Ripped off in Boston?

[NorthEast]

Hi,

I have been reading other posts and threads about bids for residential PV systems here in MA. Many folks have been quoted in the $4-5/W range.

I got this quote last year from SunBug Solar, Arlington, MA:

14 SunPower 335W Signature Black X-21 Panels,
Sunny Boy America 4000 TL-US Inverter,
TIGO Module Maximizers-ES.

Gross System Cost: $31,189
System Size: 4.69kW

Which brings it to $6.65/W

It is way over any other quote I have seen on this Forum. Have I been overcharged?

Thanks!

[J.P.M.]

Hi,

I have been reading other posts and threads about bids for residential PV systems here in MA. Many folks have been quoted in the $4-5/W range.

I got this quote last year from SunBug Solar, Arlington, MA:

14 SunPower 335W Signature Black X-21 Panels,
Sunny Boy America 4000 TL-US Inverter,
TIGO Module Maximizers-ES.

Gross System Cost: $31,189
System Size: 4.69kW

Which brings it to $6.65/W

It is way over any other quote I have seen on this Forum. Have I been overcharged?

Thanks!

Probably yes, but, prices have dropped a bit since last year (but not THAT much), and there may be particulars to your job, and Sunpower is the most expensive panel by far.

[bradykp]

The highest quote i got was $5.95/watt and i believe they said upgrading to the X-21 panels would add $0.30/watt. but this guy was far and away the most expensive quote i got in NJ. someone from NY beat him by a decent amount, and 2 others from NJ beat them both.

[NorthEast]

Nothing particular

Probably yes, but, prices have dropped a bit since last year (but not THAT much), and there may be particulars to your job, and Sunpower is the most expensive panel by far.

Our situation is very straightforward - southern exposure, standing seam metal roof, easy access to electrical meter...

[NorthEast]

Could you share the better quotes?

The highest quote i got was $5.95/watt and i believe they said upgrading to the X-21 panels would add $0.30/watt. but this guy was far and away the most expensive quote i got in NJ. someone from NY beat him by a decent amount, and 2 others from NJ beat them both.

Could you share what those better quotes were? What was the best quote from those two NJ guys?

[bradykp]

Could you share what those better quotes were? What was the best quote from those two NJ guys?

The quote I'm signing is for $3.90/w. $24,300 for 6,213 19 panel system.

[HX_Guy]

Are labor costs that much more in the NE? Sheesh these prices are very high compared to the local market here in Phoenix Metro.

[mpkelley20]

I just went back to the Sunpower guy who quoted me 4.97 for their sp250 panels with micro inverters. Seeing if they can move those numbers down a bit since I am seeing lower ones in the area. I think I am going to call a few more places to get more quotes as I didn't realize this was like buying a car and everyone pays a different price.

[bradykp]

Are labor costs that much more in the NE? Sheesh these prices are very high compared to the local market here in Phoenix Metro.

i think so. my brother in law is in construction and worked on Citifield he said a big part of the price difference of the NY stadiums vs the Marlins stadium was materials are more expensive to get to the site and labor is more. but then again - our salaries are generally higher, so there's that. lol

[NorthEast]

The quote I'm signing is for $3.90/w. $24,300 for 6,213 19 panel system.

Thank you! And what are the components in the system that you are installing? So I can compare apples to apples.

[bradykp]

Thank you! And what are the components in the system that you are installing? So I can compare apples to apples.

Sunpower E21 (327 watt panel)
SMA Inverter

19 panels - 6,213w system size
Estimated production - 7,700

what else do you need to know?

[NorthEast]

Sunpower E21 (327 watt panel)
SMA Inverter

19 panels - 6,213w system size
Estimated production - 7,700

what else do you need to know?

This is great. Thank you. I presume no power optimizers, like Solaredge or Tigo for each panel?

[emartin00]

Sunpower E21 (327 watt panel)
SMA Inverter

19 panels - 6,213w system size
Estimated production - 7,700

what else do you need to know?

Mounting method?
Since you said standing seam, I would guess S-5!

[bradykp]

This is great. Thank you. I presume no power optimizers, like Solaredge or Tigo for each panel?

I was told that Solaredge wasn't needed for my system. I am removing a dead tree that would have been a shading issue.

[bradykp]

Mounting method?
Since you said standing seam, I would guess S-5!

SunFrame mounts. Quick Mount PV