Lowest $/W for SunPower system

[Smitty]

Thanks!

[diogenes]

try this

http://www.mz3r.com/fa/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/books/photovoltaic_papers/photovoltaic%20design%20_%20installation%20for%20dummies.pdf

[Smitty]

I'd start w/"Solar for Dummies". Free for on line download. As for negotiation: That's why they start high and you start low. As for who to avoid: Larry with a ladder. A good electrical contractor who's sold solar PV for 5 + years and been around much longer is a good start and worth a premium. I'd avoid leasing unless you have the low first cost, nothing down/pay forever syndrome.........................Take what you want of the above. Scrap the rest.

Do you have a link for the Dummies book. I can't locate anything. Thanks!

[LouieA]

Maybe I'm to cynical, but at that price, I'd be very careful. Something about if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

I'm with you... Unusually low prices usually are reason for caution/concern.

I haven't yet figured out the etiquette of this forum, however it seems that mentioning the installers name publicly is a big no-no. Let's just say that this installer is very well reviewed (Yelp, BBB, Top 500 Installer) and has been utilized by several others on this forum. They've been in Business for +30 years, do their own installs (ie no subcontractors) and carry a C-10 license. When the tax credit gravy train is over, I want to be assured that my installer will be around should a warranty claim be necessary.

[J.P.M.]

Indeed, I must admit that I was very tempted. SunPower builds a quality product with an unrivaled warranty. However I highly doubt that I would ever be able to recapture the value since it is likely that I will relocate in the next 10 years.

Maybe I'm to cynical, but at that price, I'd be very careful. Something about if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

[LouieA]

Thank you. @ that price, if not sloppy seconds, they ought to walk out the door.

Indeed, I must admit that I was very tempted. SunPower builds a quality product with an unrivaled warranty. However I highly doubt that I would ever be able to recapture the value since it is likely that I will relocate in the next 10 years.

[J.P.M.]

Actually, I didn't even try to solicit any bids for SP. My installer offered the SP system to me for a 10% premium over the LG system without me even asking. Had another installer do the same thing.... and when I inquired further he mentioned one of their distributors had several pallets of SP in inventory and were offering specials.

Thank you. @ that price, if not sloppy seconds, they ought to walk out the door.

[LouieA]

How did you do that ?

Actually, I didn't even try to solicit any bids for SP. My installer offered the SP system to me for a 10% premium over the LG system without me even asking. Had another installer do the same thing.... and when I inquired further he mentioned one of their distributors had several pallets of SP in inventory and were offering specials.

[newe70]

I have recieved this quote this week.
3.92kw
12 Sunpower E20/237 solar panel
1 inverter Sunny Boy 3800TL US-22-240
$19,970

[J.P.M.]

Was quoted 3.64 / watt for SunPower just in the past week.

How did you do that ?

[LouieA]

That's awesome for SunPower.

am looking at rates north of $4.5/W

could you PM me the installer so that i could get a quote as well..

PM Sent

[na9an]

holy moly

That's awesome for SunPower.

am looking at rates north of $4.5/W

could you PM me the installer so that i could get a quote as well..

[LouieA]

Was quoted 3.64 / watt for SunPower just in the past week.

[J.P.M.]

I know man and I am glad I am found this forum so I can get all of that. Are there any other resources that you would recommend? Any solar companies that I should avoid? As far as negotiations go, it's hard to negotiate a lower deal when everyone gives a similar deal and I can't use any of them as leverage.

I'd start w/"Solar for Dummies". Free for on line download. As for negotiation: That's why they start high and you start low. As for who to avoid: Larry with a ladder. A good electrical contractor who's sold solar PV for 5 + years and been around much longer is a good start and worth a premium. I'd avoid leasing unless you have the low first cost, nothing down/pay forever syndrome.........................Take what you want of the above. Scrap the rest.

[Bynumite]

Have you informed yourself about solar electricity ? Which brands of equipment are you getting quotes for ? What is your annual usage ? What size array ? Are you negotiating ? Suggest answering/doing the first question first if you want to increase the probability of not getting ripped off. Solar ignorance is your biggest enemy. Also the easiest to fix. Read up. Knowledge is power.

I know man and I am glad I am found this forum so I can get all of that. Are there any other resources that you would recommend? Any solar companies that I should avoid? As far as negotiations go, it's hard to negotiate a lower deal when everyone gives a similar deal and I can't use any of them as leverage.