One last look before we sign for Sunpower system

[Ionizer]

Looks like X21-345 panels are backlogged. 15 wk lead time. I'm looking at a new ship date of mid to late Oct. Just checked on lead times for X21-335 (all black) and it's 2-3 wks. Now considering the 335... time to run some more #/$ analysis...

Thanks Again!

Rep got back to me a few days ago and stated the same thing. White X21's will not be in until October. We re-visited the contract and changed to X21's Black 335. They are in stock and ready for install. Looks like the wife and I need to pick a date soon

Here is the details of the re-negotiation:

Total system cost $35,456.00
CSI rebate about $1450.00
Fed tax credit $10,201.80
NET Cost $23,804.20

NEW Watts: 335x24 panels = 8040 VS
OLD Watts: 345x24 panels = 8280

Which works out at the same price per watt @$4.41 per watt & no new permits needed. They did give the option of adding a panel, for the total wattage difference, but I can live with 240 less watts..

[PenguinSolar]

Huh surprised about SolarMax. The reps we got pushed on using the SMX230 panels with emphase micro-inverters. I can't find much info on those panels so decided to keep looking.

Guess they are pretty aggressive wih their SunPower pricing (never thought to look, as think I can get a faster ROI with doing something else like a Solarword, REC, Yingling or LG).

For OC area, looking at the CSI database I only saw them do one installation which was riverside so that also give me pause.

Keep us updated on the progress, may have to see what their quote is for SP now .

Did any if your friends that went with SMax use the SMX panels or is it all SunPower?

Thanks!

Those that have asked,
One of the two that quoted was RCC Solar.
Though the one we went with was SolarMax due to closer and we have 2 friends that also went with SolarMax and the install went well.

Just got an email from one of the other SunPower dealers (360Solar) that is now willing to price match (little late). I did get a quote from Sullivan which stated they would price match, but never put it in writing. Their original quote was close @ $4.55W - $37,675.00

Update:
So far SolarMax has been great, but a little slower then I expected. About a month in now. We spent a whole week in designing/re-designing the location of the panels until I was pleased before permits were pulled. I know the rep has a lot to do with the whole process, and we got one that appears on top of it all, and has bent over backwards to get the design right. Luckily he was referred.

[santaanatrail]

$27,500.00 / 5000 watts =
$5.50 a watt and with older panels. These older panels are lower wattage then the newer x21's or e20's (20 - X20 panels 250 watts = 15 - X21 black panels 335 watts or 15 - e20 327 watts)
Sounds a little high for dated material, and why waste the extra roof space when you can place 15 x21's or 15 xe20's for the same $ or less?

They just came back with updated quote on x21 and it's 2.5 k higher than orig estimate. can you PM me your detail? I would like to talk to your guys.

[Niceguy]

We had two Sunpower suppliers quote the same price (Price matched)
We had a total of 11 System suppliers quote us:

OUR Final deal was:

Utility = SCE
(24) Sunpower X21-SPR345E-WHT-D Panels
(1) SMA SB8000US inverter
System Cost = $36,500
CSI Rebate = $1450 Estimate (probally a little high)
After rebate = $35,050
Tax Credit = $10,515.00
Net Cost = $24,535.00

DC STC Rating = 8280 kW
Current annual usage = 13,100 kWh

Gross Cost/kW DC = $4.41
Net Cost/kW DC = $ 2.96

Concrete Tile roof / Through attic install with a change to 3 Vents (low profile)
Pappered and double flashed.
3 vents replaced with low rise vents below panels
All wiring within structure and SBA mounted in garage.
NO panel change out. Already at 225.
25yr monitoring with 10 Yr. whole system/roof warranty.

Estimated completion is 9/01/2013 to 9/15/2013

Could you PM me with details please? Thanks.

[santaanatrail]

They were pushing for x20...should have guessed. I asked about x21 and told me the price would jump. didn't give me the exact figure though. just a start. I am contacting several others sunpower and non sunpower vendors. thx for the info though. exactly what I was hoping for from the forum.

[Ionizer]

Tell me what you all think.
it's a cash deal. So far just one quote but expecting another quote from another vendor tomorrow.

Sunpower system
20 pieces x20/250 panels
One SPR-5000p-TL (240)
5 kw (dc) 4.4 kw (ac)
1st production est. 7773 kwh

For $27,500. (before rebates and tax credit)

what do you think? The vendor is out of north county San Diego area.

I'm located SoCal and the vendor told me if I sign today it'll take 2 to 3 months before they can start.

$27,500.00 / 5000 watts =
$5.50 a watt and with older panels. These older panels are lower wattage then the newer x21's or e20's (20 - X20 panels 250 watts = 15 - X21 black panels 335 watts or 15 - e20 327 watts)
Sounds a little high for dated material, and why waste the extra roof space when you can place 15 x21's or 15 xe20's for the same $ or less?

[santaanatrail]

just got a quote for a sunpower system

Tell me what you all think.
it's a cash deal. So far just one quote but expecting another quote from another vendor tomorrow.

sunpower system
20 pieces x20/250 panels
One SPR-5000p-TL (240)
5 kw (dc) 4.4 kw (ac)
1st production est. 7773 kwh

For $27,500. (before rebates and tax credit)

what do you think? The vendor is out of north county San Diego area.

