One last look before we sign for Sunpower system

[SunEagle]

Bosch exiting the solar market. I have read many people worry about which the solar manufactures might belly up, I don't have to worry about that. They are still under Bosch warranty and made in Germany. I first thought of using a Bigger brand name with micro inverters, later discovering a central inverter works the best for me which all panels on same roof without shading issue. If you believe in less part with lesser failure, then I pick the SMA 6000TL which has the highest efficiency with single MPP tracker. I know they are more futures on other inverters such as dual MPP tracker, emergency power outlet when grid is down, individual monitoring, 25 years warranty...etc Oh well, I'm not going to argue which is the best setup. I like mine and price is great. I'll get my money worth in 6 years.

I believe I read recently that Bosch is being acquired by another big solar panel manufacturer.

[silversaver]

Yes, SolarWorld AG

[bruno]

If you call Sullivan, I think they have some Bosch 245W panels for under $3 per Watt. How do I know? Because they accidentally drop off 26 panels at my door instead of the 255W panels. I got the 255W panels for $2.84 per Watts (Gross)

Sounds like you got a great deal! My only worry would be using discontinued panels. I know Bosch is a huge corporation and would more than likely honor their warranty but still...
Any thoughts anyone?

[J.P.M.]

Sounds like you got a great deal! My only worry would be using discontinued panels. I know Bosch is a huge corporation and would more than likely honor their warranty but still...
Any thoughts anyone?

It may not be a good idea to wonder excessively about a future that is unknown. Caution, deliberation and research. The what-ifs can cause decision paralysis. decide and go with your decision (which can also be to do nothing). The panels are likely good quality and will have a long service life. As far as the price is concerned, that may have been a fire sale. Sullivan sold 2 other jobs that got CSI rebates for about the same $$'s and about the same size at about the same time. Other vendors sold Bosch about the same time for substantially more. Sort the CSI data by date, then panel mfg. I'd guess the price won't be that low again any time soon. That was a super deal, discontinued or not. If it were me, I might consider buying a few spare panels while they may be still available, just in case.

[silversaver]

I did buy the spare panel, but it is unnecessary. All you need is finding a panel that has the same electrical data will do the job. Solar panels have history of low failure rate.

[bruno]

I did buy the spare panel, but it is unnecessary. All you need is finding a panel that has the same electrical data will do the job. Solar panels have history of low failure rate.

thanks so much for the info everyone! appreciate it!

[saisivak]

talesun

Hello all
this is my 1st post here...
I need to choose between talesun, coenergy, solarworld and renesola ...
please advice... has any one used talesun, how are the panels?

[frizzlefry]

Hello all
this is my 1st post here...
I need to choose between talesun, coenergy, solarworld and renesola ...
please advice... has any one used talesun, how are the panels?

You may want to start your own thread...

And... System went live yesterday on a nice cold cloudy day. Not much better today. But was good to see that for a few hours yesterday, SCE showed net zero usage. Still trying to get them to work some issues out with the monitoring... But other than that I'll post back at a later date with an update.

[silversaver]

How soon did you get the approval after inspection?

thanks

[frizzlefry]

How soon did you get the approval after inspection?

thanks

Took 3 weeks to get approval. Letter from SCE that I received today is dated 12/3.

[silversaver]

Locus monitoring? give us some feedback after you sort the issue

[frizzlefry]

Locus monitoring? give us some feedback after you sort the issue

It's just a configuration issue they need to sort out. SCE meter is showing production, just the web service/data isn't updating properly.

[tasteated]

Yes there is a referral program and you and I would both get credit. You can PM me your email address and I'll send you mine.

As for the salesperson involved, it will most likely be Hans. Nice friendly guy. No pressure. They're pretty busy these days but if you want to just submit your judo in their site they should get back pretty quick.

I know I got a pretty decent pricing on the system and I haven't heard of anyone else getting the same deal. But they should be competitive with Ameco.

I am also looking to purchase solar for my home in orange county and stumbled upon this thread which led to my discovery of xxx. Please PM me(i'm new as well) your details as well so I can use you as a reference. Thanks


Ted

[dohdohdude]

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

DC STC Rating = 8280 kW
DC PTC Rating = 7685 kW
CEC-AC Rating = 7377 kW
CSI Rating = 7376 kW
First yr production = 12,785 kWh
Current annual usage = 14,200 kWh

Gross Cost/kW DC = $4.48
Net Cost/kW DC = $ 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.

Hi,

Looking to get a system similar to yours in OC as well. Please PM me so I can provide you as a reference. Thanks for posting your details.

[Severum88]

PM sent. I just had a similar system installed.

Severum