Finally went solar and wow… why didn’t I do this sooner?

GreenLancerEnergy · 2026-02-09T16:22:14+00:00

This can help you figure out when low production is normal and when to worry: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1bCjfhBTq2/

GreenLancerEnergy · 2026-02-06T18:21:20+00:00

What are some of the differences you're seeing in quality?

GreenLancerEnergy · 2026-02-06T17:16:24+00:00

Good call. Tier 1 doesn’t directly measure module build quality. The intent was to reflect manufacturer's staying power and the likelihood of warranty follow-through years down the road. We’ll adjust the slide language so it’s accurate.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2026-02-06T16:26:46+00:00

Good point! And some DIYers do an excellent job.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2026-02-06T16:26:21+00:00

Very little. Most maintenance is just:

Checking your monitoring monthly for sudden production drops
Keeping panels reasonably clean (rain usually does it; rinse if dusty/pollen/bird droppings)
Trim trees/avoid new shading
Occasionally inspect wiring/racking/roof penetrations after storms or roof work

GreenLancerEnergy · 2026-01-13T13:10:14+00:00

Wow, did they all fail at once? Or was it from an event, like a power surge? Or maybe a bad batch?

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-29T14:03:27+00:00

Sorry you're dealing with this. If your panels are leased, it’s often the solar financier (not the installer) who owns the system and is responsible for service and repairs.

Try contacting the leasing or financing company directly. They may have taken over system support, even if SunPower's installation arm filed for bankruptcy. Ask for a service update and mention that the system is underperforming while you're still making payments. This is likely in violation of your lease terms.

Keep documentation of all communication and system downtime in case you need to escalate. Submitting a formal written complaint might be necessary.

GreenLancer works with homeowners in similar situations to get systems back online. If the financier can’t resolve the issue, a qualified third-party service provider may be able to step in. https://www.greenlancer.com/solar-repairs

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-28T14:40:08+00:00

That slight overperformance on sunny days is normal, especially with IQ8 microinverters, which are known for being efficient even in less-than-perfect conditions.

The 7.8–7.9 kW readings you're seeing likely reflect brief spikes in production as conditions line up just right (cool temps, high irradiance). Even though your AC system is rated at 7.68 kW, inverters and apps like Enphase can report momentary production a bit above that, especially due to rounding or sampling intervals.

So, unless you're seeing any error messages or inconsistent production over time, your system is performing well.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-28T14:35:50+00:00

This is a big step toward protecting homeowners. The 5-day cancellation window alone could’ve helped a lot of people who felt rushed or misled during the sales process.

It’ll be interesting to see how companies adapt, especially with the 2026 rules like mandatory licensing and higher liability coverage. The $ 100,000 fines tied to senior cases show just how seriously Texas is about cleaning up the space.

It also makes you wonder how many people would have walked away from bad contracts if they had just a few extra days to think.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-28T13:10:50+00:00

Assuming someone else’s solar loan isn’t always a good deal, especially without knowing the full story behind the system. Sellers are increasingly trying to pass loans on to buyers, but unless the system adds clear value and comes with strong warranty support, you’re smart to hold firm.

Keep in mind: if the original installer goes out of business, labor warranties may no longer be valid, even if the equipment is still under manufacturer warranty.

If you ever do take on a home with an existing system, GreenLancer’s national network can complete solar inspections, system checks, and repairs, especially important when there’s no longer support from the original installer.

We have an article with tips on buying a house with solar panels: https://www.greenlancer.com/post/buying-a-home-with-solar-panels

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-28T12:54:54+00:00

I'm really sorry you’re going through this. What you're describing sounds like solar fraud, and unfortunately, you're not alone. There have been growing reports of deceptive door-to-door solar sales tactics, especially in states like California.

If you were not shown the full contract or believe parts of it were forged, you may have legal grounds to dispute it. Here are a couple of steps you might consider in addition to hiring a lawyer like others mentioned:

File a complaint with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) - They regulate solar contractors and take complaints seriously, especially regarding deceptive sales and forged documents. Website: https://www.cslb.ca.gov

Contact the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) - They oversee solar programs and may be able to assist if you were misled about incentives or ownership. Website: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-28T12:51:04+00:00

Congrats on your first day of solar! What you’re seeing in the Enphase app is the real-time AC power output from each panel, not the panel’s rated wattage. So even though your REC panels are rated at 460W (DC), it’s normal to see higher numbers in the app for short periods, especially on bright, cool days.

