Sunpower solar quote:

[jsteach]

Just off the phone with Sunpower and I'm scheduled for a sales call from inside rep, they
are doing their on installation in some areas. Has anyone priced them?

[slopoke]

From my discussions with Sunpower dealers, they are priced 75 cents to a dollar per watt above systems with panels from reputable companies. This in up here in N Cal. YMMV.

[J.P.M.]

Just off the phone with Sunpower and I'm scheduled for a sales call from inside rep, they
are doing their on installation in some areas. Has anyone priced them?

Lots.

Lower your electric usage as much as possible first. It's MUCH more cost effective than most any solar.

Sunpower's great stuff. So is stuff from other reputable manufacturers.

Invest an hr. or 2 and read prior posts on this forum.

It's a free country but unless you're space limited, you can likely get the same/close yearly output for about 20 - 30% less $$'s with other equally reputable equipment. Depending on where you are Sunpower's about a buck a Watt + more or so before tax credits/rebates.

You want nice, you pay nice. Buy a Mercedes when a Ford or Toyota may be equally as fit for purpose - again, it's a free country.

Solar equipment is an appliance, not a lifestyle.

On leases - some think they can be a minefield. Read the fine print, think like the vendor and consult an attorney knowledgeable in such matters if necessary.

Read, think, study, learn, ask questions.

Caveat Emptor.

BTW: Welcome to the neighborhood.

[silversaver]

I'm in your area and just got my solar installed in 12/2013. Sunpower will not give you better energy generation, but it will help you if you have limited roof space. Actually my neighbor just sign his solar contract and he did not choose Sunpower as well.

[Naptown]

I'm in your area and just got my solar installed in 12/2013. Sunpower will not give you better energy generation, but it will help you if you have limited roof space. Actually my neighbor just sign his solar contract and he did not choose Sunpower as well.

Initially the above statement is true. However over its lifetime the Sunpower will produce more energy due to a lower degradation rate.
Yes it costs more
Yes the warranty is the best in the world. (25 years bumper to bumper including labor)
If the high efficiency is not required than it may make sense to use something else. But if space is at a premium then this is the most efficient on the market currently.

[jsteach]

I have limited space on roof due to new restriction for set back of 36 inches and a roof that has lots of sections.
My monthly usage is approx 1200 kWh. $300.00 800 kWh is tier 3 and 4 , about $ .30kWh $240.00 month. 400kWh
tier 1 and 2 $ .15 kWh $60.00. I think my best bet is to offset tier 3 and 4. Open to any and all suggestions.
house.jpg Garage is facing south.

[silversaver]

I have limited space on roof due to new restriction for set back of 36 inches and a roof that has lots of sections.
My monthly usage is approx 1200 kWh. $300.00 800 kWh is tier 3 and 4 , about $ .30kWh $240.00 month. 400kWh
tier 1 and 2 $ .15 kWh $60.00. I think my best bet is to offset tier 3 and 4. Open to any and all suggestions.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]3678[/ATTACH] Garage is facing south.

I guess you probably needs SunPower. You can also shop around for the LG300W panels, but if the price isn't much different, then Sunpower will be a good choice. BTW, how many panels can be install on East and West roof? How big of solar are your looking for? Do you have HOA? Does your HOA allow to place the panels that is visible in front of house? Is your neighbors ok with it?

[jsteach]

I need to offset 800kwh month, thinking 6 to 6.5 kw.
Here is a photo on Sungevity proposal. Looks like 22 panels. No HOA.

house.jpg

[J.P.M.]

I need to offset 800kwh month, thinking 6 to 6.5 kw.
Here is a photo on Sungevity proposal. Looks like 22 panels. No HOA.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3679[/ATTACH]

FWIW, @ 14-15,000 kWhrs.yr usage, I'd guess 6-6.5 kW system will get you mostly out of tier 3 & 4 which sounds like your goal. I'd get more quotes.

[slopoke]

I need to offset 800kwh month, thinking 6 to 6.5 kw.
Here is a photo on Sungevity proposal. Looks like 22 panels. No HOA.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3679[/ATTACH]

What was their quoted price?

[silversaver]

I need to offset 800kwh month, thinking 6 to 6.5 kw.
Here is a photo on Sungevity proposal. Looks like 22 panels. No HOA.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3679[/ATTACH]

Lease, cash or finance? Looks like you can handle few more panels on your roof.

[inetdog]

I need to offset 800kwh month, thinking 6 to 6.5 kw.
Here is a photo on Sungevity proposal. Looks like 22 panels. No HOA.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3679[/ATTACH]

Keep in mind that if you are on a Time Of Use rate system you do not have to offset KW for KW, just enough of a surplus at prime time rates to offset the cost of the other usage. That may be as important as peak shaving if you have low use during the day and afternoon.

My January PG&E bill was only $26, despite pretty low winter production from a nominal 3kW array.
Of course my heat, hot water and clothes dryer are all propane and that killed me.

[J.P.M.]

Keep in mind that if you are on a Time Of Use rate system you do not have to offset KW for KW, just enough of a surplus at prime time rates to offset the cost of the other usage. That may be as important as peak shaving if you have low use during the day and afternoon.

My January PG&E bill was only $26, despite pretty low winter production from a nominal 3kW array.
Of course my heat, hot water and clothes dryer are all propane and that killed me.

Propane might also have something to do with the $26 electric bill being as low as it was. Propane is usually less $ out than elec. for the same task. You're better off.

[inetdog]

Propane is usually less $ out than elec. for the same task. You're better off.

Heat pump would be even better though.
At our rates for propane these days, resistance heat and propane are not all that far apart.

[jsteach]

They quoted $28,000 for a 5.5kw system. Su-ge--ty.