My DIY Solar Panel System Total Cost VS Quoted Install

How much do solar panels cost? I made a detail breakdown of my 9kW DIY solar panel system total cost, including all the hidden unexpected costs, and compare that to the quotes I received to have it installed by a professional solar company.
I used Unbound Solar, for the solar components and Ready Rack for the racking system. The suppliers mentioned are the ones I used based on my own research, I received no discounts on my components.
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my other projects: projectswithdave.com/#projects
Recommended sources for Bifacial and Discounted Solar Panels: projectswithdave.com/solar-pa...
Solar & Off Grid Materials & Components: projectswithdave.com/components/
Recommend Tools For Solar: projectswithdave.com/tools/
Learn how to do your own DIY Solar System: projectswithdave.com/#edu-video
Sources for LiFePO4 batteries: projectswithdave.com/batteries/
Inverter Solutions: projectswithdave.com/inverters/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For great prices on used and clearance solar panels use SanTan Solar: www.santansolar.com/product-c...
For large orders and pallet pricing from SanTan, contact Alex (480-360-6203; or [e-mail] ) and mention EverydayDave for 5% off.
Best Value Source For Solar Panels and Batteries - Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/s...
Quality & Service Source for Batteries and Inverters- Current Connected: www.currentconnected.com/?ref...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WANT TO GO SOLAR BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Solar doesn't make sense for everyone and I have found a great free resource that's on YOUR side. It's called EnergyPal, they will help you determine if solar is RIGHT FOR YOU and set you up with the lowest cost installation that meets your needs. If you follow my link to sign up you will get a $500 gift card when your install is complete! energypal.com/everyday-dave
Or, Try Energy Sage - It's free: www.energysage.com/p/everyday...
I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my install.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using my affiliate links helps the channel at no cost to you! THANK YOU!!
Timestamps:
00:00
01:32​ Solar Panel Kit Cost Detail
03:13​ Racking Materials Cost Detail
04:17​ Wiring Cost Detail
06:07​ Permits and Fees Cost Detail
06:33​ DIY VS Professional Cost Comparison 30% Rebate
08:07​ DIY VS Professional Cost Comparison 26% Rebate
08:30​ Final Summary
Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.
Affiliate information and disclaimers:
Links in description may be affiliate links, we may get paid if you purchase something through one of these links. This helps out our channel at no extra cost to you. Thank You!
(As a SanTan Solar Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Projects with Everyday Dave is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
FTC Disclosure Statement:
Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

[@karleuerl2503]

Clear,clean,precise, without Bull... thank you and good luck

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@brianb9410]

You did a fantastic job explaining how you did the work and what the result was. This is the best video I have seen on this topic. Congratulations!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

[@gunnymeyer]

Agreed! Only thing missing is the increase in production rates over time. You're producing more than $1488 in electricity every year.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

@@gunnymeyer good point as electric costs go up payoff is faster

[@peterk1584]

Excellent! Your videos/descriptions and BS-free explanations about all the elements of this project have been extremely helpful and are greatly appreciated.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@MoroMoro1]

Great video! Straight to the point, no unnecessary fluff and talking. Thanks!

[@jamesrobinson7381]

Nicely done. The cheapest quote I got in Ohio for a roof install was $32,000 before tax incentives. Which to me I would prefer a ground unit for two reasons. 1). It would be easier to clean and 2). I don't trust anything that pounds on my roof (which could potentially cause a leak).

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I agree, I summarized my reasons for going ground mount in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7MhJJumpyhbJI

[@timtation5837]

Good video!!! If you have the space wand don’t mind the shade, ground mounts are always better… It is hotter on a roof and solar panels are around 40% more efficient on a ground mount (cool shaded air behind each panel makes the electronics much happier). Ground mounted solar is far easier to clean (wash, clear snow, etc). And if and when it comes time to replace a roof, not having to pay to remove and reinstall solar panels can save you several grand. Fish love shade, livestock love shade. Shaded water doesn’t grow as much algae. Some garden veggies like shade. Shaded dog run… etc… There are tons of uses for the extra shade, and it doesn’t have to be wasted on gravel (which is fine if you don’t have anything else to shade). Ground mounts are always better… If you have space for them.

