Just signed a 4.6kW systems...

[paul65k]

I read up on California laws about HOA's and they are basically the same as Washington but more specific. All I did for my HOA is write up a half page essay explaining the law and how it will be installed per Washington State health, safety, and regulatory requirements. I added the installers name, company, and reassured this would be installed by licensed installers and electricians. I also included a picture of a solar panel, a random home I found on the net of a home with solar panels on the roof, the sketch of my home from my installer, and a pdf copy of the Washington State law. My HOA squabbled for a few days and sent me a letter of approval specifically stating the law. Hint, hint!

This is one of the most thoughtful approaches I have heard of with regard to an HOA or any business transaction in general....Kudos!!The psychology of this is that you want to get in front of their natural tendency to NOT want anything new (this is basic human nature) and also to not give them a chance to say no so then you are fighting an uphill battle and trying to get a group of folks (HOA) to change their mind on a previously taken stand....again basic human nature. By laying out all the objections and a case for the solution it makes their unwillingness to work with you seem well.......unreasonable....Well done!!

BTW, If I were a college professor (which I'm not) I would use this as a case study in either a Business negotiation or psychology class

[newe70]

I read up on California laws about HOA's and they are basically the same as Washington but more specific. All I did for my HOA is write up a half page essay explaining the law and how it will be installed per Washington State health, safety, and regulatory requirements. I added the installers name, company, and reassured this would be installed by licensed installers and electricians. I also included a picture of a solar panel, a random home I found on the net of a home with solar panels on the roof, the sketch of my home from my installer, and a pdf copy of the Washington State law. My HOA squabbled for a few days and sent me a letter of approval specifically stating the law. Hint, hint!

I spoke to the installer and he said he installed my new homes with solar systems in the HOA zones before. By California laws abt HOA, the HOA cannot deny and forbid any homeowners from going green. They have to and will approval, but some HOA might be more picky than the others. I have submitted the Architectural Approval forms with a copy of the panel arrays layout. She said it looks good and will send off the HOA committee later. I also have the installer contact my HOA Management group today. Will see what they will come back with next week or the next couple of weeks.

[SolarFamilyGuy]

For CA: check the solar rights act. Briefly, HOA's cannot forbid solar arrays, but they can require prior approval and mandate changes to the install as long as they do not add > $1,000 to the cost or decrease performance by > 10%. There's more to it, so download the act and go to the Adams-Kessler website for more particulars.

I read up on California laws about HOA's and they are basically the same as Washington but more specific. All I did for my HOA is write up a half page essay explaining the law and how it will be installed per Washington State health, safety, and regulatory requirements. I added the installers name, company, and reassured this would be installed by licensed installers and electricians. I also included a picture of a solar panel, a random home I found on the net of a home with solar panels on the roof, the sketch of my home from my installer, and a pdf copy of the Washington State law. My HOA squabbled for a few days and sent me a letter of approval specifically stating the law. Hint, hint!

[J.P.M.]

I would look into the laws of your state and verify if those laws specifically prevent HOA's from denying your install. There are about a dozen states in the US that absolutely 100% restrict HOA's from denying your install for any reason. The remaining states have the same laws, but allow the HOA to dictate where and how your array can be installed.

For CA: check the solar rights act. Briefly, HOA's cannot forbid solar arrays, but they can require prior approval and mandate changes to the install as long as they do not add > $1,000 to the cost or decrease performance by > 10%. There's more to it, so download the act and go to the Adams-Kessler website for more particulars.

[SolarFamilyGuy]

Thank you outie and thejq for your valuable inputs and feedbacks. I pulled a trigger for this system size at 4.6kW, 15 LG305 panels, 1 SE with the optimizer yesterday. I went with a 12 yrs loan term for now at 2.99%. Also submitted to the HOA for the approval. I will be the first resident to go green in the community and hoping that the HOA will get the paper rolling without any issue nor delay.

I would look into the laws of your state and verify if those laws specifically prevent HOA's from denying your install. There are about a dozen states in the US that absolutely 100% restrict HOA's from denying your install for any reason. The remaining states have the same laws, but allow the HOA to dictate where and how your array can be installed.

[NMB333]

Thank you outie and thejq for your valuable inputs and feedbacks. I pulled a trigger for this system size at 4.6kW, 15 LG305 panels, 1 SE with the optimizer yesterday. I went with a 12 yrs loan term for now at 2.99%. Also submitted to the HOA for the approval. I will be the first resident to go green in the community and hoping that the HOA will get the paper rolling without any issue nor delay.

