Reasonable markup+labor cost?

[wantons0up]

Got a quote for PV (10kW, ground mounted) and when I google the panels and the inverter, I see that there's about a $30k difference between what I could get those parts for and the total in the estimate. I understand that the ground mount has parts and labor, and installation has labor and cable costs, and all that. But that sort of blew me away. The panels are available online for $1.25 / watt and my installed price is $4.50 / watt. Is that reasonable and normal in this industry? I'm going to get other quotes of course but wanted to ask this question today as I sit here in a bit of shock after googling what the panels cost online.

[Sunking]

Yes it is reasonable and you need to be aware of one very important fact. Come December 31 2015 the solar bubble goes bust. That is when rebates and incentives goes away. Installers are booking up to get as much free money as they can because when the incentives and rebates are gone the industry is gone. With installers being booked, they can get away with higher prices. If you don't pay someone else will. Clock is running.

[sensij]

Got a quote for PV (10kW, ground mounted) and when I google the panels and the inverter, I see that there's about a $30k difference between what I could get those parts for and the total in the estimate. I understand that the ground mount has parts and labor, and installation has labor and cable costs, and all that. But that sort of blew me away. The panels are available online for $1.25 / watt and my installed price is $4.50 / watt. Is that reasonable and normal in this industry? I'm going to get other quotes of course but wanted to ask this question today as I sit here in a bit of shock after googling what the panels cost online.

That sounds typical, from what I've seen. Ground mount is typically more expensive than roof mount. Costs related to the electrical service (panel upgrade, new service drop), perhaps fencing, can add quite a bit. Definitely shop it around. An uncomplicated roof mount system that large might get into the low $3.xx's per watt.

[J.P.M.]

Yes it is reasonable and you need to be aware of one very important fact. Come December 31 2015 the solar bubble goes bust. That is when rebates and incentives goes away. Installers are booking up to get as much free money as they can because when the incentives and rebates are gone the industry is gone. With installers being booked, they can get away with higher prices. If you don't pay someone else will. Clock is running.

Isn't that 12/31/2016 ?

[Sunking]

Isn't that 12/31/2016 ?

Possible. But does not change the verdict. Installers are over booking to milk the cash cow while there is still milk. Come "D" day they are all out of work. By then the owners will be rich drinking Tuity Fruity drinks on a island somewhere on permanent vacation, and the laborers looking for work as roofers in a non English speaking company. That is what you get with Government work.