Going solar at home...

[Chris Kelly]

So I just jumped in head first and signed a contract with a local solar company to have a 3.78kw system installed on my house. But first let me start off by saying that usually any time I make such a large purchase, I research it exhaustively before I ever make a decision. For some reason this time, I just kind of went with my gut after negotiating them down a bit. Now I'm wondering if I'm totally getting ripped off, or if I got a good deal, so here's what I got and I hope you guys can tell me how good the panels I got are and if the deal is any good.

18 x Sanyo 210W HIP-210NKHAS, HIT Panels
1 SMA 4000US Watt 240v Inverter

For $24,355.00 - $13,230.00 rebate from the electric company - $395.10 from Costco = $10,729.90 out of pocket and then the federal tax credit of $3,337.50 bringing the total to $7,392.41 after all is said and done.

My main concern is for the panel, they guy was telling me that it was one of the best panels out and how it doesn't have any negative tolerance and it turns on sooner and off later and all of that, so I just wanted to verify with the experts (that would be you guys) if that's all true.

And my secondary concern is did I get a good deal or not?

Thanks for the advice in advance. :)

[Paul Bailey]

I think your going to Smile:rolleyes: for along time on this one based on the panel Quality /Rebates/Size of the array and in general the total out of pocket cost to the end user when its all said and done. I'm assuming this is a FIT (feed in tariff) system,and if so what is your contract rate for power produced ?? Where are you located roughly ,Latitude and more system info or better yet some photos of this would be real nice. If I remember correctly the HIT panels produce real well and the Sunny Boy inverter is top rated as well. anyway keep us posted.. And Welcome to Greenpowertalk Chris . thanks Paul

[Brian McGowan]

Very nice. Very efficient panels. Those are the panels I want. 20 would cover me. That is a very popular inverter. The guy down the street from me works for a large solar install firm. They are doing megawatt systems and those are panels and the make of inverters his company uses. My uneducated instinct says that's a very nice deal. Before any rebates it's about $6.44/Watt and that's with installation, wire (which is not cheap) and the inverter included. As a reference, for the panels alone on ebay, 190W panel is $5.26/Watt and the 205 Watt panel is going for about $6.17/Watt.
I would have an ear to ear smile.
Brian

[Rob Beckers]

Hi Chris,

First, welcome at Green Power Talk!
Hopefully you'll keep us updated of the installation as things progress.

The Sanyo modules are top-of-the-line. They're regarded as the best in the industry, and they come at a premium cost. The SMA inverters are very popular and good quality. The installed price is very reasonable, especially considering the materials used. I can only be envious of all the rebates you have over there ...
:jaw:

-RoB-

[Chris Kelly]

Wow, that does give me a great big smile. :D

My main concern was getting a subpar product installed, but I'm really happy to hear that they're great panels! :)

And the comparison against ebay panels only was great to see as well.

As far as location info, I'm at latitude 37.0625 here in Westminster, CO. The info packet they gave me said that the "Credit Given by Utility for Electricity" is 12 cents per kWh. However they're projecting that a system this size will conservatively make about 35% of my power usage.

I should also add that my A/C unit is costing me a fortune. I think that may be my next purchase is a much more efficient A/C unit.

[Ralph Day]

Hi Chris
Don't mean to direct you away from the greenpowertalk forum, but this thread on NAWS forum has discussed your a/c question to death! Some quite technical talk, but pretty good overall.

http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=5659&highlight=efficient+a%2Fc



Sure envious of the subsidies available for you. It made me think about grid tie feed in tariff in Ontario. I just might be able to swing a ground mounted system strictly for FIT. I've been living off grid for 5 years now, and wouldn't want to have to pay an electric bill again, but if they want to pay me to watch the sun shine (at better rates than my investments are doing) so be it.

Ralph

[Chris Kelly]

Hi Chris
Don't mean to direct you away from the greenpowertalk forum, but this thread on NAWS forum has discussed your a/c question to death! Some quite technical talk, but pretty good overall.

http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=5659&highlight=efficient+a%2Fc



Sure envious of the subsidies available for you. It made me think about grid tie feed in tariff in Ontario. I just might be able to swing a ground mounted system strictly for FIT. I've been living off grid for 5 years now, and wouldn't want to have to pay an electric bill again, but if they want to pay me to watch the sun shine (at better rates than my investments are doing) so be it.

Ralph

Hey Ralph, thanks for taking the time to dig up that link for me. I realized that I used the wrong term, I was actually referring to a central ac unit. I've been searching around a bit now, but it looks like they're pretty damn expensive.

[Joe Blake]

Hi Chris.

You may wish to have a wander through this thread as well...

http://www.greenpowertalk.org/showthread.php?t=7738

I'm still getting things settled in, but it all seems to be working well.

Joe