5.1KW Costco Solar System.

[J.P.M.]

Can you tell me what system I could get for less? what part numbers? links? etc. Thanks

I found a guy who is willing to install a system even if I don't buy it from him. He charges $1 per watt for the install. He also is going to send me quote but the said that for a 5kw system it will be around 20k... if I go with the Costco one and he install the system it will cost about 3k less than his own system.

Terrible to pay too much. Worse to pay too little. You will get what you pay for or less, but that may be enough.

[gvl]

Can you tell me what system I could get for less? what part numbers? links? etc. Thanks

I found a guy who is willing to install a system even if I don't buy it from him. He charges $1 per watt for the install. He also is going to send me quote but the said that for a 5kw system it will be around 20k... if I go with the Costco one and he install the system it will cost about 3k less than his own system.

Google is your friend. But you can start here:

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/grid-tie-packages

This one is same or better system than GrapeSolar from Costco for $1.73/watt (w/o shipping):

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/1890405/wholesale-solar/complete-systems/20-panel-solar-sky-astronergy-grid-tie-system

But you should consider the specifics of your installation, if you have shading issues then micro inverters or Solar Edge system may provide a better return long term after paying a bit more up front. Also don't forget the cost of city permits and roof mounts, wires, EMT, A/C disconnect box, and likely dozen other small things.

[juanmedina]

There is better stuff out there for at least $0.50/Watt less. Why pay more?

Can you tell me what system I could get for less? what part numbers? links? etc. Thanks

I found a guy who is willing to install a system even if I don't buy it from him. He charges $1 per watt for the install. He also is going to send me quote but the said that for a 5kw system it will be around 20k... if I go with the Costco one and he install the system it will cost about 3k less than his own system.

[gvl]

I just explained why....

Sorry, I just don't see the logic. Same installer would happily install any other system for you with components that have same or longer warranty as the ones Costco sells.

[Ward L]

I just explained why....

[gvl]

There is better stuff out there for at least $0.50/Watt less. Why pay more?

[Ward L]

I bought Costco Grape Solar Panels a Year ago and am still happy

It seemed to me there were a lot of sharks swimming in the solar install business that I didn't know and didn't trust when I started to look for panels. I like Costco because of their return policies and their prices. I got the Grape solar panels installed on my roof by a Costco recommended installer. Grape panels are made in Asia, like a lot of the stuff we buy today. I think Asian producers can make quality products when the consumer demands a quality product. I have a clay tile roof which is crazy brittle and a difficult install. The next time it rained I had a roof leak. The installer came back and with my agreement, removed my panels, installed a composition shingle underneath my panels, changed the mounting brackets for the new roof and reinstalled the solar panels at no additional charge. No more leaks. The system continues to run well, generating electricity every day. It over produces compared to the Enphase (also made in Asia) power prediction. Not sure what that means, but everything seems to work fine after a year. Everyone is different and the Costco deal worked very well for me.

[foo1bar]

Thanks for the info. Where can I get the hardware for less?

My solar supplier was Renvu in Mountain View, CA - that's where I checked prices for what you posted for items in your kit.
Since the forum moderators/owners don't like us linking to websites, I won't in this post.
I liked them - I'd recommend them.
But there are many other options out there too.

Searching for specific items (ex. "Solaredge inverter" or "Solaredge SE7600A-US") will usually bring up retailers that carry that. And often they'll carry everything else you want too.
(BTW - that particular inverter probably isn't right choice for you. It is the one I have)

[juanmedina]

$11590? So you're only overpaying for the hardware by $4k instead of ~$6K?
I guess that's better.



First order of business is to figure out how you're going to do the install - who's going to do it.
They deal with getting the building permit normally, not you.
IMO if they want you to get it, then there's something wrong with them, and you shouldn't use them.

I did my own install, so I did the permit.
For me,
* go to city hall, get their handout on what they want for a PV permit
* Ask plan reviewer about getting waiver for fire setbacks (need waiver from fire dept)
* create the necessary documentation
* print out cut sheets for racking, modules, inverter
* Setup appt with head firedept guy to review my plans.
* Go to fire dept. to review plans (~1 hour)
* Go back to city hall with all the needed documents (was 2 or 3 copies - can't recall)
* Do plan review with plan reviewer (had to wait for him to be free)
* Pay ~$300 for the permit (had to wait for her to be free)

~1 hour on one day, ~1 hour on another with fire dept., ~3 hours (mostly waiting) on another day getting the permit.

