Learn

Choose the Best Value Solar System

Occasionally, people ask me how to choose the best solar pv system, or the best panels. Choosing the best solar system depends mainly on your energy needs, roof space, and budget. Most people really want to know how to choose the best solar value. For example, I was asked the following question on my “Help me help you” survey:

I got bid from 2 different installers. One was SunPower panels; the other Canadian Solar. The SunPower bid (for a 5.2 kw DC system) was $21,000 and the Canadian Solar bid was $14,000 - why so far apart?

Solar Roof PosterizedGreat question. There could be many explanations why there is such a gap in the price. Generally, SunPower’s superior efficiency allows for it/ necessitates that it price its solar panels higher. (They have to pay for the best engineers to get the best efficiency, right?) Each installer may be giving you the best deal he can with both brands of panels. What you should check on both proposals is not the DC system size (in this case 5.2 kw DC), but the kilowatt-hours output. Ask your installer(s) how much energy (in kwh) each system expects to produce in the first year. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:

Learn About Solar

SRoeCo Solar Answers Your Solar Questions!

  1. Which panels should I choose? - Solar Panel Comparison Article
    1. a) What are the most efficient solar panels? - Solar Panel Comparison Table
  2. What size solar system do I need? - Calculate your solar array size
  3. How many panels do I need? - Calculate the number of solar panels
  4. How much will it cost to install? - Calculate the cost of going solar
  5. How much are the rebates? - Calculate California rebates

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:
©2010 SRoeCo Solar. All Rights Reserved I Privacy Statement I Credits