dunno. i've got an 17.85kw/61.4kwh setup and i'm still relying on the grid due to continuous days of overcast in the winter. and running a generator just seems to me to defeat the purpose.
@ronaldchong peace. Zero export still allows you to use the grid . You just set the inverter to not send electricity back thru the meter. Most places in the country are on New contracts that pay $.02 kw or low like that while charging full price for what u buy
Would be nice to have an all US manufactured solution. Something like First Solar teaming up with Enphase and serving the residential market. All preinstalled at the factory and 100% US 🇺🇸
I’m curious about the deck mount solar in general. To replace the shingles under the panel, I would think the mounting bracket will need to be removed to replace the shingles under. Once that’s replaced, will the old holes on the roof deck be reused to reinstall the panel? If yes, wouldn’t that weaken the installation and reduce the uplift capacity?
Thanks for the question. Reroofing with Solvari is very easy. In the industry we call this “detach and reset”. Just unscrew the panels from the roof and stack them on the ground while the reroofing is happening. Each mount comes with a quick toolless disconnect to separate the used mounts from the solar panel. Solvari will ship all new mounts with new deck screws and new flashing tape so you can bring the panels back up to original factory specifications. Then, when you are ready to reinstall the panels, just pop on the new mounts and install them like you did the first time. Don’t try to put them back in the exact same location. If you offset the system by an inch in any direction, you will be fine and get full rated capacity out of the attachments. If you need to fix a shingle under the panel, you can use the quick disconnects to separate the panel from mounts, fix the shingles under where the panel was, and then reconnect the panel to the mounts. If you need to remove a mount to fix shingles under a mount, then you will need to put a mount back into the same location. For this scenario, you would have to sister on a plywood backer over the holes from the underside of the roof in the attic space. Then screw down a new mount assembly with new flashing tape such that the screws enter the same holes and screw into the backer you provided. Then you can put the panel back down. Alternatively, you could drill out the boss hole in the mount and use a larger screw. However, we have not validated this approach and specified the screw and thus would not provide any guarantees with this approach. However, we will look into this alternative solution.
Thanks for the question. For detach and replace, just unscrew the panels from the roof and stack them on the ground while the reroofing is happening. Each mount comes with a quick toolless disconnect to separate the used mounts from the solar panel. Solvari will ship all new mounts with new deck screws and new flashing tape so you can bring the panes back up to original factory specifications. Then, when you are ready to reinstall the panels, just pop on the new mounts and install them like you did the first time.
This is NOT for the DIY's there is no price calculation unless somebody personally gives you a quote. Also there is NO price per panel to calculate what you need or can afford.
Thanks for the comment. For DIY, we have a dedicated page on our website under the Homeowner tab. On that page, you will find that we sell directly to homeowners at $1.80/W. This price includes free shipping, our rooftop junction box, and pre-commissioned gateway. We are working on the online store front where you will be able to purchase the panels without having to contact anyone at Solvari. We expect to have this ready in early Q1, 2025. Until then, yes, we will be taking orders through email. Please note, due to high demand, our panels are currently on back order. Once the online store becomes available, you can make your reservation so you get in the queue. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we ramp up to meet demand.
Thanks for the question. The current Solvari SR product is not validated for metal roofs. However, by late 2025 we do plan on releasing Solvari MR, the metal roof version of the product for standing seam metal roofs. We currently don’t have a product plan to address corrugated metal roofs.
Solvari has not validated our panel for use with flat concrete roofs. However, it seems plausible that our current product could be used by simply swapping the screws for concrete anchors. Solvari is open to validating this approach and perhaps providing a targeted solution if sufficient market interest is received. If you have any suggestions, please let us know, as we would love to hear from you. Our current panel is rated for 180 mph wind for zone 1 (the center of the roof) for a flat roof, single story, Exposure C building. We are evaluating a high load version of our panel, Solvari SR-HL, which we expect will achieve these wind load capacities anywhere on the roof, at any slope, and for 2 story. Anticipated product launch for that product is Q3 2025.
Does it require cloud connection or can you local monitor? I really don't want to rely on a company supporting their system for 30 years, that's a losing bet pretty much every time.
You can locally monitor. The gateway includes a display where you can check real time power production for each of your modules. Of course, it is not as nice as the cloud interface which you can view from your phone.
Modules evolve so quickly that I don't see this as a long-term solution. By the time they become popular, the panel and microinverter will be obsolete.
Thank you for your comment. We completely agree that modules and power electronics continue to evolve over time. That’s why Solvari’s solution is intentionally designed to be adaptable and agnostic to specific modules or power electronics. This flexibility allows us to seamlessly switch suppliers as market dynamics, costs, or technologies shift, ensuring that we remain innovative, competitive, and always aligned with industry advancements.
