South Carolina Quote Review

[superfan86]

I've been researching and learning about solar over the last few weeks and finally feel knowledgeable enough to post here and ask for a final opinion.

I am working with 2 solar companies in the Charleston, SC area. Both are reputable and well reviewed, but Company A comes higher rated than Company B and has more credentialed engineers. Both offer similar installer warranties and support after install.

Company A uses SolarEdge power optimizers and Inverter
Company B uses Enphase Inverters.

I requested quotes for Canadian Solar 260 watt panels and LG/Solar higher watt panels.

Canadian Solar
Company A
19 Panels CS6P-260P
SolarEdge SE3800A-U Inverter
SolarEdge 300W
4.94 DC KWH
$18,711.43
$3.78/W

Company B
21 Panels CS6P-260P
EnPhase Power Inverters
5.72kW
$20,592
$3.60/w


Higher Watt system
Company A
19 Panels SolarWorld Mono 280W BoB
SolarEdge SE5000A-U Inverter
SolarEdge 300W
5.32 DC KWH
$22,036.21
$4.14/w

Company B
22 Panels LG 285 watt
EnPhase Power Inverters
6.27 kW
$23,199
$3.70/w

It looks like Company B is cheaper, but Company A uses optimizer, which I understand are more reliable in the long term.

Any assistance is appreciated!

[ButchDeal]

I've been researching and learning about solar over the last few weeks and finally feel knowledgeable enough to post here and ask for a final opinion.

I am working with 2 solar companies in the Charleston, SC area. Both are reputable and well reviewed, but Company A comes higher rated than Company B and has more credentialed engineers. Both offer similar installer warranties and support after install.

Company A uses SolarEdge power optimizers and Inverter
Company B uses Enphase Inverters.

I requested quotes for Canadian Solar 260 watt panels and LG/Solar higher watt panels.

Canadian Solar
Company A
19 Panels CS6P-260P
SolarEdge SE3800A-U Inverter
SolarEdge 300W
4.94 DC KWH
$18,711.43
$3.78/W

Company B
21 Panels CS6P-260P
EnPhase Power Inverters
5.72kW
$20,592
$3.60/w


Higher Watt system
Company A
19 Panels SolarWorld Mono 280W BoB
SolarEdge SE5000A-U Inverter
SolarEdge 300W
5.32 DC KWH
$22,036.21
$4.14/w

Company B
22 Panels LG 285 watt
EnPhase Power Inverters
6.27 kW
$23,199
$3.70/w

It looks like Company B is cheaper, but Company A uses optimizer, which I understand are more reliable in the long term.

Any assistance is appreciated!

SolarEdge is is an optimized solution with module level optimizers and more eficent central inverter. Seems to be more reliable than the enphase solution. What optmizers are they using?
Are you interested in future battery backup? if so I would ask for the SolarEdge SE7600.

[superfan86]

SolarEdge is is an optimized solution with module level optimizers and more eficent central inverter. Seems to be more reliable than the enphase solution. What optmizers are they using?
Are you interested in future battery backup? if so I would ask for the SolarEdge SE7600.

No battery backup needed. My power company offers net metering plus, so I'm selling everything I produce directly to the grid.
They are using P300 optimizers.

Is the 280 watt configuration worth the upgrade cost to get SolarWorld Panels?

I was reading that the company is having financial issues. How does SolarWorld compare to Canadian Solar from a quality standpoint?

[ButchDeal]

No battery backup needed. My power company offers net metering plus, so I'm selling everything I produce directly to the grid.
They are using P300 optimizers.

Is the 280 watt configuration worth the upgrade cost to get SolarWorld Panels?


I was reading that the company is having financial issues. How does SolarWorld compare to Canadian Solar from a quality standpoint?

P300 is the solaredge optimizer. What Micro (enphase) is the other installer using?
You are able to 5.72kw of 260w modules so why spend more for less modules to get to 5.32kw. It also looks like one option has 22 modules so you could do 22X 260w or ask for the new Canadian 265w modules (we have changed them to our base line).
Canadian solar is a great company and the modules are terrific in defuse (overcast) light.


As for the battery backup, I was talking about a bimodal system option which would give you power when the grid is down but be net metered when the grid is up. The SolarEdge SE7600 can do this with the Tesla Powerwall.

[superfan86]

P300 is the solaredge optimizer. What Micro (enphase) is the other installer using?
You are able to 5.72kw of 260w modules so why spend more for less modules to get to 5.32kw. It also looks like one option has 22 modules so you could do 22X 260w or ask for the new Canadian 265w modules (we have changed them to our base line).
Canadian solar is a great company and the modules are terrific in defuse (overcast) light.


As for the battery backup, I was talking about a bimodal system option which would give you power when the grid is down but be net metered when the grid is up. The SolarEdge SE7600 can do this with the Tesla Powerwall.

Ah, yes. Reading comprehension. I'm not sure on the microinvter model. I'll have to reach out and request that (again).

The final # of panels between the 2 will vary once they get on the roof. I have 2 vent pipes that I think will be a problem, so the 19 panels is likely more accurate. If they can do more panels, I assume the price per unit will drop.

Looking at another quote (for a different layout not approved by my HOA) , we used 23 Canadian 260 watt panels and came in around $21,500.

I have not lost power for more than 20 minutes in 2 years, however the idea of having the option to make that move in the future is appealing.

[superfan86]

I can't get that other company to disclose the model of the inverter. Very annoying. I was already on the fence, but I think I'm going with company A.

I'm sure I'll continue to post as I get closer to install date.

Thanks.

[ButchDeal]

I can't get that other company to disclose the model of the inverter. Very annoying. I was already on the fence, but I think I'm going with company A.

I'm sure I'll continue to post as I get closer to install date.

Thanks.

They are probably trying to give you smaller micro inverter that will result in clipping (loss of power), but save them a few bucks

[billbo6489]

Interesting. That is a good price, but I know there is better out there. I have a bid for my home in CA at $3.00/watt for SolarWorld. Mine is a straightforward installation so that helps.