JPP
Active Member
FWIW, about 2 years ago I had SolarCity do a 16kw/64 panel install on a single family home with a very odd roof layout (poor south facing roof). They bent over backwards to design a system mostly installed on east-west facing roof areas (so actually a few more panels to provide power depending on time-of-day and the angle of the sun), and optimized layout to minimize the impact on 'curb appeal' (basically nothing is visible from the street). The system was sized to account for my electricity use/bill from PG&E (including 2 Model S). Their mantra is that they want to generate about 70% of your electrical needs, but cover no more than 90% of your PG&E bill (since there are issues of the tier you are in and the fixed costs that PG&E imposes, plus the net metering rate that PG&E buys back power at). They used Canadian Solar panels--all black, black face and sides, low profile hidden mounts, with black skirts along the sides--really looks great on my dark composition roof. The installation crew was incredibly professional and very safety oriented. Great care to optimize esthetics. I have 4 SolarEdge inverters installed on the wall of my garage, and the layout and all of the disconnects and j-boxes look very high tech and clean (nothing to hide--complements my high tech S85). All good. Oh, and BTW, I am one of those 'fools' who went with the PPA. I was willing to give SolarCity some $$ to eliminate all hassles and headaches. They have to guarantee my output and monitor the system. Poor output--it's their nickel to buy power from PG&E. They can fix/repair/replace panels & inverters if needed. And, no, I am totally unconcerned about the 'lien' encumbering my house. Anyone smart enough to buy my house won't blink when they see my PG&E bill before and after PV solar. If they are resistant to the idea, I will just buy the system from SolarCity at an agreed upon depreciation schedule and then bundle the price into the home price. YMMV.
