[Fwd: Ready Solar Seeking Installation Partners: Marketing & Leads Prov

Thu Aug 16 09:15:40 PDT 2007

All,

I concur with Mark's comments (below).  Having been on the bleeding edge of
developing and deploying what others wanted to call "cookie cutter" systems,
I cannot stress firmly enough that not everybody wants the same flavor
cookie.  By this I mean, you can create a model system that fits and is
appropriate for a given set of conditions.  (i.e. Climate zones,
orientations, roof-types, roof sizes, energy bills, electric service size &
configuration, etc.)  The key is that it is "conditions specific".

BP's Home Depot line is a good case study.  Of the 16 or so system "models"
that they pre-packaged (X # modules with X # inverters only), the BOS,
interconnection & installation methodology was left to the installer. It was
also left to the installer to select the most appropriate system for the
circumstances. 

Issues such as ground or roof-attachment, racking selection, conduit, wire
type, disconnects, etc. are/were left to the installer.  BP's "process"
is/was supposed to flag & prevent "no-no's". This approach is far from
perfect, as we all are.  Some less than others.... :-)

All things considered though, BP's approach is probably as close to a
"one-size-fits-all" as we're gonna get any time soon.  Especially when you
take into account the nationwide footprint and the front-end stuff of
getting into a Home Depot and their financing options.  (I know, AstroPower
did it first. I didn't have the opportunity to work with them back then and
certainly don't think I will any time soon.)

No matter what "cookie cutter" we come up with on the system side, it's
going to come down to the installer's expertise and integrity. 

Regarding the specifics of ReadySolar's offer, I haven't personally
investigated or vetted it. I wonder just how much good "Solar in a box" is
going to do. I personally prefer my solar to NOT be in a box. A 1kW building
block?  Hmmmmm.... Hasn't that already been tried and found to be too
expensive?  Not to mention the reliability issues... (GC 1000's anyone?) I
also am left to wonder what criteria they apply when selecting an
"Installation Partner". I'll leave my comments about the apparent bells and
whistles options of Fat Spaniel or GridPoint out of this thread. My computer
can't handle any more heat today.

I do hope that one day we will crack the code and actually have something
that addresses the multitude of variations and customer and site-specific
issues in a really sweet, clean, effective way.  Until then,

Pray for Sun!

Matt Lafferty 
mlafferty at universalenergies.com 
(415) 252-0343 Phone 

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Frye [mailto:markf at berkeleysolar.com] 
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2007 12:11 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: [Fwd: Ready Solar Seeking Installation Partners: Marketing &
Leads Prov

Daryl,

I did receive the e-mail.  I have also seen this product promoted elsewhere.

My very first impression is that the AL skirt around the modules allows for
zero air flow under the array on composite shingle roofs.

I think there are two advantages to having some space:

1 - The larger the space, the greater the air flow, the cooler the panel.
This can have a significant effect on yield.  For hot and very hot climates
this might not be an appropriate installation method.

2 - Ventilation of the roof decking is important to prevent the accumulation
of moss which can lead to damming and leaks.

Other than that, despite to rhetoric and efforts towards making PV
installation more generic, I personally believe that there is a limit to the
amount of standardization possible in the residential retrofit market,
considering the hugh variation in site specific conditions.  Because if
this, I am wary of cookie cutter approaches such as this one, or the mass
installation approach of groups like SolarCity, or claims by groups like
CitizenRe of developing one size fits all intallation methods that will cut
cost significantly.

Time Will Tell,

MPF

-----Original Message-----
From: Daryl DeJoy [mailto:penobscotsolar at midmaine.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2007 10:14 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: [Fwd: Ready Solar Seeking Installation Partners: Marketing & Leads
Provide

Wrenches,
   Have you all received this yet and what is your take on it?
Daryl

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: Ready Solar Seeking Installation Partners: Marketing & Leads
Provided
From:    "Ready Solar" <janey at readysolar.com>
Date:    Sat, August 11, 2007 2:39 am
To:      info at penobscotsolar.com
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artners_marketing_leads_provided.html.

Ready Solar is Seeking Installation Partners:
Install Solar Systems Quickly & Easily
Marketing & Customer Leads Provided

Ready Solar Manufactures Pre-configured, Pre-wired, Packaged Solar Energy
Systems that Install Quickly & Easily.

Solar in a Box Systems Include:

    * Top Quality, High-efficiency Solar Panels
    * Packages Available in 1 kW Building Block Arrays
    * Includes Inverter and Integrated Disconnects
    * Ready Solar Proprietary Annodized Aluminum Frame Mounting System
    * Pre-wired, Pre-configured & Ready to Install
    * 'Just in time' Delivery
    * 10 year Comprehensive Warranty
    * Technical Support & Complete Installation Instructions
    * Ready Solar Marketing & Lead Generation Provided
    * Order systems online: http://shop.readysolar.com
    * Financing Solar in a Box systems provided by Clean Power Finance
(.com)
    * Gridpoint Battery Backup & Fat Spaniel Monitoring Available

Solar in a Box Systems are Ready to Ship Today.
Call Now to Sign up for our Certified Installer Partner Program.

Contact Janey Ward: 650-646-3411x804 or janey at readysolar.com

This message was sent by: Ready Solar, 158 Pinon Drive, Portola Valley, CA
94028

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