Is this a good Price for a 5kwh System

[nezz621]

I just received a quote from Trinity Solar for a 5KWH system on my roof In Massachusetts for20,000 dollars before incentives. He calculated as follows

20,000 dollars
-4000 dollars in Ma state rebates
-1000 dollars down payment

= 15,000 dollar loan with 0% financing for first year (probably get home equity after first year)

- 4800 dollars for fed rebate
- 200 dollars per SREC @ 1000 dollars/year ( he said this was low balling the SREC estimates)

Avg time to pay off system, 6 years.

This would cover about 75-80 percent of my electric bill ( assuming I don't get more conservative with my usage)

SO what do people think, is this a good deal for the current market or should i continue to shop?

[Naptown]

At $4.00 a watt including one year financing it is a pretty good deal.

[nezz621]

I just can't get over the idea of doing a DIY install for so much less. Wholesale solar quoted me roughly 10,000 dollars for a "complete" with micro inverters which the micro inverters does add value (or price to the cost). So my guess is between cost for an electrician, tools, permits, I could do it for less than 13,000. Thats a rough estimate of 7,000 dollars savings (before rebates)... actually it would be less of a savings since Fed tax would be on roughly 9,000 dollars as opposed to 16,000 dollars for the quote from trinity (if that makes sense).

So from a total cost perspective (after rebates):

Trinity= 11,200 dollars

DIY = 6000 (rough estimate)


Sorry if this is wordy, I'm very excited about this

[SunEagle]

I just can't get over the idea of doing a DIY install for so much less. Wholesale solar quoted me roughly 10,000 dollars for a "complete" with micro inverters which the micro inverters does add value (or price to the cost). So my guess is between cost for an electrician, tools, permits, I could do it for less than 13,000. Thats a rough estimate of 7,000 dollars savings (before rebates)... actually it would be less of a savings since Fed tax would be on roughly 9,000 dollars as opposed to 16,000 dollars for the quote from trinity (if that makes sense).

So from a total cost perspective (after rebates):

Trinity= 11,200 dollars

DIY = 6000 (rough estimate)


Sorry if this is wordy, I'm very excited about this

First off you will not be able to make a connection to your power grid with a DIY system. The Utility would turn you down due to not having the proper credentials as a PV System installer. You also would have a hard time getting the permits for the system as well as miss out on any Fed Tax rebate without approval to connect to the Grid.

It costs more for someone else to do the installation because they have gone through the hoops to be qualified to do the install.

Now if you wanted to DIY an off grid system then go ahead but be careful. You should at least use equipment that has a UL label so you know it has been tested with safety in mind.

[Naptown]

First off you will not be able to make a connection to your power grid with a DIY system. The Utility would turn you down due to not having the proper credentials as a PV System installer. You also would have a hard time getting the permits for the system as well as miss out on any Fed Tax rebate without approval to connect to the Grid.

It costs more for someone else to do the installation because they have gone through the hoops to be qualified to do the install.

Now if you wanted to DIY an off grid system then go ahead but be careful. You should at least use equipment that has a UL label so you know it has been tested with safety in mind.

Perhaps not entirely true. My understanding is you are purchasing UL listed components. Now here is the catch. Will your local building dept allow you to do the work and have an electrician do the final connections or do them yourself. I saw no requirement in the state that said you had to be a certified installer to connect as in some states like Florida, Pennsylvania and I believe Connecticut have this requirement. No mention in Mass. But you need to check into this. Rules for a self install vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There is no blanket rule other than to use Listed equipment and install to code. The feds do not care who installs.

[SunEagle]

Perhaps not entirely true. My understanding is you are purchasing UL listed components. Now here is the catch. Will your local building dept allow you to do the work and have an electrician do the final connections or do them yourself. I saw no requirement in the state that said you had to be a certified installer to connect as in some states like Florida, Pennsylvania and I believe Connecticut have this requirement. No mention in Mass. But you need to check into this. Rules for a self install vary from state to state and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There is no blanket rule other than to use Listed equipment and install to code. The feds do not care who installs.

I agree the Feds don't care but I would be very surprised that any state would allow a non licensed electrician to make the final connection or that the Utility would agree to it. Maybe in some backwater town the Utility wouldn't care because everyone knows everyone else in town but not in a medium to large municipality.

Without the connection and acceptance by the Utility then you can forget about any Tax rebates.

Also if you perform any electrical work without a permit and something happens then most insurance companies would not pay up due to non licensed work.

I just don't want someone to think that they can save thousands of dollars by doing it themselves only to have the whole thing rejected by the local inspector or Utility. I agree with trying to save money but some things can't be excluded when dealing with electricity. It's just not safe for most do it your selfers.

[bonaire]

If $4/watt plus 200/SREC is a lot for you, then consider not doing the system. Those are fantastic prices. Taking a loan out for a solar PV system is also something to try to avoid. The 0% loan has a catch. Be very sure you can pay it back or you get charged a stupid tax on the other end of something like 20%. State rebates like we have in PA are there to help installers more than buyers. We cannot get the rebate without using an installer off the approved list. It is a long list that is getting shorter all the time because the sunshine program winding down.

Why do you want to put up solar? Did you do a conservation plan before doing the solar planning?

