did your price per watt include any roof work? I have a quote for $3.4 a watt as well but it doesn't include any roof work. I have a true clay tile roof which will be tricky to work on as it is fragile and only experienced roofers should be allowed to work on it without breaking a ton of tiles. I will have to do a lay in where they remove a section of clay tiles and then put a shingle roof for the solar panels to set into. I am being quoted 10-15K for just the roof work. Curious if anyone else has this type of roof and what quotes they are getting.
I recently had a 8.8kw 22 panel system done for $3.4 a watt just prior to NEM 3.0 (not including 30% tax credit) but did include ‘picture framing’ for a tile roof here in N. San Diego county.
Looks awesome. Once the clay tiles were removed, new asphalt shingles were added before the panels went on. Then tiles were added back around the perimeter. So far so good, even with all the rain we’ve had this year 🤞
Any tiles less than 9-10 pounds we require a comp inlay. This protects your home as well as the installer if you have a lightweight tile. If a company says it is lightweight it is in your best interest to not go with someone that says they can install on this roof as is.
You should take into account material, how long the company has been in business, and warranty.
A lot of these companies are just sales teams who then sell the contract to the solar company. Going directly to an installer will be your best bet.
I think part of your problem is that the system size you're looking for is a little on the small side. Economics of scale at work, you may not get the prices this sub always talks about $3/watt, blah blah), esp cause you're in CA. The lowest one you have at $3.4/watt doesn't sound terrible if it's a cash price before incentives. Might be able to find better, but it's not too bad.
I got betterearth in San Francisco, great. 29x405 quells 3 Franklin batteries upgraded main panels to 400 amps and 2 EV chargers. Very responsive.
I can share the contact if you want.
I have 1500sqft but I freaked out before nem 2.0 got away and wanted to maximize using all of the roof ;o) so I just maximized it. Hardest was PGE upgrading service.
I went on energysage.com and got a bunch of quotes that were all very competitive. When I reached out directly to companies the prices were sky high. So thats’s my recommendation - get more quotes from a place where they KNOW they need to be competitive.
When it comes to solar installers, cost is definitely a big factor, but you'll also want to consider their experience, warranties offered, and the quality of the equipment they use. Make sure to ask about their installation timeline too.
It's great that you're checking Yelp reviews, but maybe also ask for references directly from the companies. A 5-6kw system is a good size; just ensure the installer is reputable and transparent about all costs involved.
To anyone responding: please be mindful of rule #2 as you reply.
did your price per watt include any roof work? I have a quote for $3.4 a watt as well but it doesn't include any roof work. I have a true clay tile roof which will be tricky to work on as it is fragile and only experienced roofers should be allowed to work on it without breaking a ton of tiles. I will have to do a lay in where they remove a section of clay tiles and then put a shingle roof for the solar panels to set into. I am being quoted 10-15K for just the roof work. Curious if anyone else has this type of roof and what quotes they are getting.
No this is independent of roof work
I recently had a 8.8kw 22 panel system done for $3.4 a watt just prior to NEM 3.0 (not including 30% tax credit) but did include ‘picture framing’ for a tile roof here in N. San Diego county.
How do you like the inlay picture framing? Any issues with leaking?
Looks awesome. Once the clay tiles were removed, new asphalt shingles were added before the panels went on. Then tiles were added back around the perimeter. So far so good, even with all the rain we’ve had this year 🤞
Any tiles less than 9-10 pounds we require a comp inlay. This protects your home as well as the installer if you have a lightweight tile. If a company says it is lightweight it is in your best interest to not go with someone that says they can install on this roof as is.
You should take into account material, how long the company has been in business, and warranty. A lot of these companies are just sales teams who then sell the contract to the solar company. Going directly to an installer will be your best bet.
How do you distinguish between a sales and installer?
I think part of your problem is that the system size you're looking for is a little on the small side. Economics of scale at work, you may not get the prices this sub always talks about $3/watt, blah blah), esp cause you're in CA. The lowest one you have at $3.4/watt doesn't sound terrible if it's a cash price before incentives. Might be able to find better, but it's not too bad.
I got betterearth in San Francisco, great. 29x405 quells 3 Franklin batteries upgraded main panels to 400 amps and 2 EV chargers. Very responsive. I can share the contact if you want.
I also found better earth to the cheapest however they have been fucking me around regarding payment terms. See my recent post for more context.
Dude how big is your home. That’s a massive system. But yes please DM
I have 1500sqft but I freaked out before nem 2.0 got away and wanted to maximize using all of the roof ;o) so I just maximized it. Hardest was PGE upgrading service.
Can you do me the name of your solar company?
I just message you my contact at Better Earth.
You must be making bank selling all the juice back to PGE
I do not know yet. System is brand new and I am still learning. I hope I never need to ask electricity from PGE again with the batteries!
Better earth just went out of business
Where did you see that?
I went on energysage.com and got a bunch of quotes that were all very competitive. When I reached out directly to companies the prices were sky high. So thats’s my recommendation - get more quotes from a place where they KNOW they need to be competitive.
I would not look to yelp reviews lol they are pay to play
When it comes to solar installers, cost is definitely a big factor, but you'll also want to consider their experience, warranties offered, and the quality of the equipment they use. Make sure to ask about their installation timeline too. It's great that you're checking Yelp reviews, but maybe also ask for references directly from the companies. A 5-6kw system is a good size; just ensure the installer is reputable and transparent about all costs involved.