Sunpower X21 345 vs Panasonic HIT 240S in NY

[mcutugno]

My first post on the forum. I am currently deciding between two systems from the same vendor in Staten Island after much back on forth on prices among several installers. The final proposals are as follows. I will be putting 6k down. Panels will be located only on my South and West facing roofs for optimal efficiency and aesthetic reasons (that is why I am only considering the smaller Panasonic panels vs the SunPower).

Looking forward to hearing some opinions on whether or not SunPower is worth the extra expense, and if these are fairly priced overall.

System 1
25 SunPower X21 345Panels ~8.625kw System
1 Solar Edge 7600 or 10000 Inverter
25 Yr Production & Product Warranty Panels
20 Yr Warranty Inverter
$4.55/Watt Pre NYSERDA Rebate
30,618.75 Net Cost
Finance Net Cost - 6k for 15 years @ 3.49% ($175.87/mo.)

System 2
33 Panasonic HIT240S Panels ~7.92kw System
1 Solar Edge 7600 Inverter
25 Yr Production Warranty Panels
10 Yr Product Warranty Panels
20 Yr Warranty Inverter
$3.90/Watt Pre NYSERDA Rebate
$22,968.00 Net Cost
Finance Net Cost - 6k for 15 years @ 3.49% ($121.22/mo.)

[EnergyMan]

I'm an Energy Consultant here in Southern California, and I have to say, that those are some of the best prices I've seen for arguably two of the best panels in the market today. You can't go wrong with either of the panels, I think it's more a matter of preference. The bumper-to-bumper warranty from Sunpower is very attractive, however that's a killer deal for the Panasonic's.
If you pulled the trigger already, I'll be interested in knowing which system you decided to go with.

[J.P.M.]

I'm an Energy Consultant here in Southern California, and I have to say, that those are some of the best prices I've seen for arguably two of the best panels in the market today. You can't go wrong with either of the panels, I think it's more a matter of preference. The bumper-to-bumper warranty from Sunpower is very attractive, however that's a killer deal for the Panasonic's.
If you pulled the trigger already, I'll be interested in knowing which system you decided to go with.

Hey EnergyMan: I notice from your posts that you claim to be an energy consultant and you often seem to suggest posters PM you with any questions they may have. You also seem to have slowing things to say about your system. Maybe I'm paranoid, but are you trolling for leads ?

[EnergyMan]

Hey EnergyMan: I notice from your posts that you claim to be an energy consultant and you often seem to suggest posters PM you with any questions they may have. You also seem to have slowing things to say about your system. Maybe I'm paranoid, but are you trolling for leads ?

I really like this forum, I think it opens it up to share different solutions, quotes, system design, rating installers, etc. This is something very much needed in the industry, so I just want to be involved, I've been in the industry for almost 4 years after graduating from UC Berkeley and I love the renewable sector. My intentions are to help people answer questions about solar and solar financing, which is my specialty.
But thanks for checking in.

[J.P.M.]

I really like this forum, I think it opens it up to share different solutions, quotes, system design, rating installers, etc. This is something very much needed in the industry, so I just want to be involved, I've been in the industry for almost 4 years after graduating from UC Berkeley and I love the renewable sector. My intentions are to help people answer questions about solar and solar financing, which is my specialty.
But thanks for checking in.

So do I. I'd also like to share in what you have to offer. I feel left out when you tell posters to PM you. What's so secret that we all can't share what you have to offer on solutions, quotes, system designs rating installers ? Most of us seem to do that now and share opinions openly.

One more time: trolling for leads ?

I'm not a moderator or a forum cop. Just sayin, ya' know? BTW: What's Berkeley got to do with anything ?

[DanKegel]

System 1 $4.55/Watt Pre NYSERDA Rebate
System 2 $3.90/Watt Pre NYSERDA Rebate

Disclaimer: I've only had experience with adding solar to my own home, and that was 5 years ago, and mostly I just wrote the check.

The usual advice here is to try for $3.50 per watt or lower. System 2 seems within striking distance of that, so it's not crazy, but you might be able to do better with lower-end panels, depending on your goals.

The usual questions here are:
- What are your goals?
- Are you trying to save money, or reduce carbon footprint, or both?
- What % of your annual consumption are you trying to cover with the solar system?
- How many KWH/year do you use?
- Have you done an energy audit?
- Have you already improved your house's energy efficiency?

[EnergyMan]

So do I. I'd also like to share in what you have to offer. I feel left out when you tell posters to PM you. What's so secret that we all can't share what you have to offer on solutions, quotes, system designs rating installers ? Most of us seem to do that now and share opinions openly.

One more time: trolling for leads ?

I'm not a moderator or a forum cop. Just sayin, ya' know? BTW: What's Berkeley got to do with anything ?

No. just want to give my expert advice, so no worries my friend. Berkeley? I just wanted to show some of my credentials and background and that I'm serious about giving the best advice possible.

[J.P.M.]

No. just want to give my expert advice, so no worries my friend. Berkeley? I just wanted to show some of my credentials and background and that I'm serious about giving the best advice possible.

Lots of us are serious. I guess my bias about not seeing a very large correlation with "expert advice" (whatever that may mean, and in any case I'd suggest open to some interpretation) and formal education is showing.

More FWIW: That formal education often, at least to my experience, amounts to little more than proof that someone kept their ass in a seat long enough to collect a tuition receipt called a degree, but says little about their common sense or critical thinking skills as much as it does about hubris.

BTW: Call me what you want, but I'm not your friend. I have some say in that designation.

[EnergyMan]

Lots of us are serious. I guess my bias about not seeing a very large correlation with "expert advice" (whatever that may mean, and in any case I'd suggest open to some interpretation) and formal education is showing.

More FWIW: That formal education often, at least to my experience, amounts to little more than proof that someone kept their ass in a seat long enough to collect a tuition receipt called a degree, but says little about their common sense or critical thinking skills as much as it does about hubris.

BTW: Call me what you want, but I'm not your friend. I have some say in that designation.

I'm not here to argue, but I do hope that's not the advice you're giving to your children about formal education, you might be robbing them from a wonderful experience, which was exactly what I had and it was worth every single penny. So mind your own business and leave people alone because now I'm starting to believe you're a little paranoid. Cheers bud!

[SunEagle]

I'm not here to argue, but I do hope that's not the advice you're giving to your children about formal education, you might be robbing them from a wonderful experience, which was exactly what I had and it was worth every single penny. So mind your own business and leave people alone because now I'm starting to believe you're a little paranoid. Cheers bud!

I would never call J.P.M. paranoid. More like practical.

He is on the alert for people that are looking to use this forum to make a buck without the approval of the owners. That happens a lot on this forum and questioning the person (as did JPM) is the best way to ferret out the fakers.

Hang around and read, add your input and (like me) learn a few things about solar on this forum.

But don't get your panties in a wad because someone might be calling you out for being a phoney. You will never make it in a position providing a "service" for people if you have thin skin.

[J.P.M.]

I would never call J.P.M. paranoid. More like practical.

He is on the alert for people that are looking to use this forum to make a buck without the approval of the owners. That happens a lot on this forum and questioning the person (as did JPM) is the best way to ferret out the fakers.

Hang around and read, add your input and (like me) learn a few things about solar on this forum.

But don't get your panties in a wad because someone might be calling you out for being a phoney. You will never make it in a position providing a "service" for people if you have thin skin.

What do you mean by that ???

[russ]

I've been in the industry for almost 4 years after graduating from UC Berkeley

Wow not! Do not try to direct people to PM contact - you will be banned for doing so.

Four years is just in the learning stage.