6.54 kw system in Massachusetts

[natick_john]

Hi all -
Just started researching getting solar for our house. Will probably need a new roof as well as ours is about 21 years old. Anything to think about with getting a new roof and solar - combined? discount?

I did receive one quote on solar which seemed high based on what others are posting:
6.54 W DC
20 Sunpower 327 panels
Solaredge inverter
1st year production 7821 kwh
We used about 10,000 kwh /year (though we're probably updating to a new efficient AC which might bring it down a bit)

$35 K pre-incentives

Trying to understand what a good target price is if I was trying to negotiate.

Also, anyone from Mass that has had a successful and financially sound installation, could you PM any info, so I can investigate.

Thanks
John

[J.P.M.]

Hi all -
Just started researching getting solar for our house. Will probably need a new roof as well as ours is about 21 years old. Anything to think about with getting a new roof and solar - combined? discount?

I did receive one quote on solar which seemed high based on what others are posting:
6.54 W DC
20 Sunpower 327 panels
Solaredge inverter
1st year production 7821 kwh
We used about 10,000 kwh /year (though we're probably updating to a new efficient AC which might bring it down a bit)

$35 K pre-incentives

Trying to understand what a good target price is if I was trying to negotiate.

Also, anyone from Mass that has had a successful and financially sound installation, could you PM any info, so I can investigate.

Thanks
John

Is the area where the solar is proposed limited ?

Did you verify the output estimate via PVWatts ?

Did you get more than one quote ?

[Amy@altE]

Unless you need every last watt you can fit on the roof, I recommend not paying the premium for the SunPower panels. You will often pay up to 25% more just to squeeze a few more watts in. Use regular efficiency panels and you should see a better price. I know many MA installers are doing around $4 a watt for regular panels.

[natick_john]

I've only had one other company come out and they were pushing PPA. I have a hip roof and the front and side are good for solar. The back is not perfect but the PPA company was saying their software said it was worth it to put on back also.

It just seems like solar is complicated and you have to sit through a lot of sales pitches to get even an idea of what's going. And then trying to compare products is also a challenge.

I'm hoping to find someone who has gone through the process to find any shortcuts. One of my neighbors just did a PPA, but the escalator leads to over 20 cents/kwh in the last 3 years which I'm not comfortable enough. I'm hoping between the 30% fed, $1K mass, and SREC program to make purchase work out long-term.

[Amy@altE]

PPA is good for people who don't have the upfront money and are bad at math. Full disclosure, I sell PV systems, so I'm biased, but unbiased people have also run the math and come to the same conclusion.

There are several good installers in your area, I can't really make public recommendations due to aforementioned bias, but you can look at the NABCEP certified list online, http://www.nabcep.org/certified-inst...cator?state=MA

[jtstott]

John,
Buying is the way to go if you can afford it upfront in my opinion.
I am in Pembroke and have gotten a bunch of quotes. I have been seeing $3.65-$4.30/watt with mostly solarworld or LG 275-280watt panels, the $4.30 was lg 300w. Got one quote w/ the Sunpowers for $5.25/watt. I am most likely going to settle on a proposal that is $3.80ish for a 7.5kw system.
Amy is full of good advise and has turned me on to a couple good installers that would be local to you as well.

[solar pete]

PPA is good for people who don't have the upfront money and are bad at math. Full disclosure, I sell PV systems, so I'm biased, but unbiased people have also run the math and come to the same conclusion.

There are several good installers in your area, I can't really make public recommendations due to aforementioned bias, but you can look at the NABCEP certified list online, http://www.nabcep.org/certified-inst...cator?state=MA

Hi All,

Thought I should chime in on this one. Nabcep is an excellent resource to ensure your company/installer is qualified. However it doesnt tell you what they are like to do business with. Our site sponsor is better at that sort of thing. OH and before you negative nellies get started with the well people who no nothing about solar cant really review it...RUBISH..they are reviewing the way the company dealt with them, did they advise well, did they bother to do a site visit, did they install what they said they would when they said they would. Did you end up paying what you were quoted, etc. You don't have to know anything about solar to be able to have a valid opinion about the way you were treated by your install company.

[jtstott]

Hi All,

Thought I should chime in on this one. Nabcep is an excellent resource to ensure your company/installer is qualified. However it doesnt tell you what they are like to do business with. Our site sponsor is better at that sort of thing. OH and before you negative nellies get started with the well people who no nothing about solar cant really review it...RUBISH..they are reviewing the way the company dealt with them, did they advise well, did they bother to do a site visit, did they install what they said they would when they said they would. Did you end up paying what you were quoted, etc. You don't have to know anything about solar to be able to have a valid opinion about the way you were treated by your install company.

I agree! I have knocked a couple companies for ignoring my preferences on the system. I want a string inverter as opposed to micros. One guy, sure we can do that, but let me quote you micros first. Knocked out my lowest priced bid because they are so F'ing slow to get back to any questions I have. The company I am most likely going with came recommended from Amy, has 20+ 5 star reviews on solarreviews and has been Johnny on the spot getting back to me w/ any questions/concerns I have brought up.

[SunEagle]

PPA is good for people who don't have the upfront money and are bad at math.

Pretty much sums it up to most leasing agreements especially with respect to automobiles.

[Amy@altE]

Hi All,

Thought I should chime in on this one. Nabcep is an excellent resource to ensure your company/installer is qualified. However it doesnt tell you what they are like to do business with. Our site sponsor is better at that sort of thing. OH and before you negative nellies get started with the well people who no nothing about solar cant really review it...RUBISH..they are reviewing the way the company dealt with them, did they advise well, did they bother to do a site visit, did they install what they said they would when they said they would. Did you end up paying what you were quoted, etc. You don't have to know anything about solar to be able to have a valid opinion about the way you were treated by your install company.

Excellent point, thanks for chiming in.