(First Post) I'm going with LG & Enphase. Did I do ok?

[Jim from S.B.]

Hello folks,

I am a complete Solar Newbie and live in S. California.

I was originally dead set on a Sunpower System because of their high ratings and 25 year warranty. After stumbling across this web site and reading many great posts, I came to the conclusion that although Sunpower is a top notch system, it was probably (for me) just not worth the extra $6K to $10K it would cost for my new home system.

I received 3 "in-home" quotes and also received several "online" quotes.

After weighing all my options, I've decided to purchase (not lease) a 9.6 kw LG/Enphase system consisting of the following:

30 ea. LG320N1C-G4 Modules
30 ea. Enphase S280 Microinverters
Enphase Envoy monitoring system.
(No electrical panel modifications needed)

Total installed price before Federal rebate is $29,952 ($3.12 per watt)

Price after ($8986) rebate is $20,966 ($2.18 per watt)

The dealer that quoted me this price was also the most helpful and responsive to me by far, which also heavily weighed in on my decision.

Does the price appear fair for this system?

Also,

When I see "price per watt" mentioned on this site and elsewhere, is that the price per watt "before" or "after" the rebate. (newbie confusion) I hope my post helps others and thanks in advance for any feedback.

Jim

[huge]

It's before any rebates or incentives. You did pretty good. Would you mind sharing the company so others can use them too? Maybe a link to their solar reviews page?

[J.P.M.]

Prices/Watt around here are before any tax rebates/vendor kickback/gift cards or come ons.

Micro systems are usually a bit more $$'s than string inverters. Do you have lots of shading ?

Prices look competitive. Maybe almost too competitive. I'd get the scope of work in some detail in writing. Trust but verify.

At that price, don't be surprised if others ask who the vendor is.

FWIW, Sunpower stuff is probably not cost justifiable for most any residential system. Glad you saw the light. Also happy to see you didn't fall for the lease trap.

Not to be a wiseass, but giving the net price after fed. tax credit is probably not necessary. Most of us know how to multiply by 0.70.

Did you consider any conservation measures or load reduction before deciding solar was for you ?

Welcome to the neighborhood.

[sdold]

Not to be a wiseass, but giving the net price after fed. tax credit is probably not necessary.

I don't like even mentioning it, I hate it when it's put on the table like a factory rebate on a car deal. It has nothing to do with the transaction, it's between me and the IRS at tax filing time and has nothing to do with the solar deal, or shouldn't be. At least I look at it that way,

[Edferculo1]

That price is Bull****

[solarix]

No panel modifications needed? With 30 Emphase 280 micro inverters, that's 8400W - too much backfeed for your typical 200A panel. Actually it will probably be installed as two circuits of 15 micros each or 4200w each or 17.5A max needing 22A wiring. When combined to a single AC disconnect, that's a 50A minimum backfeed breaker when the 20% NEC backfeed rule will limit you to 40A.. Has your installer talked to you about how they are going to solve this problem?
One possible solution to this is to use a single 7.7kW inverter (40A backfeed) and arrange the array to use a couple different orientations so that the peak power into the inverter is spread out and can handle the 8400W array.

[Jim from S.B.]

No panel modifications needed? With 30 Emphase 280 micro inverters, that's 8400W - too much backfeed for your typical 200A panel. Actually it will probably be installed as two circuits of 15 micros each or 4200w each or 17.5A max needing 22A wiring. When combined to a single AC disconnect, that's a 50A minimum backfeed breaker when the 20% NEC backfeed rule will limit you to 40A.. Has your installer talked to you about how they are going to solve this problem?
One possible solution to this is to use a single 7.7kW inverter (40A backfeed) and arrange the array to use a couple different orientations so that the peak power into the inverter is spread out and can handle the 8400W array.

Thanks for the very useful information. I will definitely ask my installer about it.

[Jim from S.B.]

It's before any rebates or incentives. You did pretty good. Would you mind sharing the company so others can use them too? Maybe a link to their solar reviews page?

Let me first check to make sure it is ok with my dealer.

[andern]

That is an awesome price, i am only looking for a 6.4 kw Lg/Enphase system. I have gotten quotes for $3.28/watts which is good but i would love to know who your contractor was for where you got $3.12/watt.

[sunnyguy]

No panel modifications needed? With 30 Emphase 280 micro inverters, that's 8400W - too much backfeed for your typical 200A panel. Actually it will probably be installed as two circuits of 15 micros each or 4200w each or 17.5A max needing 22A wiring. When combined to a single AC disconnect, that's a 50A minimum backfeed breaker when the 20% NEC backfeed rule will limit you to 40A.. Has your installer talked to you about how they are going to solve this problem?
One possible solution to this is to use a single 7.7kW inverter (40A backfeed) and arrange the array to use a couple different orientations so that the peak power into the inverter is spread out and can handle the 8400W array.

That's why I wish they made a 190a main breaker.

[ButchDeal]

It could be a line side tap.

[doboy01]

Please go to the Enphase website, under support and click on module compatibility. Use the LG manufacturer data for STC and make sure it's compatible. I wanted to use the 345W Suniva panels and called Enphase and was told it wasn't compatible. Enphase will void the warranty is used with incompatible modules. I ended up switching to the 285W Suniva with Enphase S280 and the AC combiner box.

