Feedback on Proposal 4.7 kW Sunpower Black with Solaredge SE 5000 (HELP!) San Diego

[J.P.M.]

Thank you for that well thought out response. I seriously thought that was a good price. The home is less than 4 years old, so it should be good. Will take your advice and negotiate fairly.

You're welcome.

Even considering Sunpower, it's a higher price than others have paid by 10%, and you can do a lot better on cost effectiveness with other equipment.

[LLN]

Check your PM

[chargers]

There are a lot of reputable companies that will sell you equipment equally fit for purpose for a lot less than $5.00/Watt. It just won't be Sunpower. If you have nothing unusual with no electrical panel upgrades, paying much more than $3.50/Watt, MAYBE a bit more for the relatively small system you are considering, is leaving money on the table. It's a free country, and Sunpower is good stuff, but 5 bucks a Watt is a lot extra for little if any additional annual output. Kind of like buying a Mercedes as a grocery hauler when a Ford is as fit for the task.

Solar panels and PV systems are a commodity like water heaters and garage doors, not a lifestyle.

Look for solar vendors who are and have been licensed electrical contractors for at least 10 years, who have a professional reputation and have sold solar equipment for at least 5 years. Among other advantages, they will likely have the better probability of being aware of the value of a satisfied customer and how that can affect their business, and of being around in the future if needed. They do exist and want your business. So do the "Larry with a ladder" types. Choose your vendor wisely and carefully. That choice is probably as important as the equipment as long as its reputable stuff. See posts here for some comments on equipment brands.

You're after quality work and quality equipment at a tough but fairly negotiated price.

Get more quotes.

Also, get your roof inspected and serviced if necessary. Cheap insurance, often overlooked or ignored. Seems like an expensive PITA, and it is, but worth it.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

Thank you for that well thought out response. I seriously thought that was a good price. The home is less than 4 years old, so it should be good. Will take your advice and negotiate fairly.

[J.P.M.]

There are a lot of reputable companies that will sell you equipment equally fit for purpose for a lot less than $5.00/Watt. It just won't be Sunpower. If you have nothing unusual with no electrical panel upgrades, paying much more than $3.50/Watt, MAYBE a bit more for the relatively small system you are considering, is leaving money on the table. It's a free country, and Sunpower is good stuff, but 5 bucks a Watt is a lot extra for little if any additional annual output. Kind of like buying a Mercedes as a grocery hauler when a Ford is as fit for the task.

Solar panels and PV systems are a commodity like water heaters and garage doors, not a lifestyle.

Look for solar vendors who are and have been licensed electrical contractors for at least 10 years, who have a professional reputation and have sold solar equipment for at least 5 years. Among other advantages, they will likely have the better probability of being aware of the value of a satisfied customer and how that can affect their business, and of being around in the future if needed. They do exist and want your business. So do the "Larry with a ladder" types. Choose your vendor wisely and carefully. That choice is probably as important as the equipment as long as its reputable stuff. See posts here for some comments on equipment brands.

You're after quality work and quality equipment at a tough but fairly negotiated price.

Get more quotes.

Also, get your roof inspected and serviced if necessary. Cheap insurance, often overlooked or ignored. Seems like an expensive PITA, and it is, but worth it.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

[tatumjonj]

I live in Temecula, but there are many members here in the SD area. I'm sure one of them will be along with some information shortly.

[chargers]

Holy cow, I have no idea what they charge for those black panels but that quote is $5/watt. $5 a watt!

Yeah, So I thought that was a good deal before reading this forum. But this company seems really reputable. Any thoughts on reputable companies in San Diego? PM me please.

[tatumjonj]

Holy cow, I have no idea what they charge for those black panels but that quote is $5/watt. $5 a watt!

[chargers]

Hi All,
So new to the solar world and got a proposal for 4.7 kW SunPower Black Panels (x 14) with the Solaredge inverter for $ 23,637 (pre-tax credit) with 16546 post tax credit. Is this a good deal? Or can I get a better deal in San Diego. I do love the look of all black panels because the panels will be in the front of the house. I thought this was a good deal, until reading this panel. Thoughts and opinions?