@@solvariinc Are the components/wiring available if a failure occurs or does the complete panel need to be replaced ? Are the parts proprietary if something bad happens to the company?
Good question. Yes, the panel is fully serviceable. The inverter which comes with all the AC cable can be separated from the panel. In addition, both the DC and AC connectors can be field replaced. The mounts are the only proprietary components. Everything else can be purchased from our OEM partners and they will service the warranties for those components if something "bad" were to happen to Solvari.
The "soft" costs are in reality less costs for the installer and not passed onto the home owner. Lower skilled workers, more jobs per day, and less workers. The grid tie inverters are no longer cost effective for the home owner, gotta have batteries/inverters/switches to save from using grid energy.
I'm out of South facing roof space. I'd like some west facing wall mount option. Also this seems like a big risk. Unique equipment from one company. If this go out of business like so many have you're stuck.
We white label our panels and inverters. If something goes bad and Solvari is no longer around to support, then you can do your warranty claim directly to the original manufacturer.
It will be interesting to see how this product is received by the market. If the goal is to install generic solar with the lowest labor cost, this will be hard to beat. Of course, there will be other customers who are partial to a specific brand like Enphase or REC, but for generic solar capacity, it's hard to beat.
Yes, I believe so. You just have more attachment points. Basically with this design, you have six attachment points per solar panel. That’s 12 total roof penetrations per panel.
Direct-to-deck isn't that great in my experience. You'll get soft spots and spinners, uneven surfaces, etc. If they have different interchangeable options for mounting depending on what roof conditions you encounter then I'd say it's worth a try.
Yes, Solvari’s current 6 mount solution is rated for 160 mph winds, 2 story, Exposure C. In addition, we are evaluating a high load version of our panel, Solvari SR-HL, with 8 mounts which we expect will achieve wind load capacities as high as 185 mph and can be used anywhere in Florida. Anticipated product launch for that product is Q3 2025. Our technology uses multiple mounts per panel avoiding point loading the roof. This allows us to distribute the load on the roof and reduce the requirement at each attachment. While rafter attach is strong, a single poorly place screw or bad rafter could have catastrophic consequences. The redundancy of the multiple attachment approach lowers the criticality of any one connection, which we believe lowers the risk of a catastrophic failure.
We agree that soft spots can be a serious issue. This is why Solvari is designed with two screws on every mount separated by 2.75" even though only one screw is needed to meet upforce requirements. As for uneven surfaces, each mount is equipped with a leveling bolt so you can level the system as needed.
@@SolarSurge 8 screw holes PER PANEL is laughable. “We can make swiss cheese out of your roof really fast…” That should be the marketing pitch don’t you think ?
This system only works with asphalt roofs, not tile, right? Also, it would be nice to see a video showing step-by-step instructions. I've searched and all I have found is workers in fast motion getting it done in 60 minutes. Not very helpful.
Thanks for the question. That is correct, Solvari SR is only designed for asphalt shingle roofs. For tile systems, some of our customers with sophisticated roofing capacities or roofing partnerships are going to remove the tiles and place asphalt shingles down under the location of the array. This does add cost, but also provides an awesome aesthetic as the array is not above the roof but recessed into the roof. Sorry that we don’t have a video of the installation steps on our website. We can look to add that. Installation is really simple. Here are the steps: (1) pull off the release sheets from the flashing tape on the mounts and place the panel where you want on the roof, (2) screw down all the fasteners, (3) electrically connect it to the adjacent panels. The only other steps are to rewire a panel when going up to another row which only takes about 15 seconds, terminate the end of the string to a rooftop j-box, and put an end cap at the beginning of the string. That’s it. Also, all systems come with an installation manual with ancillary details like figuring out where to start your array on the roof for those who haven’t done solar before along with some other helpful tips.
Thanks for the question. The current Solvari SR product is not validated for metal roofs. However, by late 2025 we do plan on releasing Solvari MR, our metal roof version of the product for standing seam metal roofs.
The inverter can be popped out of its bracket on the back of the panel along with its wires. Then the new inverter can be popped in and rerouted in about a minute. No tools required.
Biggest thing is install time. Takes 5-7 people to complete a job. White and colored people don’t want to be on the roof here in FL. Most people quit in the summer. Roof is about 130-140F in the summer and if install can be faster with with less equipment will help out.
Thank you for the excellent observation. Heat can be very harmful to humans. Getting workers off the roof quickly is safer from a fall prevention and heat perspective.
