Solar Purchase vs Lease - Newbie

[csriram45]

Make sure they install a charging station for the car as it will increase your federal credit.

Yes got one at home already. Has installed one and then got approved for the EVProject that gives you a free charger. So uninstalled mine and sold it.

[Naptown]

I agree. Thats what I am considering. Got busy for the past couple of days. Just picked up my Nissan Leaf today. So got to get that Solar soon so I can charge it with green electricity.

Make sure they install a charging station for the car as it will increase your federal credit.

[csriram45]

Hi Sam,

The equipment guarantees are from the manufacturer.

The local party guarantees the install and is the go between with the manufacturer.

If you are happy with the local guy, the quality of their work and especially attitude (not just butt kissing but genuinely helpful) I prefer the local guy. See other installs they have done - your won't be any better than what you can see.

Russ

I agree. Thats what I am considering. Got busy for the past couple of days. Just picked up my Nissan Leaf today. So got to get that Solar soon so I can charge it with green electricity.

[russ]

Hi Sam,

The equipment guarantees are from the manufacturer.

The local party guarantees the install and is the go between with the manufacturer.

If you are happy with the local guy, the quality of their work and especially attitude (not just butt kissing but genuinely helpful) I prefer the local guy. See other installs they have done - your won't be any better than what you can see.

Russ

[csriram45]

Ok here is the updated RGS Proposal

Gross System Cost $19,669 ($5.98/watt DC, $7.02/watt AC)
Discount ($1,100)
CA Expected Perf-Based Buydown (EPBB)
Step 8
($932)
Installer Contract Cost $17,637 ($5.36/watt DC, $6.29/watt AC)
Federal Tax Credit/Tax Impact ($5,291)
Net Cost (year of installation) $12,346 ($3.75/watt DC, $4.40/watt AC)
System Description
Total System Size 3.290 kW DC Power (STC) / 2.803 kW AC Power (CEC)
Estimated Annual Production 4,702 kWh
PV Panel Description 14 x Sharp Corporation Model: NU-U235F4
Inverters Qty. 1 - SMA America Model: SB3800U (240V)

This is still more expensive than the Installer 1 contract cost with Enphase MI. How much consideration should one give at the fact that RGS is an established company vs a private installer?

[csriram45]

A tool to compare panels - the free version.

1) Design tool http://www.solardesigntool.com/

Russ

Yeah I have been using it. Quiet useful.

[russ]

A tool to compare panels - the free version.

1) Design tool http://www.solardesigntool.com/

Russ

[csriram45]

Yeah I did check the ratings. Thx. Yet to get the RGS proposal as they are working the #s. lets see how it goes.

BTW, will AB 920 etc people who eventually consume more than what they generate? I wonder if utilities have to pay higher price for what you generate because it is generated by a greener method than what they sell to you which is by traditional method? This means I would have negative bill because even though I consume more but what I generate is sold to PGE at higher cost. A hopeful and wishful thinking but with Gov. Brown signing a bill that 30% of CA electricity should be from green sources it would mean utilities are dependent on us.

[Naptown]

Interesting turn of events. Real Goods tried to get in touch with me to find out what happened. When I told them that I got competitive quote they are now frantically trying to match it. It does help that I got few others who are interested to go solar and I have told them that depending on how they treat me I can recommend to friends.

RGS is now trying to get me Sharp 235W panel. Any insights on that? How do those compare?

Thx

similar quality to check PTC output go to gosolarcalifornia.org and check the ptc ratings on the different modules.

[csriram45]

Interesting turn of events. Real Goods tried to get in touch with me to find out what happened. When I told them that I got competitive quote they are now frantically trying to match it. It does help that I got few others who are interested to go solar and I have told them that depending on how they treat me I can recommend to friends.

RGS is now trying to get me Sharp 235W panel. Any insights on that? How do those compare?

Thx

[Naptown]

They are pretty equal systems. Just to get back at the competition (Not in this case) make the Schuco gut match the Enphase or buy a Canadian solar module for less.

[Naptown]

new fangled microinverters

Kinda like that new fangled horseless carriage

[csriram45]

I have no experience with either. Which company is more diversified ? That's the one likely to be in business in 10 - 20 years

Not sure. From what I hear both ET and Schuco are made by Canadian Solar . The installer with ET panel told me that he covers leaks up to 10 years and in fact it is required by law.

[Mike90250]

If everything checks out which panel is preferred?

I have no experience with either. Which company is more diversified ? That's the one likely to be in business in 10 - 20 years

[csriram45]

My home is very new 2006 so i don't expect it to be replaced any time soon. I do agree I should get the references. Will ask them about roof leaks etc. Thanks for the inputs.

If everything checks out which panel is preferred?