One last look before we sign for Sunpower system

[bobfromnj]

You are correct, but...

"So if you leased, you have to add back the 30% federal tax credit that the leasing company received to compare apples to apples"

But...I still get the SRECS for the next 15 years. Yes, I know they are only worth around $ 100.00 but I produce 8 of them a year and my total electric bill for 2012 was $ 0. Still a pretty good deal.
Bob

[Lomag]

I live in the Northeast and bought my lease a year in a half ago for $21,000. for a 6.27 kW system. If I did my math right that's about $ 3.35 per watt.

So if you leased, you have to add back the 30% federal tax credit that the leasing company received to compare apples to apples. So your system cost $30,000 before tax credits which is about $4.78/watt. Still a good deal for NJ I think between $4-5/watt.

Personally, I paid $34,531 to own my 7.19 kw DC Sunpower system (22 x E20 327 watt panels) last June. That works out to $4.80/watt. Sunpower is what many would call top of the line. Panels from other brands should be cheaper however with leasing you are getting the benefit of a 20 year full system warranty whereas I only have a 10 year full system warranty from the installer (if they last that long) and the 25 year Sunpower warranty on the panel output. The extra warranty should add some value to a lease I would imagine.

[bobfromnj]

Judging by what they tell me here it seems that reasonable prices run somewhere between $3/watt on the low end and $5-$6/watt on the high end. These are "all-in" prices for system, delivery, parts, labor, permits, fees, and (I think) tax. Please keep in mind that, as far as I understand, these are meant to be prices BEFORE any government incentives, tax rebates, or other discounts. The post-discount price/watt is often close to half the original price/watt

The expected $/watt depends on the equipment chosen, regulations, and the market in your area. I think in the northeast we're stuck on the higher side of things, which has given me pause.

[Please keep in mind I'm talking out my ass based only on what I've read here in the last few weeks.]

I live in the Northeast and bought my lease a year in a half ago for $21,000. for a 6.27 kW system. If I did my math right that's about $ 3.35 per watt.

[Noob]

Got it! Thank you. What's considered a good cost per watt?

Judging by what they tell me here it seems that reasonable prices run somewhere between $3/watt on the low end and $5-$6/watt on the high end. These are "all-in" prices for system, delivery, parts, labor, permits, fees, and (I think) tax. Please keep in mind that, as far as I understand, these are meant to be prices BEFORE any government incentives, tax rebates, or other discounts. The post-discount price/watt is often close to half the original price/watt

The expected $/watt depends on the equipment chosen, regulations, and the market in your area. I think in the northeast we're stuck on the higher side of things, which has given me pause.

[Please keep in mind I'm talking out my ass based only on what I've read here in the last few weeks.]

[bobfromnj]

Installed system cost say = 5,000$
system DC watts = 1000

5.00$ per watt

Got it! Thank you. What's considered a good cost per watt?

[russ]

Installed system cost say = 5,000$
system DC watts = 1000

5.00$ per watt

[bobfromnj]

System cost divided by DC watts

Sorry for the stupid question, but I still don't get it. Can you give an example.
Thanks.
p.s. also, if it matters I purchased my lease.

[russ]

Can someone explain the proper way of calculating the "cost per watt" and what are good numbers.
Seems that there is more then one way of doing this.
Thanks.

System cost divided by DC watts

[bobfromnj]

Question about Cost Per Watt?

Can someone explain the proper way of calculating the "cost per watt" and what are good numbers.
Seems that there is more then one way of doing this.
Thanks.

[Ian S]

that is pretty standard for Ca. Actually the most upfront is 1k
The performance bond thing is a bit over the top If licensed and it seems they are since they seem to be complying with CA laws then they would be foolish to accept less than the draw schedule as stated. Bonds cost money are you willing to pay for it? A performance bond could add a grand or more to the cost of the project. So If I am to see this correctly you want the lowest price and performance bonds that you are unwilling to pay for.
Good luck with that the contractor has not figured in these costs and will most likely tell you to have a nice day and find someone else. I know I would do the same thing. Perhaps it is 35 years in the contracting business and red flags are at full mast and turgid with a request like that. CA stacks the deck heavily toward the consumer when it comes to disputes. they are on your side you probably don't need the extra protection or cost.

