6Kw going in soon in Aliso Viejo

[josefontao]

I actually have an appointment with AI on Monday. Friend went thru them 3 years ago and is happy so far.

Out of curiosity, why is everyone so secretive about who they went with? Is it Solar etiquette to not post in public?

It is indeed. Installers are best shared via private message. Not quite sure why this rule, but it is a forum rule.

[kgvenkatesh]

Who did you use?

Biker- same question here... thanks for sharing

[mattwillruss]

Took nearly 4 months? Wow

between HOA and City, I lost close to 3 months on those 2

[josefontao]

between HOA and City, I lost close to 3 months on those 2

Why was there a need to wait for the HOA? They have no say on solar panel installations.

[SunEagle]

Why was there a need to wait for the HOA? They have no say on solar panel installations.

Actually and unfortunately there are some HOA's in the US that do have a say on pv installations. Especially if the "by laws" are up to date and written very specific to what is allowed and what is not.

So while I think it isn't an HOA decision anyone that lives in one really needs to go through the proper steps to get approval before they do the install. If there is push back then you can take it to an attorney to see if you have any Rights with the install or not.

[mattwillruss]

Why was there a need to wait for the HOA? They have no say on solar panel installations.

We can't start any project without an approval of HOA. Our HOA is very picky and took them 30 -45 days to "review" the plan.

[rwb1921]

We can't start any project without an approval of HOA. Our HOA is very picky and took them 30 -45 days to "review" the plan.

Our HOA was not picky, but still took over 3 weeks for approval also. They were the longest part of the process for me also, here in Mission Viejo, CA.

[mattwillruss]

Our HOA was not picky, but still took over 3 weeks for approval also. They were the longest part of the process for me also, here in Mission Viejo, CA.

City of Irvine won't review the plan until we got approval from HOA. According to our installer, Irvine needs to sign off after the rack got installed. talk about delay

[J.P.M.]

Why was there a need to wait for the HOA? They have no say on solar panel installations.

Actually, in CA, and in spite of what some installers or peddlers will tell you, they do have some say in the matter. See the Solar Rights act.

[ph33zy]

One of my neighbors had his panels installed through his new home builder (option for new house) and the HOA is now going after him. I find it very odd. Irvine is pretty strict. He sent the letter to his builder to deal with it.

[solar pete]

It is indeed. Installers are best shared via private message. Not quite sure why this rule, but it is a forum rule.

Hello All,

The reason we dont like to mention installers here is very simple, REFERAL PROGRAMS, they pay people to get someone to buy a system off a a particular installer and I suspect it is happening right now on this forum and I dont like it.

The other reason is the site is owned by solar reviews. SolarReviews.com pay staff to check the validity of the reviews they receive on solar panel installers, we dont have the resources to do that here. This is why I will often refer people to go and check out their potential installers at solarreviews.com

In fact I think I should shut this thread down as I suspect its become a place for people to make money from referrals, I will consult with the other mods about it.

[Alisobob]

Hey AlisoBob, how does your actual production compare to PVWatts?

Hi guys.... sorry for the delay. All answers in KwH's.

Jan Actual 706 / Forecast 725.

Feb. 856 / 625

March 1080 / 1003

April 1100 / 1027

May 1020 / 974

June 1050 / 1094

July 1070 / 1153

So for some months.... It exceeds PV Watts....

Whats interesting is how the temperature effects output. It the summer, the "solar day" is a few hours longer than in the winter, but the heat kills off any chance in extra production.

My March output, was one of my best months, even with shorter days....

[Alisobob]

In fact I think I should shut this thread down as I suspect its become a place for people to make money from referrals, I will consult with the other mods about it.

All I offer here, is my "real life" experience with solar... the good.. the bad.... and the ugly.

From time to time, folks ask me who I used, as I had zero drama with getting my system installed... so I tell them.

They take that bit of information, combine it with other info they have gathered, and make their own informed choice.

I dont follow up with them, ask them who they are in real life, where they live, or who they finally signed with... I couldnt care less.

I just pass on my experiences.... and let everyone make their own choices.

Sorry if thats a crime...

[Alisobob]

So, its been really hot, really humid here in So-Cal... and the kids have been home from school all month. Lots of TV and computer time.

I set the thermostat at 74 degrees on July 11th, 24 x 7, and never looked back.

This has been a $450 + month, for the last 3 years in a row.

This month looks like it will come in at around $60..... which I will gladly pay, as a credit deduction. I'll still have $200 or so left.

I havent broke a sweat all month, as it should be.

Thanks Solar...

[RJD]

Alisobob, would you mind PMing me the company you used for your install?

Thanks
RJD