i have a flat roof two storey, north facing. will be good for solar - I’ve had three quotes that really vary -
16 x Trinasolar mono 300w Panels (; 1 x Fronius Primo 4.0-1 4kW Inverter; Installation - including monitoring and bill advice; etc - $6.9k
18 x 275_Watt Solar Panels- PV TIER 1 + 6 Panels free*;1 x 5.0 kw Solax_Smart Inverter -Warranties - 25 Years panel efficiency warranty;10 Year Installation - workmanship warranty; 05 Years manufacturer warranty for Inverter + 05 years of extended warranty - SOLAX
Price $3681.00 (Fully Installed and After Govt. Rebate price)
They’ve given me 2 options:
OPTION 1:
6.6KW Solar System Fully Installed**
3.8KW Risen 315watt (Split & Technology) (Tier 1) 10 + 2 FREE Goodwe 3KW Inverter $4300 - ends up being about 3K
OPTION 2:
6.6KW Solar System Fully Installed**
3.7KW Jinko 310watt (Perc Technology) (Tier 1) 10 + 2 FREE Goodwe 3KW Inverter $3100 (Fully installed)-No Hidden Charges. If i go with Fronius inverter (Austrian Made) instead of Goodwe then add $700 to above price.*
Now, I know the Fronius appears to be better, but the prices are making me ask - how much better?? One did ask me if I wanted them tilted - I said - you tell me whats better - didnt seem like they had any advice tbh.
Those are some diverse quotes. Quote 1 stands out in my opinion as straight forward and good quality products. In Quote 2 and 3, the whole 6 panels free, and 2 FREE inverters are red flags for me. Also, Quote 2, not actually giving you the brand of panel, that’s concerning. Overall, I just find both options for Quote 3 hard to understand as well, which also isn’t a good sign.
I really think it’s worth reading at least Ch 2. Who should I buy solar from? in the guide. Is Fronius that much better? Well in my opinion, only if it is installed well, and alongside other good components. I would take second rate products installed by someone I really trusted to do a good job, over first rate products installed by someone I didn’t trust any day. That is not to say that I’d choose second rate products! Just if I was pressed to choose.
Regarding the tilt frames, you definitely also want to go with someone that can give you a clear answer on that, with good reasoning to back it up. If your roof is pretty well flat, you will definitely want tilt frames. How much of a tilt probably depends on what time of day you use your electricity, and what direction your roof faces.
Thats great feedback - thanks - Yes the first quote company actually came out and put a drone over the roof, and stayed for an hour to walk me through it. I will read up as you suggest. Thanks again!