8.7kW system coming Orange County, SoCal

[s_man]

Did you ask about mounting HW? It's a common place to cut corners to save $$$.

Company B didn't answer my email but from Bob's picture it's ProSolar. Company C uses Everest PV Quick mount.

[s_man]

Did you check if they (esp the smaller ones) have the C-10 license and worker's comp? If they only have C-46, they have to (or are supposed to) get an electrician to do the interconnect to the grid.

Company B has C-10 only, and company C has both C-10 & C-46. Any advantage having C-46?

[thejq]

Some pictures. The main shows 1 side 100 the other 80 or 90.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]6516[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6517[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]6518[/ATTACH]

Yeah those definitely need to be replaced, even without the solar. It's a fire hazard I would think. You might in luck as gvl pointed out, SCE may replace your supply line for free.

[s_man]

What's the ampage of your current panel and the new one? If the new one is significantly larger, your POCO might force you to run new supply wires. While not as expensive as underground, it's still extra costs. I guess you will find out once you submit the permit application for the new panel to your POCO.

Some pictures. The main shows 1 side 100 the other 80 or 90.
20150421_091611.jpg20150421_091744.jpg20150421_091804.jpg

[gvl]

What's the ampage of your current panel and the new one? If the new one is significantly larger, your POCO might force you to run new supply wires. While not as expensive as underground, it's still extra costs. I guess you will find out once you submit the permit application for the new panel to your POCO.

In my case SCE ran the wires for free once the new underground conduit was in place.

[thejq]

Thanks gvl! my service connected from a pole so hopefully not that bad. I am clueless about panel and what to ask so will have to read more, or ask the installer.

What's the ampage of your current panel and the new one? If the new one is significantly larger, your POCO might force you to run new supply wires. While not as expensive as underground, it's still extra costs. I guess you will find out once you submit the permit application for the new panel to your POCO.

[s_man]

Did you check with your POCO if the will allow a panel upgrade? Is your service connected using underground cables or from a pole? For the former you don't want to find out half way through the project you need to dig a 50 foot long and 3 foot deep trench and run a new conduit in it just to be able to put in a 200A main panel. Speaking from experience.

Thanks gvl! my service connected from a pole so hopefully not that bad. I am clueless about panel and what to ask so will have to read more, or ask the installer.

[gvl]

My panel is very old and some breaker even don't want to stay on when you flip so I think it's due for a replacement.

Did you check with your POCO if the will allow a panel upgrade? Is your service connected using underground cables or from a pole? For the former you don't want to find out half way through the project you need to dig a 50 foot long and 3 foot deep trench and run a new conduit in it just to be able to put in a 200A main panel. Speaking from experience.

[s_man]

Can you avoid replacing your panel if you stick with the SE-7600? If C is the company I used the doubt is mainly about them being in business long term, the workmanship was good.

My panel is very old and some breaker even don't want to stay on when you flip so I think it's due for a replacement.

[gvl]

Sure, in that case you'd need 2x NEMA 14-50s on two separate 50A breakers. I can only imagine the amount of heat it generates when charging at full capacity (20KW).

Not as much as when it is charging at 120kW DC The dual charges are internal, you still have one plug going into the car, so it would be a 100A circuit and a hardwired EVSE.

[thejq]

NEMA 14-50 won't do for a Tesla with dual chargers Still there should be no need for a sub-panel.

Sure, in that case you'd need 2x NEMA 14-50s on two separate 50A breakers. I can only imagine the amount of heat it generates when charging at full capacity (20KW).

[gvl]

Sounds like you've already made your choice. BTW, for one EV, I don't think you need a separate sub panel. A standard 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet on a separate 30A or 40A breaker should do. Good luck.

NEMA 14-50 won't do for a Tesla with dual chargers Still there should be no need for a sub-panel.

[thejq]

Yeah, I checked B & C. They have mostly good reviews from yelp and no serious complaints in BBB. Workcomp and insurance ok. Now price of B is a bit less than C and Bob said they even do extra sub panel for his EV(free, I believe ).

Sounds like you've already made your choice. BTW, for one EV, I don't think you need a separate sub panel. A standard 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet on a separate 30A or 40A breaker should do. Good luck.

[Alisobob]

...Bob said they even do extra sub panel for his EV(free, I believe ).

Nothing in life is "Free". You haggle enough, and then its " included".

Do your best...

[s_man]

Can't you not able to get company A to match company C or B's pricing? Have you checked the BBB, solarreview.com and yelp.com for reviews? If company A can stay in business for 20 years, they must be doing something right. Did you check if they (esp the smaller ones) have the C-10 license and worker's comp? If they only have C-46, they have to (or are supposed to) get an electrician to do the interconnect to the grid. Without worker's comp and insurance, you could lose everything if someone fell off your roof. Did you ask about mounting HW? It's a common place to cut corners to save $$$. With company A, are you trying to avoid having to upgrade the main panel by going with SE7600? If so, and don't mind some minor clipping, won't company C be even cheaper with that setup?

Yeah, I checked B & C. They have mostly good reviews from yelp and no serious complaints in BBB. Workcomp and insurance ok. Now price of B is a bit less than C and Bob said they even do extra sub panel for his EV(free, I believe ).