Your other choice is the Solar Edge with optimizers. I just didn't want a big module hanging on my wall.

Have them upgrade you to Enphase AC combiner box with Envoy S built in. It comes with circuit breaker to turn off your system

[idnominal]

I went with a very similar system, 28 LG315, S-280's, and the envoy s "metered" panel. The metered upgrade is supposed to give actual consumption data based on two more current transformers (CTs) in the main panel. The envoy s metered is said to be helpful in determining the number of enphase "AC" batteries if I go that route later.

8/20/16 update This may be wrong => As I understand, either envoy s (white standard, black metered) will be compatible with the enphase battery system.

>In further reading at the enphase site, it may be that the envoy s metered (black) is required for the future enphase battery modules. Also, in new systems, they recommend leaving a free 20A breaker for future connection of the battery system.

My best roof here in upstate NY is 18 degrees slope, ESE, so not horrible, but I doubt clipping will be huge problem for me, since I am off optimum S to begin with. Sadly, I do not have enough set back for a pole mounted system where I could have manually adjusted the panels by season. Maybe a huge pole mounted system, or several pole mounts would have been impractical anyway at this many panels.

It was a difficult choice, so many options. SolarEdge was close, in the end I decided to go with enphase. Also, I already have a manual transfer panel and a small Honda generator, so I finally gave up on the SolarEdge USS with battery bu as not cost effective for me just now.

While new to current solar panel / inverter options, I am an EE, so I hope some sound technical judgement was involved. Not commenting on the optimizer/micro inverter choice, just that this turned out to be a good choice for my situation. Also, the regional but still somewhat local installer who I chose in part based on reputation is enphase only.

[J.P.M.]

I went with a very similar system, 28 LG315, S-280's, and the envoy s "metered" panel. The metered upgrade is supposed to give actual consumption data based on two more current transformers (CTs) in the main panel. The envoy s metered is said to be helpful in determining the number of enphase "AC" batteries if I go that route later. (As I understand, either envoy s (white standard, black metered) will be compatible with the enphase battery system.)

My best roof here in upstate NY is 18 degrees slope, ESE, so not horrible, but I doubt clipping will be huge problem for me, since I am off optimum S to begin with. Sadly, I do not have enough set back for a pole mounted system where I could have manually adjusted the panels by season. Maybe a huge pole mounted system, or several pole mounts would have been impractical anyway at this many panels.

It was a difficult choice, so many options. SolarEdge was close, in the end I decided to go with enphase. Also, I already have a manual transfer panel and a small Honda generator, so I finally gave up on the SolarEdge USS with battery bu as not cost effective for me just now.

While new to current solar panel / inverter options, I am an EE, so I hope some sound technical judgement was involved. Not commenting on the optimizer/micro inverter choice, just that this turned out to be a good choice for my situation. Also, the regional but still somewhat local installer who I chose in part based on reputation is enphase only.

From my experience of living in your area for more years than I'd like to admit, given your general weather patterns, an ESE orientation might just be a bit better than more southerly, or at least not subject to as much of a penalty as areas with sunnier P.M. conditions. A higher array tilt would be advantageous. Pole mounts can be costly in terms of design and construction.

[kommong2]

That's why I wish they made a 190a main breaker.

I am getting a similar system in NJ with 31 LG300N1K-G4 | LG NeON 2 Black Panels and 31 s280 microinverters and Envoy s meter. I guess I am getting 9.3kw system or is it calculated by number of inverters 31*280 = 8680 watt ? I think electrician did not make any change to my electric panel as well except to draw current for the envoy? My cost to have the system installed is close to 28k.

[Edferculo1]

No your output will be quite a bit more. Go to lg solar panels and look at electrical specs. A rated 300 watt lg panel will produce more than 300. 300 is your rated KW ac you need to find the kWp and multiply by the number of panels

[idnominal]

from my previous post with a comment about envoy s vs. envoy s metered:
8/20/16 update This may be wrong => As I understand, either envoy s (white standard, black metered) will be compatible with the enphase battery system.

In further reading at the enphase site, it looks like the envoy s metered (black) is required for the future enphase battery modules. Also, in new systems, they recommend leaving a free 20A breaker for future connection of the battery system.

see the check mark grid lower part of the page for "storage ready":
https://enphase.com/en-us/products-a...s/envoy/family

[Edferculo1]

I am just about to sign a deal for. 19 LG 320 watt panels, enphase S280 invertors, Before rebate apps, everything, all paperwork in Massachusetts for total price of 23,500. Before any buy backs or incentives. How is this price. Also how much more output will I need for future purchase of Nissan Leaf , 10,000 miles per year
Great message board. Thanks for all replies

[J.P.M.]

No your output will be quite a bit more. Go to lg solar panels and look at electrical specs. A rated 300 watt lg panel will produce more than 300. 300 is your rated KW ac you need to find the kWp and multiply by the number of panels

Actually, instantaneous output will usually be less, not more. A 300 Watt STC rated panel may possibly, but rarely, produce 300 Watts or more, and usually much less, depending on irradiance level and weather conditions.

300 Watts (not 300 KW, BTW) is the STC D.C. (not A.C.) rating of a 300 Watt panel. It is a measure of the panel's electrical "size" or output at test conditions, not a prediction of performance.