start small and grow (add more panels) later?

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Grid Tie and Grid Interactive Systems #1
Hi there,

We've had a few installers over to our place to give a quote for approx 3kW system. Being that we're in SFBay, we're going for the SF Solar incentive and CSI (in addition to Federal tax rebate.) Thus, it would cost less for us to go with a smaller system.

How easy is it to start small(er) and add panels later on? The payback period really goes down when we don't start off with a big 3.0kW system (maybe just 1.5kW.) Right now, payoff is something like 17 years after all the incentives which we're finding a bit hard to stomach.

I wonder if there will be any warranties voided if we do it this way, which is, to have an installer come in and do the small system. And maybe another contracter come in to add more panels later on down the line.

Would appreciate your feedback.
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Comments

  • n3qik
    n3qik Solar Expert Posts: 741 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: start small and grow (add more panels) later?

    The rebates are a onetime deal. If you start small, then when you add, you will have to bear the full cost. Plus, starting small may limit you on inverter choices. You are lucky, here in Pa. we only get the Fed rebate.
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