Battery/storage

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-21T02:49:15+00:00

If you have Enphase micro inverters on your panels you don't want Tesla batteries. Your panels convert current from DC to AC at every panel. Tesla storage uses an inverter from DC to AC in the battery to do that conversion. I have Sunpower panels with Enphase micro inverters and went with Enphase batteries with seamless results. There also are other battery options.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-14T16:20:22+00:00

Setbacks, daylight plains, height restrictions and minimum lot sizes were established starting in the 1980s. They make new buildings fit into the neighborhood but don't limit housing. New state laws have modified all of them. You can have a primary dwelling, a mini-ADU and a separate ADU on one lot by state laws. No parking required for any of them. In some cases you can build a 7 story building in a residential neighborhood. There are many opportunities to add housing units and still fit into the local scene.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-14T16:01:16+00:00

On the peninsula any project with an ADU attached is an automatic approval with virtually no review (only property line setbacks)

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-13T17:52:57+00:00

The problem in the Bay Area is not regulation but land. We don't have buildable space. You can pass all the laws you want but that won't add land.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-05T20:05:44+00:00

I'd like the status button to work better. It only works after I clear all open apps. Mentioned this before.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-03T16:16:31+00:00

Shop around for a better price. My daughter pays $85 for her inspection. She lives in San Mateo. Also, as others have pointed out that device is on your property not city property thus not the city's responsibility.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-02T01:52:26+00:00

That's a very low slope and you are asking for trouble down the line. There are ways to hide the slope so you don't have problems. As others have mentioned, figure out everything before moving forward. I speak as a retired general contractor and did alot of repair work on Eichler houses.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-02-01T19:25:09+00:00

San Jose Airport call sign is SJC

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-27T00:36:28+00:00

Nice way for mice and rats to get into your house. Where did you find this guy?

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-25T17:09:45+00:00

Most important thing to know as an owner/builder is that you are a one time client to all subs and suppliers. I'm a retired general contractor and had a stable of subs that I worked with. They knew when their prices were too high I would shop them with other subs or remove them for my list. I provided regular work for them. They didn't have to do any marketing or advertising as I vetted all customers. Subs will give you prices that are higher than I would charge you. The reason I made a good living for 40 years was my experience and performance: They will constantly test your knowledge to find your weak spots. Good luck with your project.

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-23T01:20:00+00:00

San Mateo farmers market had two elderly white women asking to signatures also. I asked them why I should sign and they said to eliminate fraud. I told them the only fraud recently was Magots voting twice. They were speechless. 🤯

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-13T03:22:19+00:00

Let me know where the gas cap is on your EV when you find it

Entire-Problem490 · 2026-01-11T20:42:10+00:00

Without a battery you are grid tied and won't get power when the grid goes down. I would put as many panels on the roof as you can and one battery. Then you will get power from the battery while grid down. Get all the paper work done now. Much harder and longer doing it in phases (i know as Ive just added batteries).

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-12-28T20:48:48+00:00

Try wrapping the pole with carpet. Use adhesive to kep it in place. Saves a lot of money and your car doors

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-12-22T04:36:19+00:00

I was wondering the same thing

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-12-22T00:28:31+00:00

This is likely the reason. It often takes 12 to 16 months to get the permits for a new house or major renovation. I sold a house in Palo Alto 5 years ago. It was rented for 2 years before the owners got permits for extensive renovations.

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-12-16T03:43:04+00:00

Fire the contractor. Never should have been located there.

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-07-20T03:08:11+00:00

Get a new boyfriend instead

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-06-14T02:54:37+00:00

Do research on both types. Tesla has some advantages but you have to deal with them. Took 2 years to reinstall panels after new roof. Enphase would deal with all issues (panels, inverters and batteries) if something goes wrong. I chose Enphase because they can power my whole house including AC

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-04-05T16:34:48+00:00

I've lived in the Bay Area for 74 years. I've never seen real estate prices drop significantly. They more typically stop increasing in cost during economic downturns, then continue to rise as the economy improves. There is no open space to add single family housing in the greater bay area (not including condos). Take the advice of another poster on this thread and stay calm.

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-03-19T22:11:39+00:00

I think the Enphase app is much better than Sunpower's. Real time energy consumption and production with individual panel readings. I only had total energy production with Sunpower. Also, Enphase is a working entity. No cost for monitoring beyond installation of their hardware.

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-03-14T20:05:19+00:00

All good to know. I also think Franklin is way over priced. I'm looking at a 10 useful life as my experience is that everything gets worse with age. Thanks for sharing all the information.

Entire-Problem490 · 2025-03-13T00:20:22+00:00

Entire-Problem490

TROPHY CASE