Yet Another SD Install 4.5Kw LG 300's SE 5000 in La Costa CA

[hcubed]

Wouldn't you know, after I posted that last reply things started to go wonky. Let's just say that I am working with my installer to ensure that the cabling is aesthetically pleasing (as much as possible). They are using Carflex and looping it over my fascia just doesn't work. I need them to follow the contours of the fascia with rigid conduit.

If anyone has some pics of good looking conduit coming over the fascia, I would appreciate it.

Things are back on track and looking good. My installer was out today re-doing the cable runs and it looks so much better. I have a unique install in that I have 4 roof surfaces (2 second story, 2 first story) that have panels. They were all chosen as they all face directly south. They should be done today and do a bit of painting on the conduit that is readily visible. Should be ready for inspection tomorrow of Thursday.

[Carl_NH]

Things are back on track and looking good. My installer was out today re-doing the cable runs and it looks so much better. I have a unique install in that I have 4 roof surfaces (2 second story, 2 first story) that have panels. They were all chosen as they all face directly south. They should be done today and do a bit of painting on the conduit that is readily visible. Should be ready for inspection tomorrow of Thursday.

Pictures before and after ?

[hcubed]

Pictures before and after ?

Here are a couple of pictures of before and after. The background is that I have four roof surfaces that have panels on them. This was done to get them all south facing. Two of the arrays are on first story roofs and the other are on the second story. I discussed how I thought things should be routed with my installer and I thought we were on the same page. The guy who did the work appeared to work off a different page. The issue was that he looped carflex over my fascias. As my wife said, it looked like an octopus.

My installer was great and said he would take care of it. He came out this week with another one of his guys who had been around in the very early stages when my roof was completely torn off. Between the two of them, they re-routed things so that I had only one spot where the carflex comes over the fascia and it was done as flush as possible. They did a great job painting all of the conduit and things just blend it to the surfaces they pass over. It was a great balance of aesthetics and function.

[JBinCBad]

Congrats, looking good, will be nice to see your production #'s. I signed my contract over 5 weeks ago, and other than standoffs, have no action or communication (initiated b) my installer. I feel like I have to be the nagging client to get anything done on the job. Not a good way to do business, imho. The "project coordinator" is reluctant to provide any kind of timeline or schedule, so someone looking for a good contract, I'd recommend they lay this information out and incorporate it into the contract.

I thought I was being reasonable and cooperative with a 3 mo. date, and expected it to be done in a week or two, due to the simplicity of my install. Clearly that was an error on my part.

Since many have asked for my installer info, I feel obligated to keep you updated on my progress (or lack thereof). I was not initially concerned with the timing of the install, but since "winter is coming", I'm a bit miffed at myself and the installer for not setting a clear timeline.

[J.P.M.]

Congrats, looking good, will be nice to see your production #'s. I signed my contract over 5 weeks ago, and other than standoffs, have no action or communication (initiated b) my installer. I feel like I have to be the nagging client to get anything done on the job. Not a good way to do business, imho. The "project coordinator" is reluctant to provide any kind of timeline or schedule, so someone looking for a good contract, I'd recommend they lay this information out and incorporate it into the contract.

I thought I was being reasonable and cooperative with a 3 mo. date, and expected it to be done in a week or two, due to the simplicity of my install. Clearly that was an error on my part.

Since many have asked for my installer info, I feel obligated to keep you updated on my progress (or lack thereof). I was not initially concerned with the timing of the install, but since "winter is coming", I'm a bit miffed at myself and the installer for not setting a clear timeline.

Something to perhaps think about for future solar users: One thing I put in my R.F.P. and insisted it became part of any contract I signed was a firm commissioning date - that is, the system generated power on test and be "ready to operate", just waiting for inspection/signoff by the AHJ. That clause got teeth in it from another clause that stipulated if they missed the date, they would pick up my electric bill until it was ready, and get a bonus of 1/365 of my prior year's bill per day they beat the startup date.

My contractor beat the date by 1 day.

