Sun Power Vs. Kyocera, Lease Vs. Buy

[drmtesta]

Kyocera is a better product, and SP is more expensive.

The sales guy said the SP produce about 30% solar energy. The Kyocera system is much cheaper but I think I'll need more panels to get an equal production.
Thanks

[Optimum7]

Hi all,
This is my first post and have had just one consult so far. Three more planned this week. We have a 2300 sqft home in SoCal where it's hot most of the year. Our bill is about $450.00 per month (1,444 kwh) and we have an old single speed pool pump, and old AC unit. We having an whole house fan put in this week and I'll probably replace the pool pump as well. AC may have to wait.

I had a few questions so please jump in if you are able:
1. The company we talked to suggested Sun Power rather than Kyocera. The panels are supposed to produce much more. Are they worthwhile. The difference in purchase price is about $15K to go with the Sun Power panels. What is a right cost per kwh for Sun Power. . .right now we were proposed $4.11 kwh installed and $.15 per kw for 20 years.

2. Thoughts on lease vs purchase? I know the lease is more expensive over time and there is a bunch of financing options out there. Has anyone used HERO?

3. Here in SoCal, they are going to change the Net Metering rates and we've been told that the date is June 2015. Spoke to SDGE today and they said 7/21/2017. Scare tactic?

Thanks in advance!!
DRM

I am kind of new here but learned quickly that looking into all energy savings possibilities should be the 1st step. ( that old Air Conditioner, lights, etc )

[thejq]

1444KWh/mon or 48.13KWh/day is a lot of energy for a 2300 sft house. If you are going to make your house more energy efficient, why don't you finish that and see for a few months what the reduced consumption is like. Otherwise, you could oversize your solar system and waste money. Most people here will tell you Sunpower is not worth it.

I'm not sure what you mean by "we were proposed $4.11 kwh installed and $.15 per kw for 20 years". Do you mean $4.11/W installed which calculates to $0.15 / KWh over 20 years? If so, and it's for Sunpower, it sounds reasonable.

As for SDG&E net metering, it's not running out any time soon, so don't worry about it.

[Sunking]

Kyocera is a better product, and SP is more expensive.

[solar pete]

Hi all,
This is my first post and have had just one consult so far. Three more planned this week. We have a 2300 sqft home in SoCal where it's hot most of the year. Our bill is about $450.00 per month (1,444 kwh) and we have an old single speed pool pump, and old AC unit. We having an whole house fan put in this week and I'll probably replace the pool pump as well. AC may have to wait.

I had a few questions so please jump in if you are able:
1. The company we talked to suggested Sun Power rather than Kyocera. The panels are supposed to produce much more. Are they worthwhile. The difference in purchase price is about $15K to go with the Sun Power panels. What is a right cost per kwh for Sun Power. . .right now we were proposed $4.11 kwh installed and $.15 per kw for 20 years.

2. Thoughts on lease vs purchase? I know the lease is more expensive over time and there is a bunch of financing options out there. Has anyone used HERO?

3. Here in SoCal, they are going to change the Net Metering rates and we've been told that the date is June 2015. Spoke to SDGE today and they said 7/21/2017. Scare tactic?


Thanks in advance!!

DRM

Howdy drmtesta and welcome to Solar Panel Talk,

This topic has been discussed many times so if you search the forum you should find a few threads that deal with Buy versus Lease. Re the panels personally I think the SP panels are too much money, BUT it supports local jobs so opinions vary on this one. There should be a few SoCal people around to chime in at some stage. Read up and ask questions and you should end up with a good result, good luck, have fun,cheers.

[drmtesta]

Hi all,
This is my first post and have had just one consult so far. Three more planned this week. We have a 2300 sqft home in SoCal where it's hot most of the year. Our bill is about $450.00 per month (1,444 kwh) and we have an old single speed pool pump, and old AC unit. We having an whole house fan put in this week and I'll probably replace the pool pump as well. AC may have to wait.

I had a few questions so please jump in if you are able:
1. The company we talked to suggested Sun Power rather than Kyocera. The panels are supposed to produce much more. Are they worthwhile. The difference in purchase price is about $15K to go with the Sun Power panels. What is a right cost per kwh for Sun Power. . .right now we were proposed $4.11 kwh installed and $.15 per kw for 20 years.

2. Thoughts on lease vs purchase? I know the lease is more expensive over time and there is a bunch of financing options out there. Has anyone used HERO?

3. Here in SoCal, they are going to change the Net Metering rates and we've been told that the date is June 2015. Spoke to SDGE today and they said 7/21/2017. Scare tactic?

Thanks in advance!!
DRM