Congratulations on the signing the contract. Hopefully your HOA is quick with the paperwork and you can get started soon before El nino comes through.

[sensij]

My 3000 w solaredge inverter is outside on a south facing wall, with a little bit of protection from the 1 ft overhang of the roof eave. Highest delta T I've seen with respect to ambient is around 20 deg F. I've observed similar delta t on an outdoor, nw facing inverter with a larger array (4.8 kw). Especially on smaller inverters that rely on natural convection, i think you'll get better airflow outside unless you assist it as others have described.

i would suggest you install yours wherever it is most convenient, near the main service panel if possible.

[thejq]

FWIW, my inverter's in the garage, mostly for the same reasons you cite. It runs about 30 -35 deg. C. warmer than the ambient garage air temp. when under full load. My super duper high tech window fan under the inverter hookup usually lowers that to about 15 deg. C. delta T. or so.

A first approx. of my garage ambient air temp. is that it is about the same as the outside ambient. I usually run my high tech fan in the summer for about 6 hrs./day. The fan power draw is about 40 Watts. Probably not long term cost effective, but maybe things will be easier on the inverter over the long run.

+1, yeah, I have it installed in the garage too with a computer case fan hooked up to a wall wart and mounted under the heat sink. When it's installed inside, you have a lot of options to cool it down. Not so many (and probably more expensive) if it's outside.

[J.P.M.]

Thank you solarpete for recommended the website also. I forgot to share the system cost...it was at $3.53/W. Not the greatest price, but I really this installer's presentation, no rushing and pushing, took time to answer all of my questions and concerned.

Where do you guys install your SE inverter? I'm planing to mount the inverter inside my garage to give this electronic device a little tlc from the nature elements such as; direct sunlight, rain, temperature, and possible vandalism. Is there any issue with the temperature of the unit when you mounted inside the garage? Since there is less air circulation when the garage door is close most of the time?

Thank you much in advance for your feedbacks.

FWIW, my inverter's in the garage, mostly for the same reasons you cite. It runs about 30 -35 deg. C. warmer than the ambient garage air temp. when under full load. My super duper high tech window fan under the inverter hookup usually lowers that to about 15 deg. C. delta T. or so.

A first approx. of my garage ambient air temp. is that it is about the same as the outside ambient. I usually run my high tech fan in the summer for about 6 hrs./day. The fan power draw is about 40 Watts. Probably not long term cost effective, but maybe things will be easier on the inverter over the long run.

[newe70]

Thank you solarpete for recommended the website also. I forgot to share the system cost...it was at $3.53/W. Not the greatest price, but I really this installer's presentation, no rushing and pushing, took time to answer all of my questions and concerned.

Where do you guys install your SE inverter? I'm planing to mount the inverter inside my garage to give this electronic device a little tlc from the nature elements such as; direct sunlight, rain, temperature, and possible vandalism. Is there any issue with the temperature of the unit when you mounted inside the garage? Since there is less air circulation when the garage door is close most of the time?

Thank you much in advance for your feedbacks.

[solar pete]

Thank you outie and thejq for your valuable inputs and feedbacks. I pulled a trigger for this system size at 4.6kW, 15 LG305 panels, 1 SE with the optimizer yesterday. I went with a 12 yrs loan term for now at 2.99%. Also submitted to the HOA for the approval. I will be the first resident to go green in the community and hoping that the HOA will get the paper rolling without any issue nor delay.

cool sounds like you went into this with your eyes wide open, and your going to get a good result, nice work.

[thejq]

Thank you outie and thejq for your valuable inputs and feedbacks. I pulled a trigger for this system size at 4.6kW, 15 LG305 panels, 1 SE with the optimizer yesterday. I went with a 12 yrs loan term for now at 2.99%. Also submitted to the HOA for the approval. I will be the first resident to go green in the community and hoping that the HOA will get the paper rolling without any issue nor delay.

You're welcome. Looks like you picked a solid combination. Hope all goes well with your installation. Come back and share your experience when done.

[newe70]

Thank you outie and thejq for your valuable inputs and feedbacks. I pulled a trigger for this system size at 4.6kW, 15 LG305 panels, 1 SE with the optimizer yesterday. I went with a 12 yrs loan term for now at 2.99%. Also submitted to the HOA for the approval. I will be the first resident to go green in the community and hoping that the HOA will get the paper rolling without any issue nor delay.