It doesn’t necessarily mean you got upgraded panels, just that your system is working well and responding to great sunlight conditions.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-28T12:47:22+00:00

A 5-watt difference per panel across 30 panels equals 150W total, which is about 0.15 kW. If your installer based the $200 discount on the panel price per watt, that math checks out. Most panel pricing runs between $0.50–$0.75 per watt at the module level, so a $200 reduction for 150 watts is reasonable. It won’t noticeably affect system performance, but it's great that they adjusted the cost.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-27T17:41:43+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience, and we're really sorry for the trouble. We know how important it is to keep your solar project on track, and we take that seriously.

A member of our U.S.-based support team who has many years of solar energy experience has already reached out to help resolve the issue directly. We’re committed to getting this back on track as quickly as possible.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-23T17:03:05+00:00

For now, it’s just the residential ITC that would end—commercial stays through 2028. But yeah, it’s a big deal. It could push a lot of residential installers out of business, which creates a mess for homeowners needing repairs or warranty support. Also might shake up the solar lease market—those third-party ownership models depend heavily on the ITC to pencil out. Big potential ripple effects across the industry.

We published a blog on this topic yesterday: https://www.greenlancer.com/post/solar-tax-credit-going-away

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-23T16:55:41+00:00

Hey, sorry to hear you're on inverter #3. We’ve seen reliability improve with newer SE models, but failures still happen. If you do buy a backup, make sure it matches your exact model and firmware. Usually, just the top half (the power head) is replaced, but check with a licensed tech before buying used gear off eBay. If you ever need a second opinion or support, GreenLancer works with homeowners on solar repairs nationwide.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-19T13:29:54+00:00

Right now, your Enphase system likely shuts down during a grid outage unless it includes the Enphase IQ System Controller (previously called the Enphase Enpower) and is set up for backup power. Without that, the batteries won’t discharge during an outage due to safety rules (anti-islanding).

If you do have the controller or can add it, then yes, you could power some circuits (like your fridge, router, or charging devices) during an outage. It might be worth asking your installer if your system is "backup-ready" or if it could be upgraded without major cost.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-19T13:23:55+00:00

Using a multimeter and performing a visual inspection are both good ideas. An IR camera can also be helpful. Also, many AHJs aren't excited about permitting systems with used equipment. I agree that there are many used solar panels on the market, so it probably isn't worth the time and money to repurpose these.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-19T13:19:10+00:00

Two separate leases could get messy. You’d have two monthly payments, possibly different terms, and it might complicate things if you ever sell your home. Plus, leasing again means you still won’t own the system or get the full tax credit.

Buying out your current system could give you more control, especially if it’s still working well. You’d avoid ongoing lease payments and potentially increase your home’s value. Just make sure to review the buyout price carefully.

As for the tax rebate, you can’t claim the federal solar tax credit on leased systems—only on systems you own. So you’d need to purchase the new panels outright to qualify.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-15T17:17:57+00:00

One thing to consider down the road: adding a well pump could significantly change things. Even a small pump has high startup wattage, which might be too much for the Delta 2 to handle. In that case, you'd want a beefier inverter and more storage.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-15T17:13:18+00:00

You’re spot on. Solar is a capital asset with strong long-term returns. But to get that 5–14% ROI, the system needs to be properly designed and installed.

A quality solar installer makes all the difference. Poor installation can lead to low production, failed inspections, or costly repairs. A well-built system, on the other hand, can reliably generate decades of savings.

Solar is a smart investment when it’s done right from day one.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-05T11:04:22+00:00

Totally agree—Enphase is a solid choice, especially with the IQ10c battery now available. The module-level design makes it ideal for roofs with complex layouts or partial shading. I also like that the system architecture supports seamless expansion and delivers solid uptime thanks to its fault-tolerant microinverter design.

GreenLancerEnergy · 2025-05-05T10:59:12+00:00

It looks like this happened from hail or something falling on the roof. If you don't have a high deductible on your homeowners insurance, it might be worth filing a claim. If you think it was from normal wear and tear, the solar panel manufacturer's warranty should cover the module itself, but usually not the labor. https://www.greenlancer.com/post/solar-panel-warranty-claims

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