DIY Solar Panel Install

[Red Box]

Anyone purchased the panels outright?

If so, what make/model/vendor/$. What are your experiences with lowcost Chinese equipment? Thanks in advance.

 

[Git]

You should probably create an account at RenVu so you can see what their prices are

http://www.renvu.com/

If you are in San Diegeo (SDGE Territory) and are thinking about a grid tied system, you kind of missed the boat already since you will be under the newer net metering rules which are not as favorable as the net metering 1.0 rules which just ended several months ago

 

[kd3pc]

Anyone purchased the panels outright?

If so, what make/model/vendor/$. What are your experiences with lowcost Chinese equipment? Thanks in advance.

how many? Wattage? With or without mounts, electronics, etc.

The low cost chinese stuff is exactly that, and does not hold up well over time, as compared to better built gear. Stick with mainstream vendors but be prepared to pay a premium. A LOT of the chinese gear is of poor design, older designs and poor QC.

Do you really want the added risk and subsequent repair/replacement?

 

[manwithtools]

You should probably create an account at RenVu so you can see what their prices are

http://www.renvu.com/

If you are in San Diegeo (SDGE Territory) and are thinking about a grid tied system, you kind of missed the boat already since you will be under the newer net metering rules which are not as favorable as the net metering 1.0 rules which just ended several months ago

Hmmm.....http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336861

It's all a gamble today. You should really do your own EXTENSIVE research....

What is the need to register at RenVu all about?

 

[Red Box]

Git: Yes, grid tied and not looking forward to time-of-day pricing. Good link thx.
kd: About 9kv, string inverter, ballast mount on flat roof full sun.
man: Thx. Didn't want to jack the other thread. Just owner install is what I'm after.

Neighbor installed PV and has already replaced entire grid with newer panels due to better tech and more power. So that is another thought. Cheap now and upgrade as they seem to be getting more efficient each year. Big $$ decision. Gotta do it right.

 

[paranoid56]

Git: Yes, grid tied and not looking forward to time-of-day pricing. Good link thx.
kd: About 9kv, string inverter, ballast mount on flat roof full sun.
man: Thx. Didn't want to jack the other thread. Just owner install is what I'm after.

Neighbor installed PV and has already replaced entire grid with newer panels due to better tech and more power. So that is another thought. Cheap now and upgrade as they seem to be getting more efficient each year. Big $$ decision. Gotta do it right.

can i buy your neighbors old panels? i had mine installed, but thinking of adding more and a separate inverter for them.

 

[kd3pc]

flat roof, and full sun = ballast mount is easier DIY and you can make changes or upgrades without worrying about hot shingles or leaks.

wholesale solar is decent and has several panels well under a $1 per watt. Decent discounts and they may have some odd lots on sale, for the 25-35 panels you would need. I use marine rated connections and Blue Sky controllers and Fronius inverters and have had years of service from both. There are cheaper options, and for sure check them out.

Best of luck

 

[tyme2par4]

RenVu is a great on-line based solar distributor. I just purchased 6000W worth of panels, and everything else required for my installation through them. Customer service is great, and prices are very competitive.
If you sign up, they send you the weekly deals. I got a killer deal by simply checking my email every week.

Personally I would stick with the big name solar panels. Just because they are Chinese, doesn't make them junk.
Search for the top 10 solar manufacturers, and try to stick with them. Those are the ones that are likely to stick around for the long haul. LG, and Hyundai aren't on the list, but have VERY large industrial backing, so they're not going anywhere either.

I don't know what your neighbor was thinking, but unless his panels were 15 years old, it was a waste of money to replace them. Yes, tech is improving, but at a fraction of a percent per year.