New to solar, have bid from Solar City

[Ian S]

Ok, I see the point on the prepaid lease. Almost like a system that is owned outright, but it has an end date. As long as there isn't an obligation on the new owner to pay/do something going forward it really shouldn't hurt the value. As to how much value added - both pre-paid lease and owned systems are stuck in the same situation of having the 'right' buyer who sees it as additive in the mix. Can't predict that factor.

While you can't predict that factor, I think in sunnier climes with high electric costs where solar is becoming more common, I think in the future, prepaid or purchased solar will add value to the home. You'll probably get the prepaid value out, not sure if you've purchased the system.

[Rockit31]

I 2nd the 2 inverter option your rep should have suggested this, although I think it will increase the price a few hundred. Did you have a 28 327 price? I'm in favor of a larger SP system if you can get it and the main panel upgrade for a good price. If not the 24 SP w/ 2 PO inverters for $23,715 is a good deal but ask them for an even 23k and you will sign now. I shook my magic 8 ball and it said the future looks bright so it will most likely work.

I hope your 8 ball is working. That's my plan. Bump it up to 2 PO inverters, elec panel swapout, and I'll pay 23k even steven. (that's for the 24 327 system).

I also have another SP guy whose bid was a bit higher, but knows I'm also dealing with this other SP guy and has asked to be able to beat whatever the end price turns out to be.

Sounds like these guys have a lot of "playing around" room.

[KRenn]

I hope your 8 ball is working. That's my plan. Bump it up to 2 PO inverters, elec panel swapout, and I'll pay 23k even steven. (that's for the 24 327 system).

I also have another SP guy whose bid was a bit higher, but knows I'm also dealing with this other SP guy and has asked to be able to beat whatever the end price turns out to be.

Sounds like these guys have a lot of "playing around" room.

They shouldn't. If you're not coming with your best bid up-front, stop wasting the customer's time. I hate those BS games.

[Sunnygal]

shopping now for system in Phoenix area

Could say what vendor you went with and why and how you calculated your cost "$1.28/kWh"
Also what size is your home? How much energy % do you anticipate replacing? Your current annual electricity usage?
number of persons in home? Do you use gas for heating?

Many thanks in advance.

WOW.
I got a quote for what is likely the same system here in AZ or $11K prepaid.
24 E20/327 panels
SPR-7501f-240 inverter
That one worked out to $1.43/kWh

The system I eventually went with worked out to $1.28/kWh

[Rockit31]

I hope your 8 ball is working. That's my plan. Bump it up to 2 PO inverters, elec panel swapout, and I'll pay 23k even steven. (that's for the 24 327 system).

I also have another SP guy whose bid was a bit higher, but knows I'm also dealing with this other SP guy and has asked to be able to beat whatever the end price turns out to be.

Sounds like these guys have a lot of "playing around" room.

Well, after all of this, I have decided not to go with solar. The only option for me that looked attractive was the prepay lease, and it is just too much money imo. Especially here in Central California. $30K for 10kwh sized system is just to much for my blood. I'm just going to mind my electrical use, (I did install a new 2 speed pool pump last week), and continue to fund PG&E's CEO's lifestyle. It sucks, but going solar here for me is just too much investment.

[s.xavier]

Well, after all of this, I have decided not to go with solar. The only option for me that looked attractive was the prepay lease, and it is just too much money imo. Especially here in Central California. $30K for 10kwh sized system is just to much for my blood. I'm just going to mind my electrical use, (I did install a new 2 speed pool pump last week), and continue to fund PG&E's CEO's lifestyle. It sucks, but going solar here for me is just too much investment.

Sorry to hear things didn't work out... Leases will always be tricky, I'm simply not a fan of them. Way too many fine prints (size 2 font) and clauses that makes your head turn

Solar is an investment so it is something you want to evaluate carefully and not rush into... Almost like getting married On a side note though, maybe you can look into a solar pool pump if you do not already have one. Guys in Florida use it alot because standard pumps are really expensive to maintain (killer on the monthly energy bill). A pretty good pump will only require 1 - 4 panels so its relatively inexpensive especially with solar panels running so cheap now a days.

