8.7kW system coming Orange County, SoCal

[s_man]

Can you also PM me company b and c. Thank you.

P.M. sent

[Kbbean]

P.m. sent.

Can you also PM me company b and c. Thank you.

[s_man]

Hey man. I am not at the 10 post limit but would appreciate it if you could PM referrals of companies B and C. The companies I have been talking to have only been giving me that quote for SW panels and not the LG panels.

P.m. sent.

[Bynumite]

P.M. sent

Hey man. I am not at the 10 post limit but would appreciate it if you could PM referrals of companies B and C. The companies I have been talking to have only been giving me that quote for SW panels and not the LG panels.

[J.P.M.]

Some updates. Today, a city inspector and his assistant came out to do a rough inspection before solar panels could be installed. They did climb up to the roof and found only a few minor corrections otherwise everything else is good. It turns out the city does not allow a solar panel to be on top of the flat vent they converted from my half dome vent so the contractor will have to put that panel in another spot. The inspector also noticed plastic zip ties were used to fasten the conduit to the racking's rail so they noted it down that we needs to use stainless steel zip tie when we need to fasten the PV wires to the racking or just put the wires running inside the rail if they are fit; reason: the plastic ties wouldn't last that long on the roof.

It is common for building codes to disallow vents to be obstructed. It's probably easier to move the panel, but if space is at a premium, an alternative to moving the panel is moving the vent.

[s_man]

Rough Inspection

Some updates. Today, a city inspector and his assistant came out to do a rough inspection before solar panels could be installed. They did climb up to the roof and found only a few minor corrections otherwise everything else is good. It turns out the city does not allow a solar panel to be on top of the flat vent they converted from my half dome vent so the contractor will have to put that panel in another spot. The inspector also noticed plastic zip ties were used to fasten the conduit to the racking's rail so they noted it down that we needs to use stainless steel zip tie when we need to fasten the PV wires to the racking or just put the wires running inside the rail if they are fit; reason: the plastic ties wouldn't last that long on the roof.

[s_man]

Another step closer

They came last Thursday and Friday to install the optimizers, the inverter and the electric panel. They still haven't finished it yet but look like a nice clean job so far and I am happy feeling getting closer . Here are the pictures:

[s_man]

What I don't understand is the basic technique of project management, over communication, and advanced scheduling. I understand the stereotypical situation of project delay by contractors. I informed the rep that I am ok with project delay but I am not ok without any installation timeline. All I got is "This is a seven week installation process.." And this company doesn't seem to "transfer" the project to delivery team after signing contract. There is no clear communication as to which project manager is, PM's contact info, when next step is. Without advanced scheduling, should I just need to reserve $20 to $30K around for them to pick up at any time they want?

As of today, it is about 12 business days into signing the contract. Deposit check was cleared by bank 5 days after signing the contract. I had to send a few emails to request the first whatever step. SCE bills was requested 10 days after signing the contract to start net meeting application. And I have not seen my design proposal. No engineer actually came to do site survey yet. Of course, I have no idea what they will like to perform next.

I don't think it's fair to blame on the sales rep unless he is the owner/management or project lead. Honestly, canceling the contract is still in my mind.

Yeah, I agree company B needs better project management. That was my concern too. I will let David know about your issue as well.

[OftheSeven]

What I don't understand is the basic technique of project management, over communication, and advanced scheduling. I understand the stereotypical situation of project delay by contractors. I informed the rep that I am ok with project delay but I am not ok without any installation timeline. All I got is "This is a seven week installation process.." And this company doesn't seem to "transfer" the project to delivery team after signing contract. There is no clear communication as to which project manager is, PM's contact info, when next step is. Without advanced scheduling, should I just need to reserve $20 to $30K around for them to pick up at any time they want?

As of today, it is about 12 business days into signing the contract. Deposit check was cleared by bank 5 days after signing the contract. I had to send a few emails to request the first whatever step. SCE bills was requested 10 days after signing the contract to start net meeting application. And I have not seen my design proposal. No engineer actually came to do site survey yet. Of course, I have no idea what they will like to perform next.

I don't think it's fair to blame on the sales rep unless he is the owner/management or project lead. Honestly, canceling the contract is still in my mind.

That doesn't sound good. When I used them in April, there were some delays but they eventually pulled through. The sales/project manager is sometimes out of step with the rest of the crew in terms of timing; add to that the busy summer months and delays are the result.

Hopefully, they'll start on your system soon!

[s_man]

Thanks for the additional information. I tried to PM but cannot until I have 10 or more posts.

You are welcome!

[NESTCAFE]

Project Management

Yeah, I wish I have set my expectation right at first. Normally you would think that you should be informed of how your plan is going on a regular basic and what and when will be done next and to be informed if it's behind schedule; but that was not my case. So make sure you let them know how you would expect in the beginning to have a clear understanding between you and them. After awhile I got tired of not knowing what and when and then just have to wait for whatever come whenever come.

What I don't understand is the basic technique of project management, over communication, and advanced scheduling. I understand the stereotypical situation of project delay by contractors. I informed the rep that I am ok with project delay but I am not ok without any installation timeline. All I got is "This is a seven week installation process.." And this company doesn't seem to "transfer" the project to delivery team after signing contract. There is no clear communication as to which project manager is, PM's contact info, when next step is. Without advanced scheduling, should I just need to reserve $20 to $30K around for them to pick up at any time they want?

As of today, it is about 12 business days into signing the contract. Deposit check was cleared by bank 5 days after signing the contract. I had to send a few emails to request the first whatever step. SCE bills was requested 10 days after signing the contract to start net meeting application. And I have not seen my design proposal. No engineer actually came to do site survey yet. Of course, I have no idea what they will like to perform next.

I don't think it's fair to blame on the sales rep unless he is the owner/management or project lead. Honestly, canceling the contract is still in my mind.

[aaleong]

Similar Situtation

Thanks for the additional information. I tried to PM but cannot until I have 10 or more posts.

[s_man]

I learned quite a lot from reading this particular threads. I also recently signed with Company B based on the recommendation and my own research after getting multiple quotes. And I still see people inquiring about the suggested vendor. They are fairly booked up especially with the hot weather recently. So, need to set your expectation right with the installation schedule.

Yeah, I wish I have set my expectation right at first. Normally you would think that you should be informed of how your plan is going on a regular basic and what and when will be done next and to be informed if it's behind schedule; but that was not my case. So make sure you let them know how you would expect in the beginning to have a clear understanding between you and them. After awhile I got tired of not knowing what and when and then just have to wait for whatever come whenever come.

[s_man]

P.M. sent

[aaleong]

Similar Situtation

Thanks for the PM