8.7kW system coming Orange County, SoCal

[s_man]

Can you avoid replacing your panel if you stick with the SE-7600? If C is the company I used the doubt is mainly about them being in business long term, the workmanship was good.

My panel is very old and some breaker even don't want to stay on when you flip so I think it's due for a replacement.

[gvl]

My panel is very old and some breaker even don't want to stay on when you flip so I think it's due for a replacement.

Did you check with your POCO if the will allow a panel upgrade? Is your service connected using underground cables or from a pole? For the former you don't want to find out half way through the project you need to dig a 50 foot long and 3 foot deep trench and run a new conduit in it just to be able to put in a 200A main panel. Speaking from experience.

[s_man]

Did you check with your POCO if the will allow a panel upgrade? Is your service connected using underground cables or from a pole? For the former you don't want to find out half way through the project you need to dig a 50 foot long and 3 foot deep trench and run a new conduit in it just to be able to put in a 200A main panel. Speaking from experience.

Thanks gvl! my service connected from a pole so hopefully not that bad. I am clueless about panel and what to ask so will have to read more, or ask the installer.

[thejq]

Thanks gvl! my service connected from a pole so hopefully not that bad. I am clueless about panel and what to ask so will have to read more, or ask the installer.

What's the ampage of your current panel and the new one? If the new one is significantly larger, your POCO might force you to run new supply wires. While not as expensive as underground, it's still extra costs. I guess you will find out once you submit the permit application for the new panel to your POCO.

[gvl]

What's the ampage of your current panel and the new one? If the new one is significantly larger, your POCO might force you to run new supply wires. While not as expensive as underground, it's still extra costs. I guess you will find out once you submit the permit application for the new panel to your POCO.

In my case SCE ran the wires for free once the new underground conduit was in place.

[s_man]

What's the ampage of your current panel and the new one? If the new one is significantly larger, your POCO might force you to run new supply wires. While not as expensive as underground, it's still extra costs. I guess you will find out once you submit the permit application for the new panel to your POCO.

Some pictures. The main shows 1 side 100 the other 80 or 90.
20150421_091611.jpg20150421_091744.jpg20150421_091804.jpg

[thejq]

Some pictures. The main shows 1 side 100 the other 80 or 90.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]6516[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6517[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6518[/ATTACH]

Yeah those definitely need to be replaced, even without the solar. It's a fire hazard I would think. You might in luck as gvl pointed out, SCE may replace your supply line for free.

[s_man]

Did you check if they (esp the smaller ones) have the C-10 license and worker's comp? If they only have C-46, they have to (or are supposed to) get an electrician to do the interconnect to the grid.

Company B has C-10 only, and company C has both C-10 & C-46. Any advantage having C-46?

[s_man]

Did you ask about mounting HW? It's a common place to cut corners to save $$$.

Company B didn't answer my email but from Bob's picture it's ProSolar. Company C uses Everest PV Quick mount.

[thejq]

C-10 is sufficient, but having C-46 doesn't hurt either.

I've not familiar with either of the mounting HWs, but you can get a rough idea of the pricing from here http://www.civicsolar.com/products/racking-mounting Normally more expensive means better. The commonly trusted brands are Unirac, QuickMount and IronRidge with post stand-offs (not the hook type).

[s_man]

C-10 is sufficient, but having C-46 doesn't hurt either.

I've not familiar with either of the mounting HWs, but you can get a rough idea of the pricing from here http://www.civicsolar.com/products/racking-mounting Normally more expensive means better. The commonly trusted brands are Unirac, QuickMount and IronRidge with post stand-offs (not the hook type).

Thanks thejq!

[OftheSeven]

I also went with company "B" and had my panel upgraded (Eaton). Smaller system, 4.59kW.
Ran into a few roof issues - I had to get a new roof but they did great work.

[s_man]

I also went with company "B" and had my panel upgraded (Eaton). Smaller system, 4.59kW.
Ran into a few roof issues - I had to get a new roof but they did great work.

Thanks OftheSeven! Could you pm me your roofer's information? My roof may need to be done too. Thanks again!

[Venice]

I also went with company "B" and had my panel upgraded (Eaton). Smaller system, 4.59kW.

Can you pm me Company 'B' contact info? I'm interested in ~8kW system in West LA. I'd be interested any particular reasons you selected 'B'.

[irvinephotographer]

Can you pm me Company 'B' contact info? I'm interested in ~8kW system in West LA. I'd be interested any particular reasons you selected 'B'.

Can you also pm me with Company B contact information. I'm in Irvine.