If considering a DIY system talk to your homeowners insurance company first to get their approval. But I would jump all over that $4 per watt deal.

[nezz621]

If $4/watt plus 200/SREC is a lot for you, then consider not doing the system. Those are fantastic prices. Taking a loan out for a solar PV system is also something to try to avoid. The 0% loan has a catch. Be very sure you can pay it back or you get charged a stupid tax on the other end of something like 20%. State rebates like we have in PA are there to help installers more than buyers. We cannot get the rebate without using an installer off the approved list. It is a long list that is getting shorter all the time because the sunshine program winding down.

Why do you want to put up solar? Did you do a conservation plan before doing the solar planning?

If considering a DIY system talk to your homeowners insurance company first to get their approval. But I would jump all over that $4 per watt deal.

I have started to conserve, adding Led and CFL bulbs to replace incandescents. I have a lot of home theater electronics which use absurd amounts of electricity when not in use. This has been addressed. The home has been insulated properly and I have an appointment with Massave to further evaluate my work thus far.

The financing is something I have to look more into, but i'm hoping I get a better deal with low finance rates considering I have good credit. My plan is to pay the loan off within 3-4 years depending on what SRECs would sell for.


Most likely I'll go with a professional install as long as the price is right. When Trinity quoted me at 20,000 dollars for the system (before rebates), I was kind of skeptical. It did not appear to be a precise calculation, but rather a number that would profit them significantly. My guess is there must be some wiggle room on the price. Anyone have a thought on this?

[shortcircuit2]

$20K seems OK...there has to be 10 grand of supplies. These solar companies must pay HIGH workers comp being that they are working on roofs. They also do alot of driving to sites, multiple trips, meetings with inspectors, filling out and filing paperwork with incententive programs and utility companies. Lot of overhead.

I'm sure you could do it cheaper on your own. But if it burns down your house or hurts someone...who you going to sue?

It is better to have the pros do it IMO.

[SKY888]

try to get more bids from other vendors and tell them that you're trying to get the best price with good solar equipment.


I talked to several RI installers, and I was able to work with one installer, and brought the price down to

1kw = $3790 (before incentives/rebates).

http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?9638-7-2-kw-grid-tie-system-in-Rhode-Island

I'm not sure if my RI can do the install for your house or not though.



I talked to a couple of MA installers, but their prices are higher since they're so used to jacking up the prices knowing that MA homeowners have all these great incentives/rebates/SRECs

[nezz621]

try to get more bids from other vendors and tell them that you're trying to get the best price with good solar equipment.


I talked to several RI installers, and I was able to work with one installer, and brought the price down to

1kw = $3790 (before incentives/rebates).

http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?9638-7-2-kw-grid-tie-system-in-Rhode-Island

I'm not sure if my RI can do the install for your house or not though.



I talked to a couple of MA installers, but their prices are higher since they're so used to jacking up the prices knowing that MA homeowners have all these great incentives/rebates/SRECs

I just finished shopping for the "best deal" I have an offer for 3.25/ watt for an 8kwh system fully installed. The biggest issue now is trying to get financing. There just don't seem to be any good loans available and my equity is not nearly enough to get an equity loan.

BTW the proposal at 3.25/ watt installed includes tale sun panels and a solectria inverter. Any thoughts/ opinions on these brands would be appreciated.

Also I looked into admirals bank as was recommended by solar installers. They have rates for me around 8.5% for a 10 year loan. Way too high if I'm to make this favorable. Any suggestions for financing options?

[nkohlimd]

Nezz621

We are located in Natick and looking for a good deal with good quality and good service. Just started our research and would appreciate any guidance/advice you may have. Would you mind sharing where you got your best deal. Happy to mention you if there is a referral bonus .

Thanks

I just finished shopping for the "best deal" I have an offer for 3.25/ watt for an 8kwh system fully installed. The biggest issue now is trying to get financing. There just don't seem to be any good loans available and my equity is not nearly enough to get an equity loan.

BTW the proposal at 3.25/ watt installed includes tale sun panels and a solectria inverter. Any thoughts/ opinions on these brands would be appreciated.

Also I looked into admirals bank as was recommended by solar installers. They have rates for me around 8.5% for a 10 year loan. Way too high if I'm to make this favorable. Any suggestions for financing options?

[nezz621]

We are located in Natick and looking for a good deal with good quality and good service. Just started our research and would appreciate any guidance/advice you may have. Would you mind sharing where you got your best deal. Happy to mention you if there is a referral bonus .

Thanks

Sure, send me a pm and we can chat about how I got a really good deal, at least in my opinion. There is also a referral that I'd be willing to split with you. I've called around 5 or 6 companies in mass and I feel like I got the best deal possible.

[nkohlimd]

New member

Unfortunately, I am new to the boards so can't PM till 10 posts. Any other options to connect?

Sure, send me a pm and we can chat about how I got a really good deal, at least in my opinion. There is also a referral that I'd be willing to split with you. I've called around 5 or 6 companies in mass and I feel like I got the best deal possible.

[nezz621]

Unfortunately, I am new to the boards so can't PM till 10 posts. Any other options to connect?

Keep posting lol. I'll think of something.