cost analysis of Sunpower proposal

[incubus0h]

Hi all,

I have two proposals for the system size of around 5 kW using the Sunpower panels.


1. The first proposal is for 5.23 kW system (16 Sunpower SPR-327NE-WHT-D panels and Sunpower SPR-5000m inverter). The gross system cost (before applying any incentives) is 25,780.00.

2. The second proposal is for 4.9 kW system (15 Sunpower SPR-327NE-WHT-D panels and Sunpower SPR-4200p-TL-1 inverter). The gross system cost is 25,750.00.

The second installer seems to be more conservative in their roof shading analysis, so their roof layout could fit 15 panels only.

The Sunpower Corp sales their panels through their dealers only, so I couldn't figure out the whole sale cost of the panels from a site like an on line store. But I got some idea on the price of inverters : SMA Sunnyboy 5000 (SPR-5000m inverter) and PVI-4.2-OUTD-S-US (SPR-4200p-TL-1 inverter).

So, let's assume that the factors like labor costs, permit costs, warranty cost are the same,

(1) do you guys think these are the good prices in general for a non-lease Sunpower installation ?

(2) the second proposal has 1 less panel and a smaller inverter (around $500 less as seen in an online store, but the price tag is only $30 less. What would be a reasonable gross system cost of the second proposal ?

I will really appreciate your comments.

Thanks!

Mod note - my comment - stop with the links to an on line store

[SoCalsolar]

The price on the smaller proposal should lower

I think the price on the smaller system should be lower. One panel less should be closer to $1000-$1200 less. That being said neither price looks terrible.

[Ian S]

Just curious if you priced a prepaid lease and if so, what the difference was. I don't have a feel for the quotes you got except that the first appears to be a better deal if for no other reason than the additional panel for what amounts to no extra cost. That extra panel is probably going to give you over 6% extra production for the life of the system.

[incubus0h]

Just curious if you priced a prepaid lease and if so, what the difference was. I don't have a feel for the quotes you got except that the first appears to be a better deal if for no other reason than the additional panel for what amounts to no extra cost. That extra panel is probably going to give you over 6% extra production for the life of the system.

Ian, I am not going for the lease option, because I am eligible for the Sunpower Alliance program rebate. If I choose the lease option, then I won't get the rebate.