Then a week or 2 later when I ordered everything
* return to city hall with amendment for permit (different modules)
* Wait for ~30 min.
* get stamp that says the changes are fine (no charge)
(would have been longer if it hadn't been a really easy/straightforward change that he could review in 2 minutes )


NOW - ignore the above and figure out WHO is doing your install.
Then let them deal with finding out what's required by your AHJ and applying for the permit with your AHJ.

Thanks for the info. Where can I get the hardware for less?

Thanks

[gvl]

Even considering one can successfully deal with all the headaches as a DIY installer Costco solar kits are just a bad deal.

[foo1bar]

Anyway, I got custom quote from Costco and they can do a 5.3kw system for $11,590 + tax. They don't have a suggested local installer so I need to do some research.

$11590? So you're only overpaying for the hardware by $4k instead of ~$6K?
I guess that's better.

Is there a thread on how to get a building permit?

First order of business is to figure out how you're going to do the install - who's going to do it.
They deal with getting the building permit normally, not you.
IMO if they want you to get it, then there's something wrong with them, and you shouldn't use them.

I did my own install, so I did the permit.
For me,
* go to city hall, get their handout on what they want for a PV permit
* Ask plan reviewer about getting waiver for fire setbacks (need waiver from fire dept)
* create the necessary documentation
* print out cut sheets for racking, modules, inverter
* Setup appt with head firedept guy to review my plans.
* Go to fire dept. to review plans (~1 hour)
* Go back to city hall with all the needed documents (was 2 or 3 copies - can't recall)
* Do plan review with plan reviewer (had to wait for him to be free)
* Pay ~$300 for the permit (had to wait for her to be free)

~1 hour on one day, ~1 hour on another with fire dept., ~3 hours (mostly waiting) on another day getting the permit.

Then a week or 2 later when I ordered everything
* return to city hall with amendment for permit (different modules)
* Wait for ~30 min.
* get stamp that says the changes are fine (no charge)
(would have been longer if it hadn't been a really easy/straightforward change that he could review in 2 minutes )


NOW - ignore the above and figure out WHO is doing your install.
Then let them deal with finding out what's required by your AHJ and applying for the permit with your AHJ.

[Living Large]

It depends on the roof height and layout which will determine how the system hardware is moved and installed.

I would hate to have untrained manual laborers installing or even staging my pv system hardware on my roof. Those panels aren't a bundle of shingles and cost a lot more. Especially the 72 cell panels.

I hope you find people in your area that don't break your hardware or get hurt in the process installing your system.

Two thumbs up to this post.

[Living Large]

Lifting equipment? have you Mexican's installing solar panels? they just carry the panels up the ladder. Ladders, harnesses and tools I can rent at homedepot.

Anyway, I got custom quote from Costco and they can do a 5.3kw system for $11,590 + tax. They don't have a suggested local installer so I need to do some research.

Is there a thread on how to get a building permit? I can do the engineering drawings.

It varies. My roof is going to be 36 degrees from vertical. Not even "Mexicans" can stick to that. I'll need Spiderman, or a lift.

I'm starting with the codes official in my town to find out how to proceed. Don't know about a thread on getting a permit. People here can certainly guide you once you know something about the process.

[SunEagle]

Lifting equipment? have you Mexican's installing solar panels? they just carry the panels up the ladder. Ladders, harnesses and tools I can rent at homedepot.

.....

It depends on the roof height and layout which will determine how the system hardware is moved and installed.

I would hate to have untrained manual laborers installing or even staging my pv system hardware on my roof. Those panels aren't a bundle of shingles and cost a lot more. Especially the 72 cell panels.

I hope you find people in your area that don't break your hardware or get hurt in the process installing your system.

[HX_Guy]

Lifting equipment? have you Mexican's installing solar panels? they just carry the panels up the ladder. Ladders, harnesses and tools I can rent at homedepot.

Not even ladders...depending on your roof, you can have one person on the group, lift the panel up and one person on the roof (or patio cover preferably) grab the panel and pull it up.