EcoRenovator  

Go Back   EcoRenovator > Improvements > Solar Power
Advanced Search
 


Blog 60+ Home Energy Saving Tips Recent Posts Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 01-26-13, 04:02 PM   #1
Trevor
Lurking Renovator
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 11
Thanks: 1
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Micro-Inverter vs Standard

New to Solar PV so any comments suggestions will be appreciated.

I am putting together plans for a garage. I would like to add a significant amount of PV on the roof (anywhere from 5kw-10kw). I have been reading about PV and looking at online pricing for the last couple of weeks. One of the big questions I am having involves whether to go with Micro or standard inverters. I like the warranty and seemingly easier install that the Enphase inverters. I have read the pros and cons of both. I live in Vermont and it seems the micro may be a little better if one or more of the panels is covered (like with snow). So, my first question is: What sort of expierence have people had with the MicroInverter?

------------------------

The second question is more about the cost of grid tie systems. I can go to
wholesalesolar.com(which I am not affiliated with at all) or other websiite and find a 9kw-10kw system with all the roof mounting hardware for $16k to $20k, but my first conversation with an installer in my area had the price of a 8kw system at $40k. I have heard an install on a roof would only take a few days (3+) so I am confused at how it gets to $40k. To be honest the conversation was on the phone with not a lot of specifics.

Vermont state details - Vemont has a 50 cent per watt grant, but it needs to be installed by a "licensed solar installer". So if I go with having someone install it for me I would be eligible to get the $5k for a 10kw system. But if the installers are charging a 30% markup on the panels, inverters, and other hardware it doesn't make sense.

So here is the second question. What does it take to put in a new system from a labor perspective from a person who knows what they are doing. I am willing to pay someone for his/her knowledge, but for $15k+ they should probably build my garage for me.

Details about the Garage - Still looking at plans but right now I have the garage being either (36 x 36) or (36 x 32). The roof will be 8/12 pitch which will get me as close to my best angle for maximizing solar power. I will also be using an attic truss to give me additional space for storage.

Thanks for any input.

Trevor is offline   Reply With Quote
 


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:54 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger
Inactive Reminders By Icora Web Design