zzyzx
Apprentice Neanderthal
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2020
- Messages
- 109
Now that the Federal 26% tax credit has been extended through the end of 2022 and having given up hope of ever seeing the IQ8 microinverter (yes, I know it is due out this year - maybe), I have decided to begin the research and implementation of an Enphase system while this tax credit is in effect. Ultimately, I hope to add a "reasonably" priced battery (maybe DIY) to harvest solar energy for use during times the grid is down.
I'm hoping that the knowledge and experience of members on this forum will help me navigate the dangerous (and confusing )waters of a grid-tied & roof-mounted Enphase system. All comments are greatly appreciated.
My utility company is Southern California Edison, with a 3-tier usage-based rate:
Tier 1 (up to 100% baseline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.22 per kWh
Tier 2 (101% to 400% baseline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.28 per kWh
High Usage Charge (above 400% baseline) . . . $0.35 per kWh
Over the last two years of grid-tied power, my usage has been:
2019 . . . 6194kWh TOTAL . . . 516kWh AVERAGE MONTHLY . . . 775kWh MONTHLY HIGH (Sep) . . . 403kWh MONTHLY LOW (Mar)
2020 . . . 6580kWh TOTAL . . . 548kWh AVERAGE MONTHLY . . . 779kWh MONTHLY HIGH (Aug) . . . 388kWh MONTHLY LOW (Dec)
As I wish to get some initial quotes to help determine a cost baseline, let's start with:
QUESTION #1 : Should I directly contact local, highly rated installers for quotes or get quotes through EnergySage?
My thinking is both. Since EnergySage is a marketplace, they make money charging installers a "commission" on installed kilowatts. Thus, this is a "zero-sum" game, where A=B+C. The buyer is "A", installer is "B" and the marketplace is "C". Since companies that quote me directly will not be able to quote me through the marketplace, I should be able to compare the quotes I receive from both ways, giving me a better look at competitiveness. Does this make sense?
Please share any and all thoughts, guidelines, things to "do" and things to "avoid". I am in serious "SPONGE" mode.
I'm hoping that the knowledge and experience of members on this forum will help me navigate the dangerous (and confusing )waters of a grid-tied & roof-mounted Enphase system. All comments are greatly appreciated.
My utility company is Southern California Edison, with a 3-tier usage-based rate:
Tier 1 (up to 100% baseline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.22 per kWh
Tier 2 (101% to 400% baseline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.28 per kWh
High Usage Charge (above 400% baseline) . . . $0.35 per kWh
Over the last two years of grid-tied power, my usage has been:
2019 . . . 6194kWh TOTAL . . . 516kWh AVERAGE MONTHLY . . . 775kWh MONTHLY HIGH (Sep) . . . 403kWh MONTHLY LOW (Mar)
2020 . . . 6580kWh TOTAL . . . 548kWh AVERAGE MONTHLY . . . 779kWh MONTHLY HIGH (Aug) . . . 388kWh MONTHLY LOW (Dec)
As I wish to get some initial quotes to help determine a cost baseline, let's start with:
QUESTION #1 : Should I directly contact local, highly rated installers for quotes or get quotes through EnergySage?
My thinking is both. Since EnergySage is a marketplace, they make money charging installers a "commission" on installed kilowatts. Thus, this is a "zero-sum" game, where A=B+C. The buyer is "A", installer is "B" and the marketplace is "C". Since companies that quote me directly will not be able to quote me through the marketplace, I should be able to compare the quotes I receive from both ways, giving me a better look at competitiveness. Does this make sense?
Please share any and all thoughts, guidelines, things to "do" and things to "avoid". I am in serious "SPONGE" mode.