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Would appreciate some thoughts on two systems I am looking at for a new solar install on our all electric home. Our usage is 18kWh annually, however we just installed a new GeoSpring heat-pump water heater, which in theory should reduce our usage by as much as 3kWh annually. So our new usage is estimated at 15kWh. In light of this I obtained quotes for systems with near 15kWh production.
1. Net Metering Question - We are in PG&E territory. If we over produce, will PG&E purchase the excess energy? Should we avoid installing a system which will over produce? Ideally, we wanted to eliminate our electric bill (versus doing a tier shaver system). Is this a good way to go?
2. Shading - We have shading in the morning and late afternoon, so our installer suggested solarEdge vs. micro-inverters. Based on what I have read on this forum, that seems to be the more desirable approach. Any thoughts on this?
3. Quoted Systems:
a. SolarEdge SE7600A & 33 x Peimar OSP270P (270w 60 cell panels with 12 yr warr/30 yr production warr - Italian company, panels made in China) - 8.9kW DC / PVWatt = 13kWh. Cost: $2.86/kW installed.
b. SolarEdge SE7600A & 31 x SolarWorld SW285MONO (285w 60-cell panels w/10yr warr/25yr prod warr - US company, made in US) - 8.8kW DC / PVWatt = 14.2kW. Cost: $3.11/kW installed.
4. Systems - Is the higher efficiency US made SolarWorld panel worth the increased cost? The Peimar panels have a longer warranty, is that more important? Pros/Cons on the above systems?
5. In order to obtain this competitive price, I am purchasing the equipment myself from a distributor. Then contracting with a solar installed to install the system. He is bonded/insured and provides a 10 yr installation warranty. The downside is there is no "bumper to bumper" warranty. Is this of concern?
1. Net Metering Question - We are in PG&E territory. If we over produce, will PG&E purchase the excess energy? Should we avoid installing a system which will over produce? Ideally, we wanted to eliminate our electric bill (versus doing a tier shaver system). Is this a good way to go?
2. Shading - We have shading in the morning and late afternoon, so our installer suggested solarEdge vs. micro-inverters. Based on what I have read on this forum, that seems to be the more desirable approach. Any thoughts on this?
3. Quoted Systems:
a. SolarEdge SE7600A & 33 x Peimar OSP270P (270w 60 cell panels with 12 yr warr/30 yr production warr - Italian company, panels made in China) - 8.9kW DC / PVWatt = 13kWh. Cost: $2.86/kW installed.
b. SolarEdge SE7600A & 31 x SolarWorld SW285MONO (285w 60-cell panels w/10yr warr/25yr prod warr - US company, made in US) - 8.8kW DC / PVWatt = 14.2kW. Cost: $3.11/kW installed.
4. Systems - Is the higher efficiency US made SolarWorld panel worth the increased cost? The Peimar panels have a longer warranty, is that more important? Pros/Cons on the above systems?
5. In order to obtain this competitive price, I am purchasing the equipment myself from a distributor. Then contracting with a solar installed to install the system. He is bonded/insured and provides a 10 yr installation warranty. The downside is there is no "bumper to bumper" warranty. Is this of concern?
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