Info on new Lennox Solar system wanted.

[dontay]

As some know Lennox has introduced a solar HVAC system for homes. On the website it sounds very interesting as it can be totally or partially solar powered, grid-tied, and expandable for powering any other elec. equipment. However I sure would like to hear from anyone who has gotten a quote or actually installed one. Our system is only 5 years old so it is a long way from replacement and our electric bill is only about $100-150 per month so no way could we justify a change for savings. But the ability to be self sufficient during long outages like after a hurricane is potentially priceless.
Two things at their website caught my eye:
1. It works as long as the A/C or heat pump is on. Does this mean only when the compressor is running or anytime the switch is turned on even if it is cranked way up so the compressor stays off?
2. Grid-tie. I have read on forums that some grid-tie systems do not work if the grid is down. Does the Lennox system work without the grid? I think it probably does as grid-tie is an option but I would want to make sure.

We are getting ready to head out for the summer but when we get back this fall I plan to talk to Lennox. One thing I know from years of experience is that having one contractor totally responsible for the solar and HVAC would be a huge relief and would prevent finger pointing in the event of any problems.
Any comments from those knowledgeable about the Lennox system would be appreciated.

[russ]

From what we have heard about the Lennox system in the past, this is nothing more than an attempt to make their entire system applicable for the federal tax rebate.

It is grid tie - if not you would need a spare house to hold the batteries for off grid to support a heat pump.

[Sunking]

It is a marketing gimmick. The air conditioner and heat pumps are not powered by solar, it is not really capable of doing that. They use the regular commercial utility power. Lennox has now gone into the solar business. What they do is install a conventional Grid Tied system and one of their over priced high efficiency air conditioners or heat pumps. They sub-contract the solar system with a local installation company and take a cut of the profit so you end up paying more.

As a pro I would not recommend Lennox for anything. American Standard, Trane, Rheem, and Bryant in that order make the best HVAC equipment for residential systems. If you want a grid tied system have a local installer come out and make a bid and bypass Lennox mark up. If your air conditioner is only 5 years old, keep it as it is likely already a high efficiency unit.

[peakbagger]

I concur. Depending on your house layout the least cost alternative is high efficiency mini split heat pumps and a grid tied solar system. Using mini splits cuts out your duct loss and puts the cooling where you want it, they also can supply heat effectively down to 10 degrees F.

[bonaire]

Florida has a pretty low electricity rate already. If your bill is 150 already, you could look into low cost solar PV grid tie vendors around the area. Maybe you can do a small rooftop array to cut the bill and make it fel like you are running the AC off of solar PV. Because you would be for a good part of the day.