[@SetTheCurve]

The problem with ground mounts for us City folk is that annoying neighbors complain about how it looks. Only rooftop is allowed in my area unless it’s not visible

[@issa3522]

That was a remarkable job Dave , well done. 1 other positive thing if I may add with your DIY installation you have also managed to reduce environmental footprint by having less people on-site. You have inspired me to copy your project but unfortunately we have a terrible weather here in the UK. You’re a truly a friend of Earth.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks!

[@tomscott7292]

Environmental footprint? Now I've heard it all. I own an off-grid solar company. I'm in and out and charge less to do a better job (I'm an electrician) than these hyped installers. With 3 guys and two trucks on site any impact might be a few ruts....lol

[@coler154]

@@tomscott7292 those two trucks of yours use gasoline which does have an impact.

[@tomscott7292]

@@coler154 ask me if I give a shit! Less environmental impact than a taco bell fart! I don't install solar because I give a crap about a carbon foot print...I install it so others aren't ripped off by public utilities and the criminal Federal Government!

[@billystewart927]

this was very helpful as i'm looking into going solar. i'm on an electric co-op and my electric bill is averaging close to 500.00/m, going up so much every year.

[@medomfire6506]

The best video on KZbin so honest and clear without wasting our time Thank you so much

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You're welcome!

[@BobWilson84]

Excellent work! It would be so awesome to have a followup in 10 years to see how it worked out. Congrats. Very impressive

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thank you! Don't worry, I track everything. I'll have future follow ups on the status. For instance the year two month by month production was much more different than I expected, I'm looking forward to giving people actual data to compare to.

[@biscottie43]

DIY feels VERY intimidating, but I will watch more of your videos instead of giving up. Thank you for this one; my first.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You can do it!

[@caryanderson7212]

Amazing details on all fronts. Thank you!! I sent your video link to my son who just asked me to do a break down cost of a home solar array which saved me hours of perusing the Internet as you have already done in great depth. Nice video and excellent outcome!! Liked and subscribed.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@fabianio26]

Such a great player!! I'm not even close to do a project like this on my life, but I can see when someone do his best. Congrats for your super professional work building and taking note of this project. Again, congrats man. You're great!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thank you very much!

[@thefinancialnavigator]

Thank you for this video. We just received a quote of $25K. My husband and I want solar but the price was too much. I will view the videos we would like to do this project ourselves but it seems very complex. Thank you again for the simplicity and clarity of your video.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TomBTerrific]

Fantastic effort, breakdown and information on putting this together. I have heard that putting these systems together are not that difficult. Almost a plug and play! Then the fact that so many startup solar installations companies are jumping into the game with minimal experience, knowledge or expertise is scary. Labor at the simplest level is so overrated in this day and age.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Unfortunately there are a lot of companies out there delivering poor results for people. With some research and help from your local inspector, it's not that difficult.

[@iluvtheblues]

Excellent, clear, concise video. I didn't feel you had any agenda (like selling us on solar) but provided normal folks with some real costs and break even points for installing solar. I would really like to know how your ground mount system compares with this same system roof mounted. I would imagine the vast majority of residential systems are roof mounted.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I'm glad it was helpful. I may help a friend do a roof mount system in the near future, if so, I'll post the information on this channel.

[@embededfabrication4482]

much cheaper and easier if you can weld. The whole thing can be built with angle iron. The kind of welding required to build such structures can be mastered in an a afternoon actually.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

That's great if you live in a location that doesn't require engineering drawings that show 90mph wind capability.

[@Electronzap]

Good info. I worked security at various home improvement stores and many people showed up all summer picking up things here and there, and when a lot of them were done, they told me that I would never see them again because they just should have just hired somebody to do their project. So, I think people should take a look at how much they will save, and figure out whether if is better to work on the project, or if it is better for them to just pick up extra hours at work, or spend less on something else until the extra expense is covered, Build a small scale version and see how much fun or frustration you have while doing so.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

It's not a small undertaking, starting with a small system that is expandable is a good way to get started.

[@unionse7en]

great video, it seems unirack is usually cheaper than ironridge.... looks like maybe ready rack is very competitive too. For those looking at roof mount, study your fire codes ...you need to keep the panels 3' lower than ridge (2015 code) and if using 2018 code it's 18" (But you need to red the code details).... Yes you have to use whatever year edition of code your county has adopted, you can no jump to the newer code....

