Solar Panel System Disposal

[ButchDeal]

I asked my installer about a skirt or cover. He said they could do it but that it could trap leaves and things like that under the modules. Now I have never been up on my roof before despite living in my house for 12.5 years. I don't own a ladder tall enough to get me on. I don't really plan on going up on my roof to deal with the panels. With that said would you recommend not getting the skirt/cover so that I can avoid having to deal with the junk that gets stuck under there? I don't have any trees touching my roof but leaves can get blown around from other trees.

I do not recommend the skirts, they not only trap debris, but limit air flow. The air flow is what cools the modules so warmer modules means less production.

[brewbeer]

I am comparing two systems from two different companies. Both front of house, roof mounted systems, on a ranch style house in Western Massachusetts.
Part of the system will be over the front door of my house. All Black panels will be used on both proposed systems.
1) 6.16 kw System, annual production first year 6699 kwh, 22 Suniva Opt 280 Black solar panels, Enphase M250 Microinverters, unirac Solar Mount, $3.59/watt from a national company,
RGS Energy. Online reviews state mediocre customer service with RGS, and I worry about racking sticking out on edges of panels, and worry about Suniva panels looking like crap in years 12-20. If I went with them I would buy an extended warranty to cover years 10-20 for roof leaks, wiring, labor and shipping on parts that fail,etc.
2) 6.030 kw System, annual production first year 6715 kwh, 18 Sunpower 335 Black solar panels,with built in microinverters & ac converters, Invisimount racking system, the best 25 year soup to nuts warranty and production in the industry, fewer number and best looking panels, $4.50/watt, from either Rayah Solar of Newton,MA., or PV Squared of Greenfield,MA.. If I went with them I would buy an extended warranty to cover years 10-20 for roof leaks, wiring,,etc.Neither company has very many reviews of any kind on Solarreviews.
Can anyone help me make an informed decision? I'm inclined to go with the better panels, but don't know which company to go with.
Thank you.

I had PV Squared quote for my house before I decided to so with the other firm. They quoted 24 Sunpower 327 panels and unspecified microinverters at $4.68 per watt. I think PV Squared likes the Sunpower panels because they are an American company. They were very professional and I strongly considered their quote before going with Solar Store of Greenfield.

PV Squared is a reputable firm, and they are based in western Massachusetts. My company does consulting work for them (foundation design for ground arrays). As indicated in previous posts, working with a local company is very preferred, since western Mass is a relatively small economic market, and it's important to keep our means of economic production local, which in turn helps support or neighbors and friends.