I'm located SoCal and the vendor told me if I sign today it'll take 2 to 3 months before they can start.

[Ionizer]

Looks like X21-345 panels are backlogged. 15 wk lead time. I'm looking at a new ship date of mid to late Oct. Just checked on lead times for X21-335 (all black) and it's 2-3 wks. Now considering the 335... time to run some more #/$ analysis...

Ouch! I know they ordered mine about 3 weeks ago. Going to make the call now and find out where they are. I'm crossing my fingers the story is not the same. OUCH, sorry to hear this.

[frizzlefry]

Looks like X21-345 panels are backlogged. 15 wk lead time. I'm looking at a new ship date of mid to late Oct. Just checked on lead times for X21-335 (all black) and it's 2-3 wks. Now considering the 335... time to run some more #/$ analysis...

[Ionizer]

Those that have asked,
One of the two that quoted was RCC Solar.
Though the one we went with was SolarMax due to closer and we have 2 friends that also went with SolarMax and the install went well.

Just got an email from one of the other SunPower dealers (360Solar) that is now willing to price match (little late). I did get a quote from Sullivan which stated they would price match, but never put it in writing. Their original quote was close @ $4.55W - $37,675.00

Update:
So far SolarMax has been great, but a little slower then I expected. About a month in now. We spent a whole week in designing/re-designing the location of the panels until I was pleased before permits were pulled. I know the rep has a lot to do with the whole process, and we got one that appears on top of it all, and has bent over backwards to get the design right. Luckily he was referred.

[csriram45]

Pm info pls

Can you send me details? I am in northern ca. I hope they can do an install here.

[frizzlefry]

Wow... 11 is alot. We're expecting our panels to arrive middle of Aug. It's been a long wait but hopefully this will happen soon.

I PM'd everyone that requested the info from this thread.... if it didn't go, don't know what to say. But I went with Sullivan Solar Power. They are primarily based out of San Diego but have remote sales offices. It was between them and a more Orange County centric company called Ameco. After I notified Ameco of my current offer through Sullivan, they wouldn't budge and came off a bit arrogant stating that Sullivan was "only a C-10" contractor and did not have a true "solar" license. Both are reputable from online reviews, but after my last email exchange with my contact at Ameco, I would rather not recommend them. Would I recommend Sullivan? Yes and no. Initial signing process was good, but I am still trying to confirm for the last 2 weeks with one person whether or not the CSI rebate was reserved. Searching on the CSI tracker site for current projects, I couldn't find ours listed. Don't know why.... anyone?

We had two Sunpower suppliers quote the same price (Price matched)
We had a total of 11 System suppliers quote us:

OUR Final deal was:

Utility = SCE
(24) Sunpower X21-SPR345E-WHT-D Panels
(1) SMA SB8000US inverter
System Cost = $36,500
CSI Rebate = $1450 Estimate (probally a little high)
After rebate = $35,050
Tax Credit = $10,515.00
Net Cost = $24,535.00

DC STC Rating = 8280 kW
Current annual usage = 13,100 kWh

Gross Cost/kW DC = $4.41
Net Cost/kW DC = $ 2.96

Concrete Tile roof / Through attic install with a change to 3 Vents (low profile)
Pappered and double flashed.
3 vents replaced with low rise vents below panels
All wiring within structure and SBA mounted in garage.
NO panel change out. Already at 225.
25yr monitoring with 10 Yr. whole system/roof warranty.

Estimated completion is 9/01/2013 to 9/15/2013

[russ]

We had two Sunpower suppliers quote the same price (Price matched)
We had a total of 11 System suppliers quote us:

OUR Final deal was:

Thanks for the information - many will find it useful!

Russ

[PenguinSolar]

I have 2 suppliers that provided me with this quote and we have signed with the closest to us.. We are awaiting permits now..

Do you mind sharing? Think it'd be useful as others in SoCal are still shopping .

For the CSI Rebate, think you can just plug your numbers into the CA Go Solar calculator. I find it helps keep some of the vendors "honest" .

Thanks!

[Ionizer]

We had two Sunpower suppliers quote the same price (Price matched)
We had a total of 11 System suppliers quote us:

OUR Final deal was:

Utility = SCE
(24) Sunpower X21-SPR345E-WHT-D Panels
(1) SMA SB8000US inverter
System Cost = $36,500
CSI Rebate = $1450 Estimate (probally a little high)
After rebate = $35,050
Tax Credit = $10,515.00
Net Cost = $24,535.00

DC STC Rating = 8280 kW
Current annual usage = 13,100 kWh

Gross Cost/kW DC = $4.41
Net Cost/kW DC = $ 2.96

Concrete Tile roof / Through attic install with a change to 3 Vents (low profile)
Pappered and double flashed.
3 vents replaced with low rise vents below panels
All wiring within structure and SBA mounted in garage.
NO panel change out. Already at 225.
25yr monitoring with 10 Yr. whole system/roof warranty.

Estimated completion is 9/01/2013 to 9/15/2013