Request for input on solar proposal - Q Cells and Enphase Microinverters

[jonnyboy7]

I just realized the Enphase product line includes both an IQ7 and an IQ7+. I am being quoted for the IQ7. Is that appropriate for my 340w panels, or should I push for IQ7+?

[solarix]

Realize that microinverters will not last the 25 years they are warrantied for. The manufacturers do this warranty as a ploy to match the 25 year warranty of the PV panels (which will last 50 years) They will replace the microinverters under warranty but you need to be clear about who is going to do the replacement as that is not covered under warranty. Enphase already offered a couple years ago to replace all their early generation product for free - so you can figure how good their reliability promises are....

[jimqpublic]

Ideally get an itemized proposal and a very good description (in writing, preferably with detailed drawings) of how the racking will be mounted to your roof. 7 years ago I had an Enphase/Solarworld system installed for just over $3/watt. At the time the street price with tax for my panels and inverters added up to $1.60/watt. Your Q340/IQ7 can be had for $1.00/watt including tax and shipping to the Bay Area. A quality install and a roof that doesn't leak is worth $$! Just realize the panels and inverters are not the major expense- it's design, installation, permitting, and "balance of system" hardware.

Regarding potential failure of microinverters vs. string inverters: There are pros and cons to each. One thing to consider is how much work it would take to replace a microinverter. If your 28 panels are in a big 4x7 array on a super-steep pitch 4 story house, access would be expensive! I have low-slope roof with raised racking, so I don't have to remove any panels to access the inverters.

Finally, if you go with Enphase demand a lifetime full-access Enlighten Manager account. That way you will have lots of data to play with and monitor- such as panel-level output, temperature, voltage, etc.

In 7 years the only maintenance on my system is washing dirty panels.

[Mike90250]

In the past, there have been issues with Enphase microinverters. The IQ7-60-2-US are a new series, and may be better.
Insist on several years worth of individual microinverter monitoring. When a microinverter goes bad, you have to pull out good PV panels to get to the bad one, layout to reduce the labor is worth it.

[jonnyboy7]

Hello, I am new to solar and have been researching and getting quotes over the past month. I am in the San Francisco Bay Area and PG&E is my utility. The leading proposal is for a 9.52kw system comprised of Q Cell Q.PEAK DUO-G8+ panels (28 panels x 340w) with Enphase IQ7-60-2-US microinverters. Cost is $3.13 per watt (before rebates) and includes electrical upgrade to 200 amps (I currently have 100 amp service).

Preliminary online research suggests those panels and microinverters are good products, but I wanted to turn to the experts on this forum and ask for input / advice before I pull the trigger.

Thanks in advance --