Review for Big Dog Solar Energy

Office location: 620 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Pocatello ID, 83202

07/20/2022
WS Alta, WY

Comparison Shop/Research

I called in for a quote, and received a verbal quote over the phone a week later. Since I never received a visit or a written estimate, I put one together myself (below) using online resources. Step 1: Link for determining how many panels you will need: (use your electric bill and zip code): https://www.gogreensolar.com/pages/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need Step 2: Link for determining your system cost: https://www.fixr.com/costs/400-watt-solar-panel Online estimate using this link for my system cost: $50K avg. 400-Watt Solar Panel Cost Calculator 400-watt solar panels can be found in nearly all types, including thin film, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline cells. Each type typically has a range of costs based on efficiency, performance, and production difficulty. Of these, some types of thin-film and polycrystalline panels are the lowest cost, while other thin film and polycrystalline panels, along with mono-si monocrystalline panels, have moderate costs. The highest quality is generally reserved for PERC monocrystalline cells. Below are the average costs for 10 400-watt solar panels of varying qualities. 400 Watt Solar Panels Costs Zip Code 83422 Panels needed: 80 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost (Material Only) Basic $19,800 - $23,760 Standard: $29,700 - $33,660 Best: $39,600 - $49,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Installation Cost (Labor Only) $16,800 - $20,160 (low) $25,200 - $30,240 (mid) $33,600 - $42,000 (high) Total Costs Low end: $36,600 - $43,920 Medium quality: $54,900 - $63,900 High end: $73,200 - $91,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost per Panel $366 - $439 (low) $549 - $639 (mid) $732 - $915 (high) Solar Panel Information: I was told the panels came out of Georgia (USA), which would mean they are manufactured in Dalton, GA at the Hanwha Facility. I wasn't told of the panel efficiency or quality. I assume average quality. The Hanwha product sells at retail for $410/panel and produces 400W. Here is information on that product: Q CELLS 400W Solar Panels 132 cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G10+ Rated Power Output 400 W Voltage (VOC) 45.3 Cell number 132 cell Cell Type Monocrystalline Pickup at 4 locations or US shipping Link to the Hanwha online store to purchase panels: https://a1solarstore.com/solar-panels/hanwha-q-cells-usa-solar-panels.html Link to mounting hardware: $75/each https://www.bougerv.com/products/4-pairs-41-in-adjustable-solar-panelt-brackets Summary: My project materials cost estimate from Big Dog: $100,000 My own estimate of what it will cost if I do it: $42,000. Online estimate calculator: $36K (low end) to $64K (mid) to $91K (high end). I am not sure what differentiates high end, but I think the Hanwha product would be considered low to mid range based on research. It is an affordable substitute to other manufacturers. My do-it yourself quote: Panels: $32,000 Mounting Hardware: 80 x 75=$6,000 Wiring: $1,500 Electrician: $2,500 for final tie-in. Total materials: $42,000 (That leaves $58,000 for the labor to install) Installation Time: I assume a 4 man crew, this would require 2.5- 10 hour days plus an added 4 hour round trip travel time per day of 12 hours additional per employee. 80 + 48=128 labor hours for the project: Assuming the retail cost/labor hour of $80/hour charged $80x128=$10,240 My system estimate based on retail costs in the market: $52,240. The quote from Big Dog: $100,000 (92% higher). The rep told me my system would never pay for itself. Apparently the market lacks efficiency (competition). I noted the ROI periods below. Big Dog Quote: $3.125/watt x 32000 watts=$100,000; ROI 20 yrs Online Estimator: $1.63/watt x 32000 watts=$52,240; ROI 10 yrs. Do-it-yourself price: $1.31/watt =$42,000; ROI =9 yrs I agree with a $10,000 premium to hire a professional and add another year to the ROI, but not a $47,000 premium and 10 years, at which time the system will be antiquated. I understand if there is plenty of work to choose from. I suggest greater transparency in your estimating rather than turning people away from an informed sustainable energy decision.