My Experience with Palomar Solar

[236eaglexp]

So, I've wanted to do a solar array for quite some time, but always found somewhere else to spend the money instead of actually jumping on the solar bandwagon. All along, I couldnt stand how much our SCE bill was every month.

Being we just bought a new house, I figured it was finally time to do an array. I was convinced I wanted to do an array that would cover 100% of our usage, so I began calling around for quotes, but always felt like the companies were shafting me based on diy kits I had seen.

So I reached out to Andy at Palomar and he suggested I send him the quotes and he'd give me an honest review of what others were offering. Needless to say, after speaking to Andy I knew I'd found the right company. Problem is, their service area(San Diego to Corona ) is quite far from where I live (high desert).
Furthermore, they were slammed due to NEM 1 expiring for SCE.

So, Andy suggested he sell me the parts, and I do a diy install with his guidance.
Sign me up!!! Sounds like a fun challenge!! Took me a couple long weekends, and many "3 hour" nights after work, and in between kids' sports.
I finished my 9.3kw ground mount system last week, got my final inspection Tuesday, and got permission from SCE to flip the switch last night.
Andy and his crew were great, they always answered my questions within minutes. And trust me, I had a few questions...not wanting to do anything wrong . Here's a few pics along the way!

Not bad for first day of production!

 

[236eaglexp]

Thanks Andy, Rebecca, and Anthony!!! You guys rock!!

 

[JM21]

Best in the biz.

 

[BasilHayden]

You did a great job for a ground mount, and yes you had a few questions but pretty much you just wanted to be sure. Had we not shorted you those few frame pieces it would have been even more straight forward. I still remember that call at 6:30ish Saturday of Desert Storm. I may have been a bit hung over and trying to figure out what you were saying. It turned out it was our mistake on the plans as we had left one drawing from your early smaller design and so you were short a couple legs. :eek Then you may have pulled an extra 60a circuit out to the corner of the property on accident, but now you are ready for the garage addition for the toys.

Great job getting it done before the NEM1 deadline, enjoy the power.

Btw, Those who procrastinated have missed the end of June deadline for NEM1. At most, I might sneak 2 more who are related to us inmates (referred by someone here) in under the deadline, but now they are dragging their feet so they will probably miss it. It would be damn near impossible to start the conversation and make it in now. Good news is I should still be just as busy as the utilities just found another way to screw the herd, enjoy the new TOU rates that are coming.

 

[DUNEFLYER]

This is a good reason to call Andy and add solar to your home.

 

[mjc]

I did a diy kit in Havasu, it has worked out great so far. I paid 12.18 last year for power.

 

[petie6464]

Can I ask what a ball park price is to DIY that install?

 

[236eaglexp]

I haven't added up every single receipt, but I think it ended up around $23k

 

[236eaglexp]

Can I ask what a ball park price is to DIY that install?

I haven't added up every single receipt, but I think it ended up around $23k

Keep in mind though, I probably saved at least a few thousand in materials I had.
I'd say average cost to do one like mine, with machine rentals, wire, concrete, etc , and an electrician to at least double check your work would probably come in close to $30k. There's also a lot of factors like which panels to use, that affect pricing.

 

[BasilHayden]

All, I have to clarify the DIY program. Unfortunately its not for everyone. I have determined that I can only do it with Contractor type guys. I just can't assume everyone is Mr. handy, and I definitely know almost everyone will not follow directions. This results in late night and early morning calls asking what color should the ground be.

I originally offered DIY to those who were in Havasu or Nor Cal, and for he most part it works well. Honestly, Jeff was far enough out of our "normal" service area that I agreed, plus he fit my other criteria. But even with his qualifications he will attest to the time needed to answer questions. I personally take the calls and help you though it. I basically hand you plans, a rough step by step, and agree to process your Utility paperwork, but you have to process your plans through the city.

Now there are others out there selling these deals, but honestly they don't do half the work we do. They give you a flimsy set of drawings, I give you the same planset I use every day and I know it will suffice as well as answer any questions. But the real bonus we give is that we process you through the utility. If you try that on your own, you will run in circles for months.

If you think you have the skills to DIY, you can give me a ring, but as I said its not for everyone, and I am going to push back unless you meet the criteria. Those who have used me for a complete job can attest to the way we handle our projects. As I know it makes sense even when you pay me to do my job, it will be few and far between that I agree to a DIY, knowing I make nothing and get to interrupt my river time to answer what color your L1 should be and why you need a ground.

That same ground mount probably would have cost 10k more, but he would have received a 25 year full warranty and it would have been done 2 months ago. Oh and he wouldn't have spent over a month of off hours getting it done. DIY is not for everyone, but Jeff did a great job.

My regular business is the hook up, you get the best there is for a mid range price, just send me a PM. If you want cheap, good luck to you as that exists too, but not for quality.

 

[236eaglexp]

All, I have to clarify the DIY program. Unfortunately its not for everyone. I have determined that I can only do it with Contractor type guys. I just can't assume everyone is Mr. handy, and I definitely know almost everyone will not follow directions. This results in late night and early morning calls asking what color should the ground be.

I originally offered DIY to those who were in Havasu or Nor Cal, and for he most part it works well. Honestly, Jeff was far enough out of our "normal" service area that I agreed, plus he fit my other criteria. But even with his qualifications he will attest to the time needed to answer questions. I personally take the calls and help you though it. I basically hand you plans, a rough step by step, and agree to process your Utility paperwork, but you have to process your plans through the city.

Now there are others out there selling these deals, but honestly they don't do half the work we do. They give you a flimsy set of drawings, I give you the same planset I use every day and I know it will suffice as well as answer any questions. But the real bonus we give is that we process you through the utility. If you try that on your own, you will run in circles for months.

If you think you have the skills to DIY, you can give me a ring, but as I said its not for everyone, and I am going to push back unless you meet the criteria. Those who have used me for a complete job can attest to the way we handle our projects. As I know it makes sense even when you pay me to do my job, it will be few and far between that I agree to a DIY, knowing I make nothing and get to interrupt my river time to answer what color your L1 should be and why you need a ground.

That same ground mount probably would have cost 10k more, but he would have received a 25 year full warranty and it would have been done 2 months ago. Oh and he wouldn't have spent over a month of off hours getting it done. DIY is not for everyone, but Jeff did a great job.

My regular business is the hook up, you get the best there is for a mid range price, just send me a PM. If you want cheap, good luck to you as that exists too, but not for quality.

Andy is spot on. Had we been closer, I'd have had them do it all. It's crazy, the amount of work/labor that goes into one of these systems, not to mention the behind the scenes office side of things.
His staff was always ahead of the curve on what needed to be done, and executed everything flawlessly. Had it not been for them, there's no way I'd have met my deadlines.
Furthermore, if I added up my time and materials, it'd probably been cheaper to have them do it all.

With that being said, I am extremely happy with the outcome, there's nothing like seeing your daily energy production far surpass your usage and banking those credits for winter.