Getting bids for system in the OC

[zhyue2003]

Yeah, already got the green HOV sticker and filed the CA rebate, but don't think I will get the Fed tax rebate next year because of AMT .

Here are my reason for going with SoalrEdge.
1. reliability. There seems to be too many complaints/failures about the early versions of Enphase inverters like M190. Granted M215 and M250 seems to be better but it's still too early to judge since they're on the market for about 2 years. I think SolarEdge has a better design where they use ceramic capacitors in the optimizer. The optimizer itself is much simpler (just compare the size vs micro-inverter) and cheaper to build. So far I have yet to see any real failures reported in social media. Granted the technology is even newer.
2. cost. For my system size, they're the same, but on larger systems SolarEdge would be cheaper.
3. per panel monitoring. It's free for the life time of SolarEdge, but you have to pay $250 for Enphase for the first 10 yrs, and $250 for another 10 yrs later on if you still want it.
4. power. For the LG300 panel I want, the largest Enphase is M250 which I think will clip occasionally (however small). Also not sure about the longevity if it's run at max capacity all the time. The SolarEdge 300 seems like a perfect match.
5. expandability. Technically micro-inverter and optimizer can both add small number of panels without major redesign. But here in San Diego, I don't need a new permit as long as I don't touch the inverter. So by going with an oversized inverter eg. SE6000A-US which's good for 7KW for <$100 more than SE5000, I can add quite a few panels later if I need to.
6. network. It is probably minor. Enphase uses power line communication which means the monitor needs to be plugged into a outlet that's close to the inverters. SolarEdge doesn't have this problem (as far as I know) since the optimizers are wired to the inverter with the monitor.

As for long term support, it's hard to say which company or installer will survive. But both Enphase and SolarEdge will pay the installer for labor and cost. I think most installers (esp. new ones) like Enphase because they're easy to install, and AC is much safer to work with. With high voltage DC, the installer needs to be VERY careful.

Would you please let me know where you have heard of the warranty of either Enphase or SolarEdgeon labor? I have told otherwise by installers. Thanks.

[thejq]

That was a good deal for the Prius, and now the green stickers are back for a while. Don't forget to apply for your state rebate and federal tax incentive.

Curious what pushed you to the Solaredge with optimizers? I looked at them initially but haven't found anyone using them. I would like to have something widely supported on my roof in case my contractor doesn't make 10 years.

Yeah, already got the green HOV sticker and filed the CA rebate, but don't think I will get the Fed tax rebate next year because of AMT .

Here are my reason for going with SoalrEdge.
1. reliability. There seems to be too many complaints/failures about the early versions of Enphase inverters like M190. Granted M215 and M250 seems to be better but it's still too early to judge since they're on the market for about 2 years. I think SolarEdge has a better design where they use ceramic capacitors in the optimizer. The optimizer itself is much simpler (just compare the size vs micro-inverter) and cheaper to build. So far I have yet to see any real failures reported in social media. Granted the technology is even newer.
2. cost. For my system size, they're the same, but on larger systems SolarEdge would be cheaper.
3. per panel monitoring. It's free for the life time of SolarEdge, but you have to pay $250 for Enphase for the first 10 yrs, and $250 for another 10 yrs later on if you still want it.
4. power. For the LG300 panel I want, the largest Enphase is M250 which I think will clip occasionally (however small). Also not sure about the longevity if it's run at max capacity all the time. The SolarEdge 300 seems like a perfect match.
5. expandability. Technically micro-inverter and optimizer can both add small number of panels without major redesign. But here in San Diego, I don't need a new permit as long as I don't touch the inverter. So by going with an oversized inverter eg. SE6000A-US which's good for 7KW for <$100 more than SE5000, I can add quite a few panels later if I need to.
6. network. It is probably minor. Enphase uses power line communication which means the monitor needs to be plugged into a outlet that's close to the inverters. SolarEdge doesn't have this problem (as far as I know) since the optimizers are wired to the inverter with the monitor.

As for long term support, it's hard to say which company or installer will survive. But both Enphase and SolarEdge will pay the installer for labor and cost. I think most installers (esp. new ones) like Enphase because they're easy to install, and AC is much safer to work with. With high voltage DC, the installer needs to be VERY careful.

[darkhelmet]

$3.25/W on a 5.4 KW system sounds roughly right. But I think the installer maybe cutting corners by offering M215 which works well with panel less than 250W. Not sure about the Suniva brand though. I'm about to sign a contract for a 4.8 KW system in San Diego using LG 300N1Cs + SolarEdge optimizer. From my experience, for $3.3-$3.4/W, you can get SolarWorld W275 + Enphase M250 (or SolarEdge optimizer). At $3.4-3.5/W, you can get the LG panels. Interestingly I too started with Enphase but slowly changed my mind to SolarEdge which is optimizer + string because of what I read here. I also bought a Prius Plugin exactly 2 month ago (during their -$4K+0% APR sale) from Autonation Irvine (don't tell me you got yours from there too).

That was a good deal for the Prius, and now the green stickers are back for a while. Don't forget to apply for your state rebate and federal tax incentive.

Curious what pushed you to the Solaredge with optimizers? I looked at them initially but haven't found anyone using them. I would like to have something widely supported on my roof in case my contractor doesn't make 10 years.

[thejq]

$3.25/W on a 5.4 KW system sounds roughly right. But I think the installer maybe cutting corners by offering M215 which works well with panel less than 250W. Not sure about the Suniva brand though. I'm about to sign a contract for a 4.8 KW system in San Diego using LG 300N1Cs + SolarEdge optimizer. From my experience, for $3.3-$3.4/W, you can get SolarWorld W275 + Enphase M250 (or SolarEdge optimizer). At $3.4-3.5/W, you can get the LG panels. Interestingly I too started with Enphase but slowly changed my mind to SolarEdge which is optimizer + string because of what I read here. I also bought a Prius Plugin exactly 2 month ago (during their -$4K+0% APR sale) from Autonation Irvine (don't tell me you got yours from there too). My electric bill went up $70 in a month which is why I've decided to install solar in the first place. I have some local installers' names but not sure if they will go up to OC. Let me know if you want them.

[Severum88]

Get multiple bids and shop around.....

Sent you a PM as well.

Good Luck!

Severum

[darkhelmet]

Couple quick stats first:

1. 2 story, 8 year old home in 92865 zip with roof at 140 deg.
2. Last years power usage was about 10000 Kw.
3. Purchased a Prius Plugin 2 months ago.
4. Average SCE bill is $172 and it has been increasing.
5. No pool but 3 kids under 8 so someone is usually at home.

Most bids I have received have been in the 5-6Kw range and multiple places said 22 panels is the most they could probably fit. Most are recommending Enphase microinverters even though I have no shade issues and all panels will be installed on one piece of roof. I was hesitant to go with microinverters after reading this site but the company I may go with says they will cover the labor of replacing microinverters for the term of the microinverter warranty.

The leading quote right now is from Company A:

5.4 kw system
20 Suniva OPT270-60-4 Panels
20 Enphase M215 Inverters
Cost $17555 (Before Federal Tax Incentive.)

Works out to about $3.25 per kw. They originally came in closer to $4 per kw, but I knew their cost on another install, which was about 3.25, so I said I needed it to be close to $3 per kw.

Just trying to make sure I'm not missing anything. They aren't the biggest installer, about 60 installs in my area in the last year according to the CSI website. Suniva seems like a good panel but it doesn't seemed to get used a whole lot around here.

Any and all critiques welcome.