Looking at first time install, Concord CA, perhaps DIY

[bbowens]

Hi All,
I'm a solar noob, and I've had three estimates, one included an on-site visit; the estimates varied in price some, but the gear seemed pretty much the same. I'm trying to get something installed by the end of 2019 so that I can take advantage of whatever benefits are still in place (tax credit and NEM rules). My requirements are pretty standard--PV, on-grid, outright purchase preferred. Since excess generation on the true-up is pretty meager, I'm shooting for a system that is at or just short of my requirements, but expandable in case I need more generation down the road. So, a roughly 8-panel system with a higher capacity inverter is my current strategy.

I hadn't considered DIY, but I came across the Wholesale Solar website last night, and I see the system that one estimate outlined, and at quite a bit lower cost-- https://www.wholesalesolar.com/18912...ar-315w-panels

If I go this route, I figure I'll do some or all of the work, get some help perhaps on the electrical and possibly the roofing. That said, should I post this scenario in a different forum section, and any comments in general? (is Wholesale Solar a good resource?).

[khanh dam]

I doubt a 2.5KW system is going to be anywhere close to "just short" of your requirements. Maybe you live in a very small house? I'd go with Enphase micro inverters, they are much easier to DIY for most people and more electricians understand AC better than DC

[J.P.M.]

OP: What's your annual kWh usage, what's your zip and what's your proposed array tilt and azimuth ?

[bbowens]

OP: What's your annual kWh usage, what's your zip and what's your proposed array tilt and azimuth ?

I haven't lived here for a year yet, and since May, I've installed new HVAC (.93 & 17seer), R48 attic insulation, and a heat pump water heater. Windows are all double-paned. That said, I'm guessing 3600kwh/year at present. How would I determine tilt and azimuth? I think the roofer said that mine is 4:12, and the install location faces directly south.

[khanh dam]

4:1 is 14 degree tilt and azimuth is 180 if directly south. you didn't give zip so people can't help you calculate the yield of your solar arrays.

[bbowens]

4:1 is 14 degree tilt and azimuth is 180 if directly south. you didn't give zip so people can't help you calculate the yield of your solar arrays.

I'm in 94518. Also, no shade where the panels will go, unless more than 10 (2 rows x five panels)

[nwdiver]

Hi All,
I'm a solar noob, and I've had three estimates, one included an on-site visit; the estimates varied in price some, but the gear seemed pretty much the same. I'm trying to get something installed by the end of 2019 so that I can take advantage of whatever benefits are still in place (tax credit and NEM rules). My requirements are pretty standard--PV, on-grid, outright purchase preferred. Since excess generation on the true-up is pretty meager, I'm shooting for a system that is at or just short of my requirements, but expandable in case I need more generation down the road. So, a roughly 8-panel system with a higher capacity inverter is my current strategy.

I hadn't considered DIY, but I came across the Wholesale Solar website last night, and I see the system that one estimate outlined, and at quite a bit lower cost-- https://www.wholesalesolar.com/18912...ar-315w-panels

If I go this route, I figure I'll do some or all of the work, get some help perhaps on the electrical and possibly the roofing. That said, should I post this scenario in a different forum section, and any comments in general? (is Wholesale Solar a good resource?).

That looks like a good system. I would do some cross-referencing with other sites but it may not be worth the trouble to save a few bucks. I don't have any personal experience with Wholesale solar but they are geared toward the DIY'r so they should be a good resource.

SMA is my personal preference. I've installed ~10 SMA inverters and haven't had any issues, they appear to be pretty much bullet proof. SMA is a little cheaper than SE but the need to add rapid shutdown (TS4-Fs) on every module at ~$30ea narrows the advantage. SE might be worth the premium just to have module level monitoring.

[bbowens]

Wholesale Solar said the system will produce 4176kwh annually based on 5h/day exposure

[bbowens]

4:1 is 14 degree tilt and azimuth is 180 if directly south. you didn't give zip so people can't help you calculate the yield of your solar arrays.

corrected roof pitch, 4:12

[bbowens]

PVWatts Calculator_edit.jpg

[J.P.M.]

I haven't lived here for a year yet, and since May, I've installed new HVAC (.93 & 17seer), R48 attic insulation, and a heat pump water heater. Windows are all double-paned. That said, I'm guessing 3600kwh/year at present. How would I determine tilt and azimuth? I think the roofer said that mine is 4:12, and the install location faces directly south.

If it's 3,600 kWh/yr., you'll be doing a very good job at conservation and lifestyle. So good in fact, I'd take a look at those loads and make sure. If so, and if the estimate holds, nicely done.

[sdold]

Take a look at Renvu, I installed my system five years ago and bought everything but the racking from them. Good prices and good about taking things back, and they are close to you (in Mountain View).

[bbowens]

Take a look at Renvu, I installed my system five years ago and bought everything but the racking from them. Good prices and good about taking things back, and they are close to you (in Mountain View).

thanks! I'll check 'em out

[foo1bar]

Take a look at Renvu, I installed my system five years ago and bought everything but the racking from them. Good prices and good about taking things back, and they are close to you (in Mountain View).

I bought modules, optimizers and inverter (solaredge), racking, PV wire, and basically everything that you can't buy at Home Depot or Lowe's from them.
So I'd also recommend them.

You should also look at Soligent. They have a warehouse in Sacramento, and I think you can do pickup from there.