Sunpower system quote - NorCal

[Artie]

Hi All. I am a newbie in NorCal looking to go green. I have a following proposal for $21,000 pre-tax credit.

15 PV Panels Used: SunPower SPR-X21-345

15 Microinverters Used: Power One MICRO-0.3HV-I-OUTD-US

PV Mounting Rail System: Ironridge


Is this a good one?

Also trying to decide on using microinverters versus a sling inverter (SUNNY BOY 5000TL-US-22 - 240v). Any thoughts?

[Bikerscum]

Not many Sunpower quotes in NorCal to compare to that I've seen, but that seems like a good price.... for Sunpowers.

One thing... you are paying a big premium for Sunpower panels. Unless you have a space issue, you can get the same output & more from say Solarworld 275's, for a lot less $$.

Good luck, welcome to the quest.

[J.P.M.]

Hi All. I am a newbie in NorCal looking to go green. I have a following proposal for $21,000 pre-tax credit.

15 PV Panels Used: SunPower SPR-X21-345

15 Microinverters Used: Power One MICRO-0.3HV-I-OUTD-US

PV Mounting Rail System: Ironridge


Is this a good one?

Also trying to decide on using microinverters versus a sling inverter (SUNNY BOY 5000TL-US-22 - 240v). Any thoughts?

1.) Don't put the cart before the horse. What's the load ?

2.) Sunpower's great stuff and usually overpriced compared to other panels for how much you get. Other stuff will give you more bang for your buck by probably 15-25%, depending on how good a bargainer you are.

3.) Unless you have shading problems, string inverters are the choice of many/most. Less expensive, fewer failure points.

[russ]

What is your monthly/annual consumption?

What is your cost per kWh?

Do you have tiered pricing?

Do you have shade problems?

Do you have adequate roof space available?

[Artie]

What is your monthly/annual consumption?

What is your cost per kWh?

Do you have tiered pricing?

Do you have shade problems?

Do you have adequate roof space available?

My annual consumption is about 10k kWh, going into PG&E tiers 3 and 4. As far as I understand, not much of a shade problem. The roof space is somewhat limited. I am mostly attracted by the Sunpower's 25 years warranty though. Thanks

[Artie]

1.) Don't put the cart before the horse. What's the load ?

2.) Sunpower's great stuff and usually overpriced compared to other panels for how much you get. Other stuff will give you more bang for your buck by probably 15-25%, depending on how good a bargainer you are.

3.) Unless you have shading problems, string inverters are the choice of many/most. Less expensive, fewer failure points.

Thanks!

[J.P.M.]

Thanks!

You're welcome.

[Ian S]

I'd basically agree with what's been stated already. No real need for micros unless you have shading issues or simply must have individual panel monitoring (and then that may not be included in the base price.) IIRC, that Sunnyboy string inverter product line also has the ability to provide 1500W of daytime power in the event of a power outage.

[inetdog]

IIRC, that Sunnyboy string inverter product line also has the ability to provide 1500W of daytime power in the event of a power outage.

So far it is only in the TLX000-US series, and the key word in the specs is "up to". Clouds or low sun will reduce the available power and may cause the secure power supply (SPS) output to drop completely and try to start up again at intervals.
And that 12A 120V circuit is totally separate from the GTI output, so you will have to use the power close to the inverter or run some long wiring or cords.

[J.P.M.]

My annual consumption is about 10k kWh, going into PG&E tiers 3 and 4. As far as I understand, not much of a shade problem. The roof space is somewhat limited. I am mostly attracted by the Sunpower's 25 years warranty though. Thanks

You may find the warranty is good, but not completely bulletproof. It's pretty expensive insurance. Read it and other panel warranties carefully. You might consider using less expensive panels with decent warranties and buying an extra panel of 2 if concerned. In the end, pay your money and take your choice. Just be informed, walk in with your homework done and skeptical of the S.P. hype.

Sunpower's sreat stuff, so's the advertising babble, but the vaunted "highest efficiency" claim is an area efficiency, not output efficiency. Equal electrical size systems have about equal annual output, regardless of panel mfr., Sunpower or anyone else's panel.

FWIW, that size system, may well supply a sizeable portion of your lower tier stuff as well. Vendors typically oversize by under predicting performance by 10 % or more.

Try running PVWatts with a .84 derate factor and see what you come up with. It takes about 5 min. after you read the info screens.

If you have not already, get multiple quotes.

[Ian S]

So far it is only in the TLX000-US series

And that's the model he is considering and why I mentioned it.

[JCP]

$4.05 a Watt for Sunpower is excellent. It's a small premium over what you'd pay for non Sunpower stuff (probably around $3.50 these days).

[Ian S]

$4.05 a Watt for Sunpower is excellent. It's a small premium over what you'd pay for non Sunpower stuff (probably around $3.50 these days).

Might even be less with the string inverter.

[JCP]

Might even be less with the string inverter.

On the other hand, I have a coworker who was asked $5.60 a Watt for Sunpower solar in SF. The guy totally saw him coming and tried to rip him off. Residential solar is full of sleaze balls.

[Bikerscum]

$4.05 a Watt for Sunpower is excellent. It's a small premium over what you'd pay for non Sunpower stuff (probably around $3.50 these days).

Not sure I'd call almost 3000 bux a small premium.

Sunpower prices do seem to be coming down tho.