Solar Edge Optimizers?

[Valdemar]

After 3 years, I am on the gravy train even if my system makes 20 watts. (It won't, but for our conversation's sake.)
I see your point, but a different setup is unnecessary for me per the points I posed. Just saying.

Simple is good. Cheap is good. 3 year payoff is excellent, and I personally think somewhat unheard of in a state with no rebate.

I was quoted 17k installed from local installers for this same system.

Close to $1/watt DC is really good, so good that I think you're missing something in your calculations.

[chuck101]

I got a swinging deal on the panels from a guy exiting the solar business. 2k for 16 panels plus some various installation brackets and pieces.
3000 for the rest of the install parts and the sunnyboy inverter. Could have gotten a cheaper inverter, but chose the sunny boy that outputs AC for running some household items from the panels directly in a pinch.

I do need to buy 4 more panels, you are right. I am just a bit off for not factoring those panels.

[QueenBee]

I am in the process of installing 20x 255 watt suniva panels on my south facing roof.
I am going with a single sunnyboy inverter for the following reasons:

1. Keep it simple stupid. More gear is more chance for breaking.
2. My roof gets good sun without shading
3. I am trying to do this as easily to install, maintain and as low cost as possible while purchasing good parts.
4. I will be installing off this myself with help from dad, who is licensed electrician in my state.
5. Nothing proprietary

All said and done, I will have a 5kw system for just over $5 grand installed.
This is before the 30% federal rebate, which will take it down to $3500. At this price, it will pay for itself in 3 years max.
It is all about perspective.

Unless you are cutting corners on the proper balance of system components and are getting the panels for practically nothing $1 a watt seems really low.

As a non electrician a central Inverter with DC wiring makes the install a lot more complicated as the rules for DC wiring are much more complicated but as your father is a electrician I'm sure he'll have no problem with that but IMO it's a bit of a challenge for a DIYer.

[chuck101]

No corners are being cut, quite the contrary. I am using good parts, better than I need to. See above:
"I got a swinging deal on the panels from a guy exiting the solar business. $2k for 16 panels plus some various installation brackets and pieces."

[QueenBee]

No corners are being cut, quite the contrary. I am using good parts, better than I need to. See above:
"I got a swinging deal on the panels from a guy exiting the solar business. $2k for 16 panels plus some various installation brackets and pieces.

I do need to buy 4 more panels, you are right. I am just a bit off for not factoring those panels.

So another maybe another $1200 if you can't' find them local. FWIW my price for SUNIVA, 270W PV MODULE, H4, PV WIRE, 40MM CLEAR FRAME, 60 CELL MONO, 15A FUSE, 600VDC, 240.3 PTC, OPT270-60-4-100-H4-40MM is $261.90

So will end up more like $1.25 a watt which is still really low considering those panels are nearly a $1 watt. I'm not sure what rules of thumbs installers use but something like $1 a watt for panels, $.5 for inverters and $.25 for the balance of the system seems like a reasonable rule of thumb these days, obviously with lots of variation based on what components are used, type of install, etc.

[Valdemar]

Are the permits included in this cost? Probably not much but still another expense.