Good luck

[KRenn]

Could say what vendor you went with and why and how you calculated your cost "$1.28/kWh"
Also what size is your home? How much energy % do you anticipate replacing? Your current annual electricity usage?
number of persons in home? Do you use gas for heating?

Many thanks in advance.

Old pricing, no longer valid.

[SoCalsolar]

Rock what happened

Rock what happened to the smaller system for 23k? I think it was 24 327s?

[Rockit31]

Rock what happened to the smaller system for 23k? I think it was 24 327s?

I couldn't get him to budge on his quote, plus it wasn't big enough to negate my electric bill. I would have had to go bigger and I've just decided I just don't want to invest close to $30K for an prepay lease. I'd be hurting for 3 years to pay the loan back. Plus I worry about their fine print and guarantee production numbers when I have some shading issues.

It all sounded nice but it's just too rich for my blood right now. Not even sure I'll be in this house 7 plus years.

I wish I would have jumped on the boat prior to Sunpower's big price hike. Oh well, they lost at least one customer because of it.

[bobfromnj]

I couldn't get him to budge on his quote, plus it wasn't big enough to negate my electric bill. I would have had to go bigger and I've just decided I just don't want to invest close to $30K for an prepay lease. I'd be hurting for 3 years to pay the loan back. Plus I worry about their fine print and guarantee production numbers when I have some shading issues.

It all sounded nice but it's just too rich for my blood right now. Not even sure I'll be in this house 7 plus years.

I wish I would have jumped on the boat prior to Sunpower's big price hike. Oh well, they lost at least one customer because of it.

Make sure you do your homework. In NJ we used Trinity Solar a really great company and part of the parent company SunRun. Well, some of our neighbors are getting quotes from Solar City. If you do some checking around you will find that Solar City is known for a very aggresive sales pitch and in checking with the BBB (as someone else here suggested) they have a lot of complaints. I have seen some of their "installation" trucks around and they are nothing but small type vans with very little equipement on them. Does not look professional to me. Also, the installation crew looks like they just got out of high school. If you are going to spend all that money, make sure you pick a reputable, professional company. Good luck.

[Rockit31]

Make sure you do your homework. In NJ we used Trinity Solar a really great company and part of the parent company SunRun. Well, some of our neighbors are getting quotes from Solar City. If you do some checking around you will find that Solar City is known for a very aggresive sales pitch and in checking with the BBB (as someone else here suggested) they have a lot of complaints. I have seen some of their "installation" trucks around and they are nothing but small type vans with very little equipement on them. Does not look professional to me. Also, the installation crew looks like they just got out of high school. If you are going to spend all that money, make sure you pick a reputable, professional company. Good luck.

believe me, Solar City may have been the first to ply their wares on me, but they were quickly eliminated after listening to other vendors.

[bobfromnj]

believe me, Solar City may have been the first to ply their wares on me, but they were quickly eliminated after listening to other vendors.

Good for you. After all the equipement is going to be on your roof for many years. We are REALLY happy that we went solar. The system is working great and the best part besides the $ 0 electric bill is that we are producing about 29% more kWh's then they said we would. Good luck

[brenosam]

Try a Local company called Nova West Solar, they have amazing prices (around 3.4 per watt). So a 6.48 kw system is going to cost around 22 k before the 30% tax credit, after this its going to be 15.5 k and you own the system. Solar city is the one of the most expensive ones.
Breno Sampaio

[Naptown]

Try a Local company called Nova West Solar, they have amazing prices (around 3.4 per watt). So a 6.48 kw system is going to cost around 22 k before the 30% tax credit, after this its going to be 15.5 k and you own the system. Solar city is the one of the most expensive ones.
Breno Sampaio

Since this thread is over a year old he probably has made his decision