Thanks for the question. Yes, our 365W panels use M6 PERC cells which are older technology. However, we have sold out of our 365W panels and are currently taking orders for our new 410W panels that use the latest M10 TOPCon cell technology and have a 22.3% efficiency rating, which is at the high end of commercially available panels. The reason our wattage is still less is that we use a smaller more traditional resi form factor to ensure we keep to our “Solar Made Easy” mission. The larger 450W panels are really big, difficult to handle, can be dangerous on sloped roof applications, and can impact installation speed. At the end of the day, it’s not the size of the panel that matters, its efficiency, cost, and how quickly you can get a job done.
Solvari will be providing a financing market place with many financing options including solar loans for our customers. This will be available in Q2 2025. We will also be adding our panels to other solar AVLs over time and there are already many loan options that don't have AVL equipment requirements.
Yes, we use microinverters on every panel. However, they can be field replaced in just a few minutes without having to replace the entire module. In addition, they come with a 25 year warranty where a single string inverter typically comes with only a 10 year warranty. In addition, if a string inverter goes down you loose production on your entire system. If a microinverter goes down you only loose production from a single panel.
This is definitely better. I am not sure what guarantees that any company is around for 25 years? Especially in a market that's as fluid as the solar industry. It is trending down based on electric companys buy backs. At the end of the day these corporations and there political power will continue to erode the value of solar (unless batteries are cheaper). It's a zero sum game in solar. No one can say they will be around for 25 years who knows where these guys will be in 5 years. How many businesses can you think of that are around for 25 years? Banks major automotive companys and a few more. The promise/commitment has no valid backing. Any one can say the will be here for 25 years. If I'm a betting man (which I am not) I'll take that bet that they won't be here in 5 to 10 years.
Are these compatible with the Powerwall or other battery storage systems? I seem to remember that storage systems would prefer DC input to maximize efficiency. Also, I have an EV, so thes would seem ideal for input to a Level 2 EVSE. Is this correct?
What if the roof trusses are off a little and not on 2 ft centers? Also, that leaves a larger gap between the panels and may lose the ability to fit another panel in because of the extra space being taken up. Plus, more roof penetrations than needed. Overkill! Increases the chances of leaks. I don't like it.
It'll be interesting to see this product going through the city planning department here in SoCal coastal areas where the Santa Ana's are strong. We pulled a crew out of Malibu couple weeks back, too windy to install the mods.
Thanks for the comment Derek. As Joe points out, Solvari utilizes direct-to-deck mounting technology allowing you to put it anywhere on the roof and maintain waterproofness. The gaps between panels promote cooling to increase panel efficiency and allows access into the array using 2x4s so you don’t have to remove panels. Solvari incorporates extra fasteners on every module for redundancy and increased performance. The number of fasteners isn’t important if your waterproofing is good. Under every Solvari solar panel there are more than 75 fasteners holding down the shingles, and those fasteners are only 3/8” or less from the leading edge of the shingle. No one thinks of that because the sealing method works. Solvari’s flashing tape provides ¾” sealing all around the fastener and has undergone over 4800 hours of waterproof testing as well as accelerate long-term chamber testing to validate the method for its 25-year design life.
Our microinverter uses powerline communications to communicate to the gateway. The gateway ships with a pre-mated ethernet booster. Once that booster is connected to the home’s wired ethernet, or to the back of the modem, the gateway has access to the internet and will begin reporting data to the cloud within 15 minutes. You do not need to connect to the WiFi or get passwords. This makes commissioning really simple and super fast.
Holy crap, my BS meter was absolutely PEGGED when that guy was trying to explain "soft costs". His attempt to tip-toe through the words was so cringe-worthy! What he was trying to say is, "component prices have gone down, so we're having to dream up other costs, to keep the price the same and increase how much the owner of the installation company makes on each job." If a crew can do twice as much work, shouldn't that be half the cost to the home-owner? I mean, it SHOULD, but there's all those pesky "soft costs", like making an obscene margin on each job. This means the salesman and the installation company owner can make bank while the installation crews make the same amount and the home-owners pay the same amount. The real problem that these guys do not want to talk about...is how DIY is getting easier and easier every year. Cut out the "soft costs", put in a little sweat equity, and stop lining the pockets of these shysters.