[@frenchydampier2209]

3 years ago!! Recent purchase of panels was $97 for 500 watt bifacial solar panels. So I only need 20 panels for 20KW However the shipping was going to cost as much as buying 4 extra panels at which point shipping was free. Panels prices sre dropping like a rock!! I’m mounting them on the roof ( lack of space in my yard) And mounting them vertically that gains me as much as 30% over rated yield. I’ll mount 2 of the extra panels for increased output on cloudy days. (2 will go in the attic to replace any damaged in the future). My racking costs amounted to $23 per panel. Wiring costs will be lower, since I not need 50 feet. But wire has gone up significantly. I have yet to decide is I want a back up battery or not. The Tesla version 3 includes a built in inverter but it’s $8400. For now I’ll leave it off. If the Electric company goes further away from net metering it will quickly pay for itself. I am looking at a bi-directional EV CHARGER TO USE THE BATTERY in my Tesla to act in that capacity. Then I can use the DC power directly and only use the inverter when I’m in surplus generational capacity. Typical power loss with inverters is around 5%!

[@jonathanballoch]

This is so helpful, would love to see a follow-up video where you do a similar comparison but adding battery storage

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks, you can see a battery storage update here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKuwcopuoLxjebc

[@MrDayinthepark]

I appreciate your video, it gave me some of the information I want. The hybrid structure is likely what most people want. What most people don't want is a high pressure salesman pumping up a profit margin and a commission.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ranchoboomerang8400]

Excellent presentation and perfect timing for me since I'm currently working on the design of an almost identical system. I'm preparing permit application documents. This is very helpful. Thanks!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful! Although every permit process is going to be a little different, I made a video on my permit process that may be helpful. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57Mdox6fbF6aqM

[@GodsQ]

Really appreciate your concise explanation. You did a great job, here and with your system. God Bless You and your family.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks, you too!

[@claytonsmith7154]

Best DIY video on solar I've seen, thanks

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@rleonekc07]

Finally someone who explains it well

[@tabuilder]

Excellent presentation., Valuable information, clear, concise, and to the point Thank you!

[@VivekGangwar02]

*a fun fact* : with the racking system cost of 2500$ only, here in india you can install 5Kw ongrid system. With 5KW of panels and a 5Kw ongrid inverter. for large projects, the costing for mono perc bifacial comes at around 0.4$ per watt plus inverter and structure cost.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks for the reference info!

[@jusiceigi48651]

Wow way cheaper than I thought. Solar salesman came by yesterday and for a system twice the size on this video it cost 4 times as much as the quote you received. Going to shop around more or learn to install myself. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

If you want help getting a proposal from an independent advisor at no cost to you, try EnergyPal: energypal.com/everyday-dave

[@nberry3898]

Great job and thanks for the information!! With electrical prices we will most likely be following your tutorials. God bless

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! For sure, the price of electricity is making solar more cost effective.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Great vid! No smoke, mirrors, lies, or assumptive errors!

[@user-lp9ei3ty7o]

Really well done video! Right to the point, well explained and illustrated, very informative 10 out of 10. Thanks for the information.

[@motlhagodilamont2577]

Excellent work.Your vedios are very basic and easy to understand.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Impressive! Well done video. There are guys that will spend more than that on a Harley, a boat, a muscle car, etc-etc-etc and still say solar costs too much. DIY home solar is one of the best hobbies (or way of life) you can have. I got three arrays.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Well said!

[@sompsaya2770]

Congratulations from Germany, Thanks

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thank you very much!

[@Justmehellogoodbye]

Amazing! 👏 i am now 100% going to do a ground install. Looks fun!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You can do it!

[@alphagrendel]

Thank you for the great info! I'm looking at doing a system very close to this.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andreab6271]

Blown away great job.... We DIY and ours paid off 18yrs faster than the contractor. You got a good bid. St. louis they way over charge. THey want 14k just to remove and reinstalled on the roof (hail damage new roof)

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Nice! DIY makes all the difference if you want a reasonable payback time period.

[@darrenorange2982]

Your setup is great, well done. I kind of want to do a video but I don't want to draw attention to my setup.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! I understand not wanting to draw attention, I had the same concerns. If only it wasn't risky to help people. 🙂

[@fazman6218]

I wish some more simple step by step process for DIY existed to let people start with bi-facial solar panels used as a fence that we can grow as we add more and more panels. That way I can start small and add on little by little as I learn.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You can do that if you use micro inverters.