[JBinCBad]

So latest update: After a few emails and two-three weeks without a response, finally got a call from the sales guy (not the project coordinator), telling me their "hard drives and servers crashed", so they are starting from scratch and weeks behind. They are still within their contract period, so I have no legal b*tch, but sucks that I didn't press for a clear timeline. basically no action on my job in 5 weeks. Still hoping that when its done, its done right, but not the most auspicious beginning.

[JBinCBad]

Apparently my squeaky wheel is getting some oil, I sent an email Thursday re at least getting the permit application done, and today they sent me an email saying they're coming tomorrow to install. Fingers crossed for a clean install. . . .

Any suggestions for what I should be concerned about, or request? I know conduit lines can be a problem, but hopefully they'll run them inconspicuously. . . .

[thejq]

Apparently my squeaky wheel is getting some oil, I sent an email Thursday re at least getting the permit application done, and today they sent me an email saying they're coming tomorrow to install. Fingers crossed for a clean install. . . .

Any suggestions for what I should be concerned about, or request? I know conduit lines can be a problem, but hopefully they'll run them inconspicuously. . . .

Good to hear that you're making progress. 1.5 month of wait sounds about average. I'd insist on painting and color matching all exterior conduits, going up to the roof and making sure all broken tiles are replaced, verifying the make and model of all the components, etc. Good luck!

[JBinCBad]

Thanks, thats good advice.

[SanDiego_installer]

Talk to your installers when they arrive and go over conduit routing. Ask them what their game plan is. If you have a different plan in mind, share it with them. Most contractors understand that aesthetics matter. On the other hand if you drive around any neighborhood, you can find examples of the those who do not.

Good luck.

[hcubed]

Talk to your installers when they arrive and go over conduit routing. Ask them what their game plan is. If you have a different plan in mind, share it with them. Most contractors understand that aesthetics matter. On the other hand if you drive around any neighborhood, you can find examples of the those who do not.

Good luck.

Definitely agree with thejq and SanDiego_installer. The one thing I wish I had done was to draw up my idea of the conduit routing and given that to my installer. I thought we were on the same page when we talked but I think something got lost in translation to the worker who did the actual work. In the end, it all worked out as my installer re-routed things very nicely (see my previous post with pictures).

[JBinCBad]

You guys are right, although the city approved the plans, the guy that showed up this morning (who was alone, without plans, and had to use the bathroom) had no idea where the conduit was going to be run. The then asked to go into a garage closet. . . I called the sales manager, and was informed another foreman was enroute, but it wasn't as smooth as I had hoped (there was 6 weeks in inactivity preceding today, where someone could have figured this out).

I think we hashed out the conduit run issue, but I've been at work all day, so I hope when I get home I see something reasonable, but the two gusy sent out didn't even have anything to cut through stucco, so I'm not expecting much progress today. They did, however, send me three bills electronically, with the implied threat of a mechanic's lien attached. IMHO not the most professional way to handle that aspect.

[skipro3]

The lien is just SOP, no need to worry about that. Just don't pay until they perform. That is state law.

[inetdog]

The lien is just SOP, no need to worry about that. Just don't pay until they perform. That is state law.

If they do not give you the lien paperwork right away, they can lose the ability to file a lien later. As said, just SOP.
It is usually more of a problem when there are subcontractors who each file their own lien in case the General Contractor collects the money from you and does not pay them. (In those cases you can end up paying double and trying to sue the GC who is going out of business. )

[JBinCBad]

Yep, as an attorney I'm familiar with the business dynamics of a mechanics lien, and I understand they have to protect their interests. House had half the panels up last night, hopefully it will be done today, SDGE inspection next week. I'm very happy with the conduit run as well, they put it under the eaves and color-matched my paint scheme, so its virtually invisible.

I noticed they delivered 18 panels the other day, I wonder how many come DOA or if they accommodate for potential breakage. Would luv to increase my capacity with the "extras" but I'm sure that wouldn't work with the permit and limited extra space I have.

I'm hoping at this point that all my frustrations re delay and lack of communication are over, and the quality of their install and products can shine through. Things are looking up