Lowest $/W for SunPower system

[igerstein]

I'm not sure of that. I don't see a lot of correlation between fiscal responsibility and domestic tranquility. But to the degree I see any correlation at all, it looks positively correlated to me. In any case, if more families ran their finances more like a business, I'd bet a lot fewer of them would be in a financial hole.

I agree 100% with the second thing you said, regarding general fiscal responsibility of the household. That said, the underlying purpose of a household isn't maximizing profit. If that was the case, any rational person would be driving a 10 yo used car, never take a vacation, have ikea furniture and so on, regardless of income.

My hunch is that there's a lot more that goes into "domestic tranquility" than just the homeowners balance sheet. This is coming from someone who's single and lives in misery, though, so I might not be the best resource.

[igerstein]

So is the inability to make a decision.

Right, that's exactly what I'm saying, we're in agreement here. I think the information overload often leads to paralysis. One of my clients wanted a spreadsheet showing way, way more options than was helpful to him (in my opinion). He wanted monthly payments, 20 year costs, true kwh rate, etc for four different loan terms, each with 4 different prepay options, and lease numbers for 3 different prepay options. He wanted that data for two different system sizes, giving him 38 different options.

He's been looking at that spreadsheet for four months now and is now moving forward on a standard lease, no prepay (literally the LEAST financially responsible decision). What does that say about his "purchasing process?"

[J.P.M.]

This, this, this. One of my clients waited 18 months before signing a contract, comparing quotes, comparing specs, etc. In the meantime his rebate dropped from $11,935 to $4,774.

Sometimes hyperanalysis is counterproductive.

So is the inability to make a decision.

[J.P.M.]

If homeowners operated like businesses you'd have a lot of really unhappy families.

I'm not sure of that. I don't see a lot of correlation between fiscal responsibility and domestic tranquility. But to the degree I see any correlation at all, it looks positively correlated to me. In any case, if more families ran their finances more like a business, I'd bet a lot fewer of them would be in a financial hole.

[igerstein]

I'd also add that it's common to become paralyzed with indecision. I've read posts from people that are years into making a decision about PV product/pricing/installation/etc. While it's important to take the time to make the "right" decision, the kWh's on the meter keep clicking away and dollars keep flying out the window every month.

This, this, this. One of my clients waited 18 months before signing a contract, comparing quotes, comparing specs, etc. In the meantime his rebate dropped from $11,935 to $4,774.

Sometimes hyperanalysis is counterproductive.

[igerstein]

Opinions vary and yours is as valid as any. I'd only offer a slightly different take: If people responsible for financial decisions in businesses operated the way most homeowners operate when making economic decisions about the best way to reduce an expense, the business folks would be quickly tossed. Sad part is, things could be so much better for so little effort.

If homeowners operated like businesses you'd have a lot of really unhappy families.

[genesmasher]

Genesmasher,
I noticed you are in San Diego too. Do you mind sharing what company you went through for solar? (via Pm? I don't have enough posts yet to pm you)

Also, can I ask what company gave you the below quote? I got a similar quote for 19 sunpower panels and sma and was quoted $32k before tax credit! So I'm trying to look around a bit.
6.08 KW
19x SunPower 320 + SMA 6000TL
$24,255
$3.99/W

Thank-you.

Check your mail

[solarmom]

Genesmasher,
I noticed you are in San Diego too. Do you mind sharing what company you went through for solar? (via Pm? I don't have enough posts yet to pm you)

Also, can I ask what company gave you the below quote? I got a similar quote for 19 sunpower panels and sma and was quoted $32k before tax credit! So I'm trying to look around a bit.
6.08 KW
19x SunPower 320 + SMA 6000TL
$24,255
$3.99/W

Thank-you.

[nomadh]

Well so far $2.77 / watt prepaid lease

So that's pretty good if you can't take advantage of the 30% tax rebate. Don't know what the cash price was.
See my prepaid lease thread for more info.

[greydog]

Please PM as well

Check your PM

Genemasher-

I too live in San Diego and could benefit from your quotes, if you don't mind PMing them to me.

Thank you!

[J.P.M.]

It's the analysis paralysis effect of a maximizer. Been there, done that, and wasted a lot of time.

Me too. I had to learn that while proper research and due diligence can be used as a red herring excuse for the inability to make a decision, making decisions in a too hasty fashion can be the result of laziness to do the necessary, but sometimes difficult research and homework.

[woodtiger]

I'd also add that it's common to become paralyzed with indecision. I've read posts from people that are years into making a decision about PV product/pricing/installation/etc. While it's important to take the time to make the "right" decision, the kWh's on the meter keep clicking away and dollars keep flying out the window every month.

It's the analysis paralysis effect of a maximizer. Been there, done that, and wasted a lot of time.

[oilerlord]

Opinions vary anf yours is as valid as any. I'd only offer a slightly different take: If people responsible for financial decisions in businesses operated the way most homeowners operate when making economic decisions about the best way to reduce an expense, the business folks would be quickly tossed. Sad part is, things could be so much better for so little effort.

I'd also add that it's common to become paralyzed with indecision. I've read posts from people that are years into making a decision about PV product/pricing/installation/etc. While it's important to take the time to make the "right" decision, the kWh's on the meter keep clicking away and dollars keep flying out the window every month.

[woodtiger]

you don't buy a mercedes because it's affordable. if you want the highest end panels/installation, you'll pay a premium. if you want to drive a ford pinto, you'll save some money and it'll still get you from place to place. all these over the top financial analyses are ridiculous- get what's going to make you happy, especially if the difference is only a couple thousand bucks over decades.

I think I'd agree that you should get what makes you happy, period.

[J.P.M.]

you don't buy a mercedes because it's affordable. if you want the highest end panels/installation, you'll pay a premium. if you want to drive a ford pinto, you'll save some money and it'll still get you from place to place. all these over the top financial analyses are ridiculous- get what's going to make you happy, especially if the difference is only a couple thousand bucks over decades.

Opinions vary and yours is as valid as any. I'd only offer a slightly different take: If people responsible for financial decisions in businesses operated the way most homeowners operate when making economic decisions about the best way to reduce an expense, the business folks would be quickly tossed. Sad part is, things could be so much better for so little effort.