New roof solar system (many questions)

[TLS Guy]

So, back on track, the First guy's quote was about $42k, including a new roof. Seemed a bit expensive at the time, but many benefits would quickly make it very worthwhile. That is for 23 panels sized at 10kW production.

I got quotes from the second round, this time separate numbers for the new roof (with a few small additions) and solar. The numbers are quite shocking. The roof alone is over 20k, and the solar system
It is nearly 52k for an 11.7kW system. So the total project cost with the second option is over $72k before benefits. For now, I am still trying to wrap my head around such big numbers, and getting more clarity from both vendors to understand why so such a difference.

What is the rating of your electrical service at the panel? You can only produce 20% above the rating of your panel. If you exceed that it will not pass inspection by Federal law. That is NEC 24. I have a 200 amp service so, the most panels I can have is 20 which is 7.6 KW. That gets by as peak power never quite gets to spec. although mine will produce 7.5 KW in a bright noon day sun.

 

[TankTop5]

Update: I spoke with one solar company and their proposal, which includes a new roof. At this point, I was almost 100% decided not to go with the first guy as there were a few small but significant red flags, in particular, no breakdown of the new roof cost, and some weird energy estimation charts.

Speaking with the second solar company, which doesn't do new roofs itself but partners with an actual roofing company. The roofing guy stopped by yesterday to do a very detailed inspection of the roof and attic, and found and showed me a few small leaks already. We discussed a metal roof as well, but it doesn't seem like it would make sense to us to go that way. Guy is highly certified and seems like he really knows his only job - to do roofs.
His proposal will likely cost more than the first guy's, but I feel it's worth doing for many reasons.

Still pending to see the actual proposal from the second solar company, will update later.

I have been working in roofing for a couple years (1099 under a contractor and definitely don’t know it all) and any solar company that recommends a new roof before installing solar is ahead of 90% of solar companies. With few exceptions roofing isn’t too complicated but having a roofing and solar company that work together regularly is highly recommended.