Another thing I liked with my prepaid Sunpower lease - no money until system was up and running.

[frizzlefry]

Sorry, I meant per DC watt not AC.

Actually that was my mistake.

DC STC Rating = 8280 kW
DC PTC Rating = 7685 kW
CEC-AC Rating = 7377 kW
CSI Rating = 7376 kW

[cyph]

I have to make a comment. Cost per kwhr is not standard and is misleading. Normally it should be calculated as Cost per AC watt. Your gross is actually 4.83 per kw AC and net is $3.31 per AC watt. As long as you're okay with that, then congrats!

Sorry, I meant per DC watt not AC.

[cyph]

I had 5 companies bid the project. I specified the new X21 series panel. Negligible price increase compared to E20. Suprising tidbit about the E20, no more black backing for future production.

Location Southern CA (Orange County)
Utility = SCE

(24) Sunpower X21-345 Panels - 3 strings of 8 panels
(1) SMA 8000US inverter
System Cost = $37,100
CSI Rebate = $1474
Out of Pocket = $35,626
Tax Credit = $10,687.80
Incentive = $500 rebate after install complete
Net Cost = $24,438.20


Rating = 7376 kWh
First yr production = 12,785 kWh
Current annual usage = 14,200 kWh

Gross Cost/kWh = $4.48
Net Cost/kWh = $2.95

This is an all cash purchase. No financing. Just curious if any one has any comments or if I'm missing something here. 10% less than the next closest bid.

I have to make a comment. Cost per kwhr is not standard and is misleading. Normally it should be calculated as Cost per AC watt. Your gross is actually 4.83 per kw AC and net is $3.31 per AC watt. As long as you're okay with that, then congrats!

[frizzlefry]

that is pretty standard for Ca. Actually the most upfront is 1k
The performance bond thing is a bit over the top If licensed and it seems they are since they seem to be complying with CA laws then they would be foolish to accept less than the draw schedule as stated. Bonds cost money are you willing to pay for it? A performance bond could add a grand or more to the cost of the project. So If I am to see this correctly you want the lowest price and performance bonds that you are unwilling to pay for.
Good luck with that the contractor has not figured in these costs and will most likely tell you to have a nice day and find someone else. I know I would do the same thing. Perhaps it is 35 years in the contracting business and red flags are at full mast and turgid with a request like that. CA stacks the deck heavily toward the consumer when it comes to disputes. they are on your side you probably don't need the extra protection or cost.

I completely agree with you on this one. Contract law is in my favor and i probably dont need the performance bond. Just overly cautious thinking on my part. I wasn't looking for lowest price initially but when it came down to the final two price became the deciding factor. Just so happens they were the lowest price.

[Naptown]

$1k upfront. Upon commencement, 50% (~$17k). Upon functional test passing 50%(~$17k). The others varied very slightly. I had hoped for balance at commissioning but understand why no one does that.

What I have requested is a performance bond be provided.

that is pretty standard for Ca. Actually the most upfront is 1k
The performance bond thing is a bit over the top If licensed and it seems they are since they seem to be complying with CA laws then they would be foolish to accept less than the draw schedule as stated. Bonds cost money are you willing to pay for it? A performance bond could add a grand or more to the cost of the project. So If I am to see this correctly you want the lowest price and performance bonds that you are unwilling to pay for.
Good luck with that the contractor has not figured in these costs and will most likely tell you to have a nice day and find someone else. I know I would do the same thing. Perhaps it is 35 years in the contracting business and red flags are at full mast and turgid with a request like that. CA stacks the deck heavily toward the consumer when it comes to disputes. they are on your side you probably don't need the extra protection or cost.