Going Solar

[THE JOEY]

Keep in mind that they now have micro inverters for each panel. These are more DIY friendly and modular by design. It's almost like building a DIY led light. You can grow your system and add up to 17 panels per string in some applications. If your handy and have the room. You can build a pretty nice array.

 

[bullitr]

Keep in mind that they now have micro inverters for each panel. These are more DIY friendly and modular by design. It's almost like building a DIY led light. You can grow your system and add up to 17 panels per string in some applications. If your handy and have the room. You can build a pretty nice array.

Brian
I actually thinking of expanding to add more panels with micro inverter since I have more room on the roof but it's not cost effective right now. Also still waiting for the bloom box to come....

It's taking forever !


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[THE JOEY]

The only way that I see it cost effective is if you do your own install. For me. Depending on the size of the array. It would pay for it self in 3 to 4 years. Of course this is after state and fed rebates.

 

[WWodyz]

Anyone have experience with Solar city?
I'm having a consultation next week, any pointers ? What to ask, etc.

 

[THE JOEY]

The DIY idea

The DIY idea

Just thinking out loud. Let me know what you think.
7200w solar system
30 - Astro Energy CHSM 6610p 240W ea.
30 - Enphase Micro inverters
$13,112.00

1 - communication gateway 520.00
local permit 350.00
iron ridge racks $75 ea.X30 2,250.00
misc. elec. supplies (breakers,wire,etc) 2,000.00
extras to cover S/H and add flexibility 4,000.00
________________
$22,232.00
Calif. rebate - 2,016.00
$20,216.00
Fed credit 30% 6,064.80
TTL = $14,151.20
divide this by an average 2000 sq. ft. house
& pool with a yearly expense of $3000.00 = 4.7 years to break even
You can up size or down size to your liking.


Your mileage may very.

 

[Kenfuzed]

The only drawback with DIY might be the city you live in. Where I live the city has very strict restrictions and enforcement when it comes to anything being built or installed. They were so picky the contractor even had to provide a list of every size and grade bolt being used. Then the planning commission required blueprints. So if you live in a restrictive city be ready to produce everything they need or they could shut you down.

Joey, Enphase micro inverters is what I have and so far they have performed well. With microinverters you can add any number of panels as each panel has its own inverter. If one panel fails, gets shaded, or produces less, it won't impact the rest of the system. The real comparison of a system IMO is how it will handle your current and historical usage. Power generation that can cover tier 3 and above will be critical as rates increase, tier 2 even better. Everything else is gravy. 4.7 years to break even isn't too bad as long as you've figured interest rates in that (assuming you finance).

 

[Paul B]

I also had to provide all of that information as I live in a very strict incorporated village. The engineer in the Village even called the manufacturer for more information.
They can't really say you can not do it or you could probably sue them but it is a hassle.

 

[arcab4]

anyone know the difference between sunpower and trina panels? i got a quote from another company that was a lot cheaper but they use trina panels as the main difference.

 

[jabel]

Can you still get the rebates if you self install? I thought there were restrictions to being a licensed contractor and potentiall a CA based company.
Micro inverters are the way to go.
Jeff

 

[Paul B]

Can you still get the rebates if you self install?

I did. I just had to get an electrical inspector to inspect it for the rebate and to make the power company happy and my town