I had another company (not local) come in and give me an estimate. After doing some research, I found out the salesman lied about several things and cancelled the contract.
Sun Commercial was another company that responded to my search (thru Energy Sage). Knowing a bit more now, I met with Mike. He was EXTREMLY KNOWLEDGABLE and HONEST. He was able to answer all my questions re the system and the installation.
Being local (IMO) was also a great asset and I was ALWAYS, even after the install, able to reach him.
At my request, he brought a panel that would be used for the install. We actually went on the roof (the other salesman would NOT) to decide the best lay out. I explained to him I am extremely anal about my things, installation, neatness, of anything, etc. Mike was VERY ACCOMADATING / patient and his work showed it.
The electrical box, control box installation (on the side of the house), was installed as I requested, (nice and neat-EVERYTHING fitting below the garage, in wall A/C unit), very un-obtrusive.
Once activated (sunny day), the electrical meter, spun BACKWARDS (making electric and sending it back thru the lines to LCEC) VERY QUICKLY.
Enphase, the maker of the control box, monitors the unit and notifies Mike(and I believe myself) of any issues(via the internet). I go on-line and can check the energy production (updated every 15 minutes) for the day.
It's been installed for approx. 2 months now, not a hiccup.
I did NOT have an electric bill for last month and still have a $30 CREDIT for the next month. I am also producing approx. 1/3 MORE electric than I'm taking in from LCEC. Worth noting, I'm running the A/C slightly cooler than normal as well. On a sunny day, A/C running, the system is PRODUCING more power than the A/C uses-the meter is running BACKWARDS, still sending excess electric back to LCEC. On a cloudy day, the A/C running, the meter usually stops moving-still producing enough power to run the A/C off the solar, no electric coming in from LCEC.
Worth noting, should a storm knock out your electric, unless batteries are installed, the system turns off and you have to revert to your generator(safety issue for the lineman).
Lastly, I was concerned about the mounting system, hurricanes tearing up the panels / roof etc. I observed the installation on the roof and the mounts / rails and panels. There is NO WAY a storm will pull the system off the roof as the rails / mounting tabs are so heavy duty.
As an investment, the return ($ wise), is MUCH more than any bank / investment firm can do. A win / win IMO..
My only regret is not doing this sooner and finding Mike to do the install.
S. Townsend, SW Cape Coral, Florida, 33914