8.7kW system coming Orange County, SoCal

[OftheSeven]

What I don't understand is the basic technique of project management, over communication, and advanced scheduling. I understand the stereotypical situation of project delay by contractors. I informed the rep that I am ok with project delay but I am not ok without any installation timeline. All I got is "This is a seven week installation process.." And this company doesn't seem to "transfer" the project to delivery team after signing contract. There is no clear communication as to which project manager is, PM's contact info, when next step is. Without advanced scheduling, should I just need to reserve $20 to $30K around for them to pick up at any time they want?

As of today, it is about 12 business days into signing the contract. Deposit check was cleared by bank 5 days after signing the contract. I had to send a few emails to request the first whatever step. SCE bills was requested 10 days after signing the contract to start net meeting application. And I have not seen my design proposal. No engineer actually came to do site survey yet. Of course, I have no idea what they will like to perform next.

I don't think it's fair to blame on the sales rep unless he is the owner/management or project lead. Honestly, canceling the contract is still in my mind.

That doesn't sound good. When I used them in April, there were some delays but they eventually pulled through. The sales/project manager is sometimes out of step with the rest of the crew in terms of timing; add to that the busy summer months and delays are the result.

Hopefully, they'll start on your system soon!

[s_man]

What I don't understand is the basic technique of project management, over communication, and advanced scheduling. I understand the stereotypical situation of project delay by contractors. I informed the rep that I am ok with project delay but I am not ok without any installation timeline. All I got is "This is a seven week installation process.." And this company doesn't seem to "transfer" the project to delivery team after signing contract. There is no clear communication as to which project manager is, PM's contact info, when next step is. Without advanced scheduling, should I just need to reserve $20 to $30K around for them to pick up at any time they want?

As of today, it is about 12 business days into signing the contract. Deposit check was cleared by bank 5 days after signing the contract. I had to send a few emails to request the first whatever step. SCE bills was requested 10 days after signing the contract to start net meeting application. And I have not seen my design proposal. No engineer actually came to do site survey yet. Of course, I have no idea what they will like to perform next.

I don't think it's fair to blame on the sales rep unless he is the owner/management or project lead. Honestly, canceling the contract is still in my mind.

Yeah, I agree company B needs better project management. That was my concern too. I will let David know about your issue as well.

[s_man]

Another step closer

They came last Thursday and Friday to install the optimizers, the inverter and the electric panel. They still haven't finished it yet but look like a nice clean job so far and I am happy feeling getting closer . Here are the pictures:

[s_man]

Rough Inspection

Some updates. Today, a city inspector and his assistant came out to do a rough inspection before solar panels could be installed. They did climb up to the roof and found only a few minor corrections otherwise everything else is good. It turns out the city does not allow a solar panel to be on top of the flat vent they converted from my half dome vent so the contractor will have to put that panel in another spot. The inspector also noticed plastic zip ties were used to fasten the conduit to the racking's rail so they noted it down that we needs to use stainless steel zip tie when we need to fasten the PV wires to the racking or just put the wires running inside the rail if they are fit; reason: the plastic ties wouldn't last that long on the roof.

[J.P.M.]

Some updates. Today, a city inspector and his assistant came out to do a rough inspection before solar panels could be installed. They did climb up to the roof and found only a few minor corrections otherwise everything else is good. It turns out the city does not allow a solar panel to be on top of the flat vent they converted from my half dome vent so the contractor will have to put that panel in another spot. The inspector also noticed plastic zip ties were used to fasten the conduit to the racking's rail so they noted it down that we needs to use stainless steel zip tie when we need to fasten the PV wires to the racking or just put the wires running inside the rail if they are fit; reason: the plastic ties wouldn't last that long on the roof.

It is common for building codes to disallow vents to be obstructed. It's probably easier to move the panel, but if space is at a premium, an alternative to moving the panel is moving the vent.

[Bynumite]

P.M. sent

Hey man. I am not at the 10 post limit but would appreciate it if you could PM referrals of companies B and C. The companies I have been talking to have only been giving me that quote for SW panels and not the LG panels.

[s_man]

Hey man. I am not at the 10 post limit but would appreciate it if you could PM referrals of companies B and C. The companies I have been talking to have only been giving me that quote for SW panels and not the LG panels.

P.m. sent.

[Kbbean]

P.m. sent.

Can you also PM me company b and c. Thank you.

[s_man]

Can you also PM me company b and c. Thank you.

P.M. sent

[Bynumite]

P.m. sent.

Thank you for your help man. This is amazing!!!!

I actually talked to company C before and they gave me a 3.4 $/kwh with Solarworld panels for a 6kwh system. You think its worth it to go for LG instead?

[s_man]

Thank you for your help man. This is amazing!!!!

I actually talked to company C before and they gave me a 3.4 $/kwh with Solarworld panels for a 6kwh system. You think its worth it to go for LG instead?

Company C gave me $3.5 then I told them Gvl got $3.17 then they lower it down to $3.27. If you get Solarworld the price should even be lower. LG is a much bigger company than Solarworld so probably will stay around longer

[Bynumite]

Company C gave me $3.5 then I told them Gvl got $3.17 then they lower it down to $3.27. If you get Solarworld the price should even be lower. LG is a much bigger company than Solarworld so probably will stay around longer

Hmm and that price of 3.27 includes the price for an upgrade to a 220v breaker right?

[bmarler]

P.M. sent

Can you please PM me Company B & C as well. Thank you.

[s_man]

Hmm and that price of 3.27 includes the price for an upgrade to a 220v breaker right?

No, panel upgrade was extra $1500 for company B and $1800 for company C.

[s_man]

Can you please PM me Company B & C as well. Thank you.

P.M. sent.