Looking to install 11kw AC system in NY

Re: Looking to install 11kw AC system in NY

I'm a little confused about a few things.

In the first case, do you mean the total cost to you is $34.6k after rebates OF $19.2k? Even that way would be a good price, $34.6k for that big a system (before rebates or credits) is kind of unbelievably low.

On the 11.847kw, do you mean kwh/year?

As far as your questions go:

1. No. In my opinion, Sunpower panels are not at all better than Suntech or Schuco. They are higher output per area. That is why they are more expensive. That's great if you don't have enough roof space and want the power, but if you have enough roof space, imo, there's nothing superior about the Sunpower panels.

2. I'm not sure about the costs. Just multiply the number of panels by the watts of each panel and then $6/watt is a good price before rebates. Understand that the installer is not giving you the rebate, so if they estimate different rebate numbers don't be hung up on that. The federal credit will be 30% of the total cost. I'm not sure how your utility/state rebate is figured, but in mine it's based on projected system output - in your case it will probably be pretty much proportional to the system size.

3. That depends how much you trust your installer. You really want all mounting equipment to be designed for the purpose and generally to be all aluminum and stainless steel (though there are some good steel racking systems that are very well treated for corrosion). Also, there could be other problems with the design - too much shading - wrong conductor/wire sizing - badly designed strings - etc.

4. Not me.

Re: Looking to install 11kw AC system in NY

Where in NY are you located? Unless I am missing something all of those numbers seem good.

Re: Looking to install 11kw AC system in NY

rrs26ja wrote: »

Thanks for your quick reply.

The system is 11.847 kW per year

KW is a unit of power, which is instantaneous. KWh (kilowatt hour) is a unit of energy and is power over time. So that's how many kWhs. A given system is rated in KW, but could make different KWh depending on location, weather, shading, etc. So, of course the 11.847 KWh is just a prediction based on average conditions.


The first cost I gave you was before the rebates, the 2nd cost was after 30% Fed and a $5,000 NYS tax rebate

The one thing I liked about Sunpower was they offered a 12 month same as cash. This would allow me to get the 30% Fed tax credit as well as the $5,000 NYS tax credit. That way I only have to outlay $19,242

However, The Suntech system is $11,000 cheaper than the Sunpower

The Suntech system is 9,600 watts 48 panels @ 200 watts/panel

The cost of this system before rebates = $34,632/9600 = $3.60/watt

The Sunpower system is 42 panels that are 203 watt/panel
The cost for this system = $47,799/9660 = $4.95/watt

Both of these seem very low compared the the $6.00/watt you stated.


The other installers price seems more in line of what you quoted.

44 Sunpower panels @ 210 watts/ panel = 9,240 kwp

$59.539/9,240 = $6.44 per watt

The $3.60 for Suntech and $4.95 for Sunpower (complete installed systems) are both so low I'd be wary. Bait and switch, bad workmanship, no insurance or workmen's comp, illegal labor, or if all of that checks out I'd be concerned that the installer isn't making enough profit to run a viable business.

$6.44 is a very good price for Sunpower, but it's not ridiculously low.