Thanks for the comment. Soft costs are real, and we agree that customer acquisition costs, which can be as high as $1.0/W, are a major contributor. DIY solutions are indeed a great way to eliminate not only these sales commission fees but also installer costs and profits. However, in practice, actual DIY installations remain limited. While many homeowners initially consider DIY, the reality of learning the necessary technical details to execute on the project and then the time commitment to actually do the install proves overwhelming. As a result, most either abandon the idea or ultimately hire a professional installer. At Solvari, we aim to change that. We believe our simplified solution removes much of the complexity and intimidation, empowering homeowners to confidently take the leap into DIY installations. Beyond customer acquisition costs, other soft costs exist for installation companies which are created by the complexity of their existing technology. Solvari’s solution can eliminate or significantly mitigate these, including: Job-related tasks: • System design • BOM (Bill of Materials) generation • Parts ordering and management • Parts picking • Reliance on highly skilled labor Additional soft costs: • Specialized vehicles • Tools • Insurance for vehicles and employees • Employee training • Higher margins to account for unexpected jobsite inefficiencies (e.g., system design changes, missing parts, failed inspections, or quality issues) It is possible that solar installers that get 2-3 times more systems done in a day using Solvari’s solution just pocket the increased profits. However, we believe the most likely scenario is they leverage Solvari to make their bids more competitive to win more jobs. By adopting this approach, installers can drive significant business growth and achieve profits that far exceed what could be gained by maximizing returns from an individual project.
I’m in sales directly- Homeowners say that want what is cheapest but I disagree, homeowners only want what’s easiest (maybe everyone) to them , not what’s cheapest - DIY is not the way to go for most since now when sthg goes wrong they have to make more than 1 call ( for the repair) and they hate the co, they hate the says, they bad mouth the whole industry, I also don’t see the big current co’s. selling cheaper, only making more money. Also, a big part of thei profit goes to the co. financing the project-( many people don’t realize this)
@@solargiousa - Didn't you just type out a long list of reasons why someone would be much smarter to LEARN and install a DIY solution? Why pay all that money when the company isn't going to be there to support the work you paid them to do? As a sales person, are you really doing your customers a service by selling them that bill of goods?
Why on earth are they using bi-facial panels? All the installation they show are for the panels to be a few inches off the roof. The host talks about bi-facial gain which only harms his credibility as there will be none. If the host wants to be credible he needs to stop making what is effectively an infomercial.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, we don't expect, promote, or build into the panel production wattage any bifacial benefit. However, there will likely be a slight lift in power performance. We are working to quantify it but don't expect anything beyond 1-2%. Testing will tell. We use glass/glass for the strength. The bifacial cell was the same cost as monofacial, so we just consider it a bonus.
So pretty much they took the soft prices from installers and slapped it into the panel all… 😂😂😂😂 $1.80 per watt. That is for 360w panel it’s going to be $648. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Any long term solar installation company knows This has been tried before and has failed, but I do wish them luck. There are so many short falls and inherent issues with this type of product that I professionally will stay away.
Note, the $1.80/W is MSRP direct for DIY market and includes our rooftop junction box, pre-commissioned gateway, and free shipping. Pricing to solar installers is much different. If you are interested, please contact our sales department for more relevant pricing for your organization and size of order.
@@robertsheperd502 Thanks for the comparison. Please note. AC modules don't include racking, wiring, deck screws, or flashing and don't provide significant time savings. Solvari SR is not an AC module, if anything, we are an AC++++ module and it provides unmatched installation efficiency and can lean the entire organization to make it more profitable. AC modules do not provide this level of value.
We disagree. Discussion with our installation partners is that they can deliver solar at a lower cost because they can complete multiple jobs in a day accelerating their revenue and increasing their profits. This will allow them to lower their installed price to win more bids and grow their business without adding crews.
@skydivekrazy76 My evidence is what I've seen in other related industries, though anecdotal, my guess is it is actually fairly standard in capitalist systems. Wherever there is profit available, everyone will do everything they can to get it. During covid prices went up, they haven't come back down, though in many instances should have. With ev sector, the US government offers a large rebate, up to $7500(?). Weeks after that announcement, Ford among others announced a price hike unashamedly precisely the for same amount. In the heat pump industry, many states offer a large incentive, and suddenly the cost of those installations go up to essentially exactly that amount. How is it a heat pump that goes in, in 1-2 days costs $10k+ to install? How about apple, they charge you nearly $1000 for an upgrade in new desktop memory yet memory has only become ridiculously cheap. How about insurance, every year my insurance goes up, yet my car is older (worth less), I have more experience, I have more years without infraction or accident, & actuarially I have become cheaper to insure, yet it still goes up. Health insurance? And so on. Basically anytime there is a disruptive change to costs, the consumer is almost never the one that benefits. I'm not saying it's necessarily wrong, I'm pointing out that it is more typical for the corporations to keep the price the same and pocket the reduction in production costs. There are always exceptions, and I whole heartedly hope this is one, but I'm a bit jaded.