[@davidpowell3691]

Great video - I think you guys pay less for electricity than we do in the UK. I don't know when this video was made but we have just had shocking rises in electricity prices and have been told there are more to come. The return on investment period has literally halved although solar panels have somehow mysteriously risen in price too. I bought 10 used panels that came out at the equivalent of 90 bucks a piece - they were selling for 60 bucks a couple of months ago. My whole 2.4kw/h system has cost me about 2200 us dollars. I'm not finished yet but nearly there. Thanks again for a great video with no bs.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Inflation seems to be hitting the whole world, I guess it is going to improve the payback for solar in general. I'm glad the content was helpful. Thanks!

[@DC9848]

Major like for this cost breakdown. Could you add some links for tools you would recommend to buy before a DIY install (you showed photo of some)

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! There are links to some of the items I went over in the description below the video.

[@flyingjeff1984]

You did a great job. Be aware that the production WILL fall off each year. Ask me how I know.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

How do you know? I created a new calculator that takes the drop in production into account. You can watch that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5uugXurmJ2HaZo

[@fernandobanos7255]

Great job and thanks for explaining the costs. Here in Mexico solar panels are 130 usd for a Longi 635 watt and in China the same panel is 82 usd. In Mexico we do not have tax benefits.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

That's not necessarily a bad thing. Every tax benefit has to be paid for by someone.

[@Sultan-e]

Excellent detailed information!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@benjaminsmith6555]

Okay ... now to learn everything about electricity. I can offord that, and I can do it ! Thank you.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You can do it!

[@mrsir2378]

utube university

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com Other Helpful Solar Videos: Super Cheap Solar Panel Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6aXmnqud82ksNU Full Solar System Install: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lamkZ6SFrNOMmK8 Check out the first year performance results here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJLXhZiJppVoqLc See the total system cost here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-3gGtpe9uUgpY And How to size your solar system here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJOpn42ndpV6eas 4 Things to Know About Solar in the Snow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIqWgaicr7WIpKs Ground Vs Roof Mount Solar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7MhJJumpyhbJI How to Get A Permit For Your Solar System: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57Mdox6fbF6aqM How to Crimp MC4 Connectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXmWfaSKqpl1bqc 3 Solar Panel Wiring Issues Answered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2jZeXh-d5iUY68 Net Metering Explained With Actual Data: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6i4fGSag69mpJo

[@carlosquintana1657]

Great job explaining and breaking down the cost of your system. Thank you for sharing.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coziii.1829]

Zoning and permits I don’t have to worry about that out in country. I rather have someone else do it cause I have no clue .

[@delsmith22]

Nice job with detail explanation. Thank you

[@CptCanuckaNunChucka]

Appreciate you sharing your experience. Just got the same size Ready Rack quote for $5,361.00 from Matt Reid. Prices really go up! 🤣

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Yes, the price of steel has gone up significantly.

[@AirborneSapper82]

Excellent video !!!! Thank you !!!! I am shopping for a system and this was very useful.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paullindquist4488]

Dave, you did a great job at breaking down the costs for us. How about the number of man hours in labor? Because after all - time is money. Thanks!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

It's hard to judge because filming adds a significant amount of time to the activity. I think at one point I estimated about 40hours. Here is an estimate someone else posted: @jstaffordii • 1 month ago I calculated mine at $100/hr. I tracked my time from permitting application process to final inspection. My 9.25kw roof mount grid tied system used 50 man hours of labor. So it was roughly $5000 of DIY labor to add to my $8600 install cost of equipment and tooling needs before tax rebate 4 years ago. But that only matters if you actually earn $100/hr in your off duty from work hours. Solar is a hobby that you invest your better way of life.

[@biodave]

Wow. Talk about a perfectly done video...

[@Patricia-hu5fd]

You did not include your savings for cheaper electricity and the added savings for paying off the unit 3.6 years earlier, which I believe brings your cost down on the DIY side.

