Man, I am seriously considering walking.
I need to talk to someone...
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At this point, I would seriously consider walking. It is highly doubtful that the CS panels are not available, so you can probably guess his reasoning.
I used an installer right here in Santee. $3.42/W, great communications from start to finish and they still answer my e-mails the same day. A link to my system's SolarEdge public page is in my sig.Leave a comment:
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Thanks.
I just had a very long conversation on the phone with the owner, which I hope was productive.
I'm told my main contact had family issues and is a bit out of touch. I'm hoping he simply didn't want to mention it to me...and if true, I also hope all is well.
I am supposed to be getting a confirmation email of the panels, the color, and IN FULL DETAIL what is going on my home. If this doesn't happen or I'm not happy with the response and unable to resolve it, I will definitely be cancelling and dealing with any financial consequences. I am insisting on black panels, frames, panels.
I'm truly hoping it was all miscommunication and I will receive an email that will put my mind to rest.
Regarding Axitec, it looks like the comparison with Canadian Solar (250W poly vs. 250W poly) are close. Axitec shows to provide an extra 2 years warranty for 90% power output over CS.Leave a comment:
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The more I read your response, the more I think the installer intentionally tried to defraud you. There shouldn't be "in case ... availability and pricing" in the contract. Canadian Solar panels are very common, not some hot commodities. If the price went up, too bad, the installer should just eat it, there's enough margin in your quote to cover that. Plus the lack if communication after the contract is signed is another writing-on-the-wall. Not an legal expert, but I would fire that installer immediately in writing (preferably drafted by a lawyer) listing all the problems you had. If the breaker panel is upgraded, paid the electrician separately. I highly doubt that he will take you to court. He can't put a lien on your property if he hasn't done anything. You will probably end up saving $$$ with better products by calling the few installers I PM'd you a few days ago. Like you said it should really be stress free, not what you're experiencing even before the installation actually started.Leave a comment:
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My panel upgrade is happening today. I had already started the process, planning to hire an electrician directly, then pursue solar. A 1959 home with a severely outdated panel and worn breakers. With or without solar, I was going to upgrade my panel. My AC disconnect was still fuses.
If I back out or the contract falls through I would be libel for the Electrician work and permit fees. I don't know what else, if anything.
I've requested documentation and more detailed information about what is being installed. Unfortunately, I've discovered that after the contract was signed communication has become a problem. Prior to contract signing communication was easy and quick return call.
This could turn out to be a horror story or just something that stresses me out, then comes together smoothly. Either way, I hope someone reads my thread and takes heed when signing their contract. This should be a happy occasion, not a stressful situation.Leave a comment:
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I haven't seen the permit application. I'm told it's in the city. I've asked for copies and expressed my concern.
The way I see it, I also will not honor our other verbal agreements. I actually received a response stating "On the original contract it does state Canadian Solar 250 panels. However, there is a space where the client initials at contract bottom in case we need to switch panels at time of install based on availability and pricing."
This statement worried me and concerns me. If they are not black panels, as I requested (I think this also means mono) there will be problems. I'm assured they ordered black, but as with the previous comments, I think poly means blue. I will not allow blue panels to be installed on my home.Leave a comment:
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Santee takes about 2 weeks to approve plans. Your 200A panel upgrade will take about a month for SDGE to get to. You can call both SDGE and Santee to check on the status.
I would put my foot down on the panel issue. At $4.34/w you are paying for top tier, you should get it.
I would like to say screw them and walk away, but you signed a contract. The installer may have recourse, and could place a mechanics lean on your home.
You should let them know you will be filling a claim with the BBB and posting reviews online that reflect your experience. This installation is already significantly overpriced, so they have plenty of room to work with you. They could install Sunpower at this price.Leave a comment:
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OMG! They actually wrote this in the contract? This gives the installer unlimited flexibility to change the brand of both panels and inverter. Did you read the permit application? On mine it clearly specified the brands, wattage and model of the panel and inverter. They should not be allowed to change anything after the application is filed. If they specified Axitec + Enphase in the application, your only recourse is to ask for a price adjustment based on the price difference. But it could be a uphill battle, since they can claim that for them it's the same price for which they might even be able to produce fake receipts to show. I wish you all the luck, but I'd be really nervous at this point.Leave a comment:
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Thanks for the replies and info.
I brought this up and they pointed out that there is a clause in the contract that states
"panel and inverter selection subject to change based on availability at time of permitting"
They also told me that my city has not approved the permits yet, which I'm assuming is what gives them the availability.
I did insist on black panels/frames and Enphase Micro Inverters.
I'm going to call the city tomorrow...check on the truthfulness and trust.Leave a comment:
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It is unacceptable for a contractor to tell you that they will be switching the make/model of the solar panel, after you have entered into a contract. They have to request a change, justify the reason, and issue a change order (or new contract) indicating the price change. Presumably they are an expert in their trade, regularly purchase solar panels from a local distributor, and are keenly aware of the availability of the proposed equipment prior to entering into a contract. I'm also assuming that you just recently entered into a contract, not months ago, and therefore your contractor should have known what to quote.
More likely they realized that they could save a couple hundred dollars by shopping for the "deal of the month". As a local contractor, I know that two San Diego distributors both have Canadian Solar 260W poly with black frames in stock, although not 250W. Both are made in China, however Canadian Solar is a highly regarded company that has been around for at least 10 years. Axitec is a much smaller company that started selling panels in the U.S. less than two years ago.
Bottom line this is a red flag and a signal of what to expect in the future.Leave a comment:
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They make both. The poly's seem to be more common, and if 3rd party ratings are to be believed, somewhat superior to their monos.Leave a comment:
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Another issue has possibly arisen.
I requested black panels initially, due to aesthetics. This is why the Canadian Solar Panels were chosen by the Sales Rep.
After seeing the picture googled
...and told that they would be poly. Does that mean they will be blue? I've searched and can't find any answers, other than here: http://energyinformative.org/best-so...ine-thin-film/ and it only affirms by picture chosen that poly will be blue. Mono is not spelled out in the contract.Leave a comment:
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I've found conflicting information.
One calls Axitec panels German.
Another calls them Chinese.
I asked and am told that they are these panels. They look decent on paper.
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