Need advice on solar panel installation in Phoenix, AZ. Thanks

[rsilvers]

we might be able to see if we can get a better deal if several other people wants to join in also. I'm still looking around and waiting for other quotes. Good luck

If it were me I would not be looking for a better deal. I would just pick the best installer who would do it for the price you already have. I tried very hard to get $3 per watt and got seven quotes and no one was near it.

[solarix]

I say go for inverter reliability and get the system using an SMA inverter. And yes, $2.75/watt is common in Arizona and I don't think that is super cheap. Its the >$3.50/w states that must be hammered with high cost of living etc. I heard recently that in Massachusetts, the unions are requiring 50% of a solar crew to be licensed electricians and subject to a $1000 fine the electricians are found to be not on site....

[rsilvers]

A recent court ruling in MA is that electricians must plug in the modules and run the wiring and not just do the final hookup. It is the outcome of a union battle for large projects, but it effects all projects.

A building permit is required in addition to the electrical permit.

The other reason prices are up in MA is the SREC2 credits make the getting of solar PV attractive even at higher prices, so the installers just can charge more.

[ncs55]

That is why so many of us have fought in the past to keep the union's at bay. They tried to shut down the C-46 specialty license here in Ca. We fought back and one of the points was the cost and liability of having to involve two trades for one job. It is sad that they require two permits when only one is needed. But that is how some states generate more revenue. If there were only one license required for solar, nationwide. It would simplify everything and save the consumers.

[rsilvers]

https://solarpowerrocks.com/2016-state-solar-power-rankings/

AZ says 10 years payback. MA says 4. Not sure how MA says 4. As far as I can tell, it is more like 5.

[qn03]

Thanks for everyone's input. I just got off the phone with another company. It was rate #1 on the solarreview.org and had 118 reviews. I really like how he explain the process of how he do things. He mention about installing the conduit inside the attic, run all the wires inside the attic for a sleek look. installing the inverter inside the garage. His price was higher than others I quoted. Here is his quote for my place:
7.44 KW System, 24 LG 310 Panels, Enphase Microinverter. Total Cost: $23,900, $3.21/Watt

I can tell why they are rated the best in my area. Leaning towards the company even thought they are not the cheapest. I want a good installer that will not destroy my roof and know what they are doing.

[rsilvers]

I am skeptical of string inverters. It seems that there is a 5% variation in panels and it may make the best panel perform at the level of the worst or most dirty.

As for Enphase - I would check if he uses the M250 or S280. I would also ask if he would use LG320 panels though he may have bought the 310 in bulk and have a large supply of them. It would only be a 240 watt difference though for 24 panels.

[ncs55]

That variance is not an issue for string inverters, don't overthink it. I would be more skeptical of all of the potential failures associated with all of the micros buried under all of the rows of modules. Especially for your installation. In my experience in this industry, it is not a question of, if they will fail only the question of when they fail and how much costs are associated with replacement. As far as production in full sun, as others have mentioned the string inverter in a proper design can produce the same results with less costs and much less potential of failure with lower replacement costs. In your installation if for example, you got a run of defective micros that failed in a few years you are basically looking at uninstalling every module no matter how they get fixed. You may get new units from the manufacturer but you will not get free labor from your installer. Don't fool yourself into thinking that anybody can perform that job either.

[qn03]

I am skeptical of string inverters. It seems that there is a 5% variation in panels and it may make the best panel perform at the level of the worst or most dirty.

As for Enphase - I would check if he uses the M250 or S280. I would also ask if he would use LG320 panels though he may have bought the 310 in bulk and have a large supply of them. It would only be a 240 watt difference though for 24 panels.

I didnt get the specifics of the inverter, He did mention the newest Enphase product. I am assuming S280 but will double check. I didn't know LG had the LG320, I ask about the LG315 and he told me it will be $12 more per panel if I wanted. Do I need to consider about clipping if I choose the LG 320. After looking at other forums and was just going to stick to LG310. I wasn't sure if getting a higher watt panel would be beneficial coupling it with the S280

[sensij]

You don't need to worry about clipping. However, I don't think I would pay $12 for 5 W, $2.40 / W in panel cost alone.

[rsilvers]

I would not assume he was planning to use the 280s since they cost a lot more. My solution to the potential for clipping was to pick SolarEdge.

My dealer upcharged me 3 cents per watt to go from LG-315 to LG-320.

$2.40 per watt in panel costs lowers the total price per watt.

Your dealer quoted you $23,900 for 7440 watts ($3.21) vs $24,188 for 7560 watts ($3.19).

So your dealer is charging you less per watt for the LG-315. You want to get the LG-315s at the least, and ask about the 320s.

[qn03]

To sunnyguy, I contact the installer and ask about the double flashed roofing mount and he respond that he does something better: Pro-Solar tile mount, its a triple seal.
To rsilvers, he did confirm the microinverter he will be using is the Enphase S280.
I look at some of his work and he does a great job on looks wise, He does all his job through the attic and install the inverter inside the garage.

[J.P.M.]

I can tell why they are rated the best in my area. Leaning towards the company even thought they are not the cheapest. I want a good installer that will not destroy my roof and know what they are doing.

If so, after the best due diligence on finding professionals who do quality, professional work, sit on the roof (out of the way) and watch the work being done. If something doesn't look right, speak up. I'm sure installers hate that kind of behavior, but it is your house/money/system. I did that, and it seems to me that neighbors who did the same (a very few) probably got more than they paid for. I'm pretty sure I did.

[qn03]

If so, after the best due diligence on finding professionals who do quality, professional work, sit on the roof (out of the way) and watch the work being done. If something doesn't look right, speak up. I'm sure installers hate that kind of behavior, but it is your house/money/system. I did that, and it seems to me that neighbors who did the same (a very few) probably got more than they paid for. I'm pretty sure I did.

Hahahha. I plan to watch the whole process

[NYHeel]

https://solarpowerrocks.com/2016-sta...ower-rankings/
AZ says 10 years payback. MA says 4. Not sure how MA says 4. As far as I can tell, it is more like 5.

Those are estimates and probably don't take in to account the most recent SREC values. NJ is about 4.5 years based on a reasonable model (at least for the system I'm buying) and they show 7 years.

It's all going to depend on SREC pricing in the future. Massachusetts SREC prices are really high. Hard to determine where they are in 4 years though. They'll probably stay high for the next 6 months and then start to fall as people start installing new systems based on the recent passed legislation.

[ncs55]

If so, after the best due diligence on finding professionals who do quality, professional work, sit on the roof (out of the way) and watch the work being done. If something doesn't look right, speak up. I'm sure installers hate that kind of behavior, but it is your house/money/system. I did that, and it seems to me that neighbors who did the same (a very few) probably got more than they paid for. I'm pretty sure I did.

We love that input, and that behavior is very much welcome from a customer. Mostly it is the engineer types that do this to understand how the products are being installed. However, we cannot allow the customer use of our ladders or equipment to get on their roofs for insurance purposes.

[qn03]

Agree with sunnyguy to know your SRP or APS contract details before you buy so there are no surprises. I'm in Gilbert and used a locally owned, family run company that's been in the electrical biz for 40 years and doing solar since 2008. I purchased outright and they had the best deal of all the quotes I got. It was all turn-key with them doing all the HOA, city and utility requirements. Couldn't be happier with the system and their service. Mine has been online just over 1.5 years and I've recently gone 16 month in a row with zero billable energy. Don't know all your details but the quote seems in line with mine assuming your numbers are before any rebates, incentives, etc.

Hello Dave, may I ask who installed your solar system?