (240V)

Total System Size 7.200 kW DC Power (STC) / 6.451 kW AC Power (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 12,144 kWh

System #2

SunPower 327W SMA TL Solar System: $34,981 ($4.85/W)
Federal Tax credit ($10,950)
Total system $25,551 - includes a 6400, and a 1500 quiet cool system installed

Qty. 18 - SunPower Model: SPR-X21-335-BLK
Qty. 4 - SunPower Model: SPR-X21-335-BLK
Inverters Qty. 1 - SMA America Model: SB7000TL-US-22 (240V)

Total System Size 7.370 kW DC Power (STC) / 6.773 kW AC Power (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 12,657 kWhPV

Company B:

SunPower system: $39,228
Tax Credit: ($11,768)
Total System: $27,460

Qty 15 - SunPower Model: SPR-E20-327
Qty 8 - SunPower Model: SPR-E20-327
Inverters Qty 1: SMA America Model: SB7000TL-US-22 (240V)
Total System Size 7.521 kw DC Power/ 6.702 kW (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 12,291 kWhPV


Just looking at dollars and cents Company A is the better quote. Company A however wants to drill our Spanish S-tile roof, whereas Company B uses clips. I am concerned about drilling causing future roof leaks.

We were looking at SunPower because we have a smaller available roof line, though the LG is tempting as well...

Thank you in advance for any advice

I and many others share your concerns about drilling through tiles. I'd not allow drilling through tiles. There are other ways.

Also, consider that it may not be absolutely cost effective to off set your entire electric load.

Last, as you've found out Sunpower is pretty expensive for about equal yearly production est. If you shop around some and have a bit of room on your roof, using LG or other equipment other than the LG 300, you may get closer to $3.50- $3.75/Watt without sacrificing quality. I'd get more quotes from vendors who do not drill tiles.

[solar pete]

Hi Msalus and welcome to Solar Panel Talk.

+1 on what J.P.M said, its got me why anyone would consider drilling a tile, I've never seen it done before in Australia.