[@ashwanthota8630]

I can't install the panels by myself, so who should I hire to install them for me and save money at the same time? And thanks in advance for making this video in details for us! I appreciate it!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

There are two free resources I can recommend: The first is EnergyPal, they will help you determine if solar is right for you and set you up with the lowest cost installation that meets your needs. If you follow my link to sign up you will get a $500 gift card when your install is complete! (They only service some areas of the US and Canada): energypal.com/everyday-dave Or, Try Energy Sage - I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my original install. (Helps you find a local installer that is reputable) : www.energysage.com/p/everydaydave/

[@souliog]

Actually the professional install price you got sounds very reasonable…my quotes were all in the 30k+ range

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Keep in mind that was the best of all the quotes I received. Also, I spent some time negotiating it down. I used EnergySage to get quotes from multiple suppliers. Here is a link: www.energysage.com/p/everydaydave/ You could also try EnergyPal another free resource for finding installers. Here is there link: energypal.com/everyday-dave

[@NeblogaiLT]

I don't know how much prices changed over a year, but we are getting a 10kW solar system here in Lithuania, and installers are offering them for 7k-9k euros with installation (including 21% VAT). We also get an incentive of €323 per installed kW from the government, which leaves cheapest 10kW offer total cost at €7k - €3.2k= ~€3.8k. So it should take only about 3 years for us for the system to pay off all the cost.

[@bobbenjamin123]

Amazing video and it shows by how professional you are!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! But, actually I'm not a professional, just a guy learning as I go... : )

[@STxFisherman]

Thanks for sharing the great info. I am getting close to planning out a solar project at my home and this is very helpful.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sesurin]

Love the cost break down, thank you for sharing!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mickeysreef3881]

i believe the rebate also includes labor.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

The US tax credit does include labor if you pay someone to install your system.

[@Mensan1960]

I had a company quote SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS for a ground mounted array. As soon as he said that I kicked him out.. I was expecting $20k. Solar companies in Florida be trying to rip you off.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I have found that quotes can very significantly. Getting three to five quotes will help you negotiate the best price if you are having someone else install your system. My quotes ranged from $24k to $40k for the same size system.

[@jimroth1821]

Great video Dave. Can you provide annual production data since install? I installed an 18.6 Kw system in 2019 using tracking arrays and thought it would be interesting to compare.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I have a video showing the monthly and annual production of my first year. You can also download the spreadsheet from that video. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJLXhZiJppVoqLc

[@eddiemcmullan1817]

Jim, what type of tracking array are you using?

[@douglassmith9818]

I spent months researching DIY kits for my home and then I went downtown to get the permits and I was told the homeowners are not allowed in our county to install system that has to be done by a professional

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Sorry to hear that, you might consider moving.. : ) I did a video on getting a permit, my recommendation was to make two phone calls before you start anything, one to the utility company and one to the building department, you can watch that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57Mdox6fbF6aqM

[@surfreadjumpsleep]

$1.25 / W. if you get 4 hours sun on average / day. after 20 years. 20 * 365 * 4 = 29,200 hours in first 20 years. you will get 29 kWh / installed watt. 1.25 / 29 = about 4.3 cents per kwh. good deal!

[@tanozVIP]

Thank you ! Your video is the best !👍

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad you liked it!

[@Mike-01234]

Why did you get the optimizers ground mount system doesn't require rapid shutdown units. Diodes in the panels do the same thing as an optimizer unless you wanted to see the power output of each panel. I like the comparison I know solar contractors in the past were quoting extremely high rates up to $8 a watt. I have seen some with battery storage up to 100k. Like most contractors can always find someone else to do it cheaper.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I didn't have very much knowledge about solar systems when I installed my first system. Here is a video I did later on this exact topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHSampJ9iNd6os0

[@michaelslattery2230]

Excellent video!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thank you!

[@SFdd-sk2hx]

5500 saved, you can buy your wife a nice golden necklace or make a big vaccation. i bet your family would like that too. i respect a man doing stuff by him self. Thhumps uop

[@fishhuntadventure]

If one spends what they save have they gained anything? No. They’ve merely been an average consumer.

[@7mariposas775]

@@fishhuntadventure sometimes you save money on things so you could buy the things that you want vacation time with your family is definitely something you would want on average

[@needsomehike]

good info, thanks very much!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@navaneethakrishnannarayana265]

Excellent Explanation. Great. Congratulations Sir. 🌹

[@shemmo]

In some EU countries there is a limit to max 10kWp solar power you can install in your house, i wish i could install as much as i wish...

[@willcline7992]

Any business case should include the time value of money so the cost of money whether to borrow or what you could earn risk-free should be included to discount future savings or costs. In other words a dollar today is worth more than the promise of a dollar 5 years from now.

[@albinoadrianocordeiro9929]

This channel is awesome!! So to the point!!!

[@shivargorolle4337]

You are very underrated.

[@LisaElizabeth-rf7px]

Thank you. Great content and huge savings, even if we hire an electrician to install the system, I think there are significant savings.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Yes, there is a good middle ground where you do some of the work and just hire an electrician to do the wiring. It should still be much cheaper than having a "turn key" system installed.