@solvariinc Yes I guess we do. I do hope you are right and I am wrong. By the way, when I do installs I have to have wire and building inspections prior to laying panels so inspectors can check roof penetrations, wire management, and conduit, although they rarely do check much. I wonder how various AHJs will feel about this kind of system. Best of luck.
IMO. THE future of solar is zero export. Not grid tie.
Agree. Be your own utility.
Never sell power back to the grid, use as much as you can at your own location.
dunno. i've got an 17.85kw/61.4kwh setup and i'm still relying on the grid due to continuous days of overcast in the winter. and running a generator just seems to me to defeat the purpose.
@ronaldchong peace. Zero export still allows you to use the grid . You just set the inverter to not send electricity back thru the meter. Most places in the country are on New contracts that pay $.02 kw or low like that while charging full price for what u buy
@@blainecelestaine4543 yup, agree. i was responding to comments about being off-grid, i.e. not being grid-tied and being your own utility.
Would be nice to have an all US manufactured solution. Something like First Solar teaming up with Enphase and serving the residential market. All preinstalled at the factory and 100% US 🇺🇸
We totally agree and are working towards that goal!
I’m curious about the deck mount solar in general. To replace the shingles under the panel, I would think the mounting bracket will need to be removed to replace the shingles under. Once that’s replaced, will the old holes on the roof deck be reused to reinstall the panel? If yes, wouldn’t that weaken the installation and reduce the uplift capacity?
Thanks for the question. Reroofing with Solvari is very easy. In the industry we call this “detach and reset”. Just unscrew the panels from the roof and stack them on the ground while the reroofing is happening. Each mount comes with a quick toolless disconnect to separate the used mounts from the solar panel. Solvari will ship all new mounts with new deck screws and new flashing tape so you can bring the panels back up to original factory specifications. Then, when you are ready to reinstall the panels, just pop on the new mounts and install them like you did the first time. Don’t try to put them back in the exact same location. If you offset the system by an inch in any direction, you will be fine and get full rated capacity out of the attachments.
If you need to fix a shingle under the panel, you can use the quick disconnects to separate the panel from mounts, fix the shingles under where the panel was, and then reconnect the panel to the mounts. If you need to remove a mount to fix shingles under a mount, then you will need to put a mount back into the same location. For this scenario, you would have to sister on a plywood backer over the holes from the underside of the roof in the attic space. Then screw down a new mount assembly with new flashing tape such that the screws enter the same holes and screw into the backer you provided. Then you can put the panel back down. Alternatively, you could drill out the boss hole in the mount and use a larger screw. However, we have not validated this approach and specified the screw and thus would not provide any guarantees with this approach. However, we will look into this alternative solution.
What about detaching and reinstallation
Thanks for the question. For detach and replace, just unscrew the panels from the roof and stack them on the ground while the reroofing is happening. Each mount comes with a quick toolless disconnect to separate the used mounts from the solar panel. Solvari will ship all new mounts with new deck screws and new flashing tape so you can bring the panes back up to original factory specifications. Then, when you are ready to reinstall the panels, just pop on the new mounts and install them like you did the first time.
Interesting! Thanks. 👍
Are these cheaper than getting those Qcells panels that have Enphase IQ8 prefitted at factory? They are apparently great and quick to install.
This is NOT for the DIY's there is no price calculation unless somebody personally gives you a quote. Also there is NO price per panel to calculate what you need or can afford.
Thanks for the comment. For DIY, we have a dedicated page on our website under the Homeowner tab. On that page, you will find that we sell directly to homeowners at $1.80/W. This price includes free shipping, our rooftop junction box, and pre-commissioned gateway. We are working on the online store front where you will be able to purchase the panels without having to contact anyone at Solvari. We expect to have this ready in early Q1, 2025. Until then, yes, we will be taking orders through email. Please note, due to high demand, our panels are currently on back order. Once the online store becomes available, you can make your reservation so you get in the queue. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we ramp up to meet demand.
What about raised seam metal roof mounting or any metal roof mounting
Right now this seems to be a product for asphalt shingle roofs only. Not sure if they are planning to do a model for standing seam roofs.
What about for concrete roofs like the ones in the Caribbean, and how resistants are the panel for the wind?
Thanks for the question. The current Solvari SR product is not validated for metal roofs. However, by late 2025 we do plan on releasing Solvari MR, the metal roof version of the product for standing seam metal roofs. We currently don’t have a product plan to address corrugated metal roofs.
Solvari has not validated our panel for use with flat concrete roofs. However, it seems plausible that our current product could be used by simply swapping the screws for concrete anchors. Solvari is open to validating this approach and perhaps providing a targeted solution if sufficient market interest