I have obtained 5 quotes from solar installers in my area, all with at least 10 years of experience in the field. All work on commercial, agricultural, and residential projects. Two national companies Pure Light and SunPro were $43k and $41k for a 10.5 kW system, that should fully offset my home power use (14,100 kW/yr). These two went out the window right away.
The three local guys were:
$33k from Energy Consultants Group, for Panasonic modules and Enphase microinverters, 25 year warranty on everything. Roughly $3.10/w (10.4kW system). Unirack mounting.
$30k from Eagle Point Solar for VSUN modules and SolarEdge power optimizers, 25 year production guarantee but 15 years on the rest, and 5 years workmanship. Roughly $2.80/w, (10.5 kW system). IronRidge mounting.
$26k from CB Solar for Seraphim SIII All Black (I required all black for the aesthetic from all installers) modules, and SolarEdge power optimizers. 25 year productions guarantee, 15 years on the rest, 5 on the workmanship. Roughly $2.15/w. (11.88 kW system). Unknown mounting.
I am leaning towards the lowest bid, as it is the largest system for the lowest price, and the ownership of the company are all graduates of the nearby engineering college, with a focus in renewable energy. They explained to me how the production ratio is different for Iowa than what most other companies quote, and explained why I needed this larger system.
My biggest concern is the module quality, and the workmanship warranty. My roof is traditional shingles, and is only 3 years old. How often does something go wrong in the installation process that a workmanship concern would come up? I would prefer the piece of mind from a longer warranty, but at the same time, to save $4k, I could just put that in the bank, and use it to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong.
I would like to hear thoughts on if the benefit of a longer warranty is worth the additional cost, if there really is any value to a "workmanship" warranty anyway, and if there is any experience with these panels.
I have listed the companies by name and linked to their websites in case anyone recognizes them or has thoughts on them.
MOD NOTE: Please do not include links to other solar companies.
The three local guys were:
$33k from Energy Consultants Group, for Panasonic modules and Enphase microinverters, 25 year warranty on everything. Roughly $3.10/w (10.4kW system). Unirack mounting.
$30k from Eagle Point Solar for VSUN modules and SolarEdge power optimizers, 25 year production guarantee but 15 years on the rest, and 5 years workmanship. Roughly $2.80/w, (10.5 kW system). IronRidge mounting.
$26k from CB Solar for Seraphim SIII All Black (I required all black for the aesthetic from all installers) modules, and SolarEdge power optimizers. 25 year productions guarantee, 15 years on the rest, 5 on the workmanship. Roughly $2.15/w. (11.88 kW system). Unknown mounting.
I am leaning towards the lowest bid, as it is the largest system for the lowest price, and the ownership of the company are all graduates of the nearby engineering college, with a focus in renewable energy. They explained to me how the production ratio is different for Iowa than what most other companies quote, and explained why I needed this larger system.
My biggest concern is the module quality, and the workmanship warranty. My roof is traditional shingles, and is only 3 years old. How often does something go wrong in the installation process that a workmanship concern would come up? I would prefer the piece of mind from a longer warranty, but at the same time, to save $4k, I could just put that in the bank, and use it to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong.
I would like to hear thoughts on if the benefit of a longer warranty is worth the additional cost, if there really is any value to a "workmanship" warranty anyway, and if there is any experience with these panels.
I have listed the companies by name and linked to their websites in case anyone recognizes them or has thoughts on them.
MOD NOTE: Please do not include links to other solar companies.
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