[@sodell9344]

Thank you for the straight information!

[@GodEternalWithin]

What would you recommend for a Two bedroom home solar setup and the amount of panels needed? I live in the marshall Islands and I would be off grid completely? I watched your other video where did a step by step on how to install a solar system. Very informative and easy to follow. Thanks man.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful. Off grid requires a significant increase in the system size as well as the addition of batteries. You can get some help on where to get started sizing your array here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJOpn42ndpV6eas

[@ua420]

I was quite surprised to see EV vehicle charge port. Diging bit deeper it looked like a 240 AC charge not DC charge (as it's much more expensive to do proper DC-DC)

[@ProjectsWithDave]

SolarEdge doesn't give a lot of detail on how it's solar boost works during charging. I show the cable install and a little more detail on the topic in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2PMnXturrScbaM

[@rajgandhi6163]

Excellent job and great information!👍🇨🇦

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thank you! 👍

[@davidsullivan8236]

Such a professional presentation and project many thanks

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks!

[@anttikinnunen5958]

Thank you.

[@hordboy]

This is great. Thanks!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@gavinmacrae-gibson3344]

An excellent description of a solar power grid-tied installation. Do you have a similar one on off-grid applications, especially one that gets into the whole issue of batteries?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks!. I don't have one on an off grid solution, but maybe in the future.

[@gregguiltner8764]

Good comparison. Very helpful.

[@antronx7]

Your compounded rate of return on this system is 5.7% over 25 years assuming 2.4% annual cost of electricity increase and $0 system scrap value. Over past 30 years the stock market returned 9.9% on average. To make solar have 9.9% annual return it would have to cost $4500 total or $0.48/watt. Doable in some parts of the world.

[@robertmartinez988]

Excellent, concise video , thanks

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnnyk617]

Fantastic video very informative I subscribed

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Awesome, thank you!

[@johnleeiii9041]

Thanks dave

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thank you!

[@cindystokes8347]

I would love someone to address that many equipment manufacturers won’t honor warranty for DIY installs. What manufacturers honor warranty to DIYers?

[@SK-dp3nz]

I had several companies come in both have quoted me $50-65K for the same system you have but no disconnect from the grid BOX , the 65k was with a wall battery . 65000 divided by 360 months (30 years ) it be $180 per month just to pay off the panels , I’ve told them hey I don’t think we are there yet to offer ppl this nonsense . I’d hire someone for 25k NOOOO PROBLEM

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Installers are asking absurd amounts for installing solar systems. I would not pay someone to install a system that took more than 7 years to pay off. I recommend a couple of options for getting more reasonable quotes in the description. I would keep looking.

[@kimkartrashianstopmakingst9060]

Great video! Very well done and informative!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Thanks for the break down.

[@victorgraham8004]

I really liked the explanation. I would like to get the links to the different spread sheets you rederred to in your video.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Here is the one for sizing your solar array: drive.google.com/file/d/1pbkrexpzooKA3wIDZtH_6cI4dHyuE6_n/view?usp=sharing Here is the one for Roof VS Ground each worksheet is on a separate tab: drive.google.com/file/d/1aOJMbFIs4yawxO4_2jnfvhL9w6S-Pap_/view?usp=sharing

[@davecook89t]

The EV charging capability on the inverter is of interest to me because I cannot find anything else on line that has this feature. The description for the inverter doesn't mention a DC to DC converter. Have you confirmed that it can charge an EV?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

It does not do DC - DC charging, but it will charge directly from solar. Here is more content I did on the charger: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2PMnXturrScbaM

[@ivyshy98]

good job on the install, looks great. I think the power optimizers are overkill since it doesn't look like your setup would get any shade? also those mounting poles look kind of weak. are they the same strength as say fence posts? any concerns of them bending out of shape in high winds?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! The poles are much more robust than fence posts, the rack is rated for over 90mph winds.

[@TheMysticBohemian]

great video thanks for taking the time to make it

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks for watching!

[@videoshomepage]

25 is an odd number especially given the array appears in the picture to be rectangular and not square? Where is the extra panel?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I added it later, you can see more recent pictures in some of my later videos like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16YopajobJ_ick

[@codyabel4766]

u the man dave

[@mikecaldera6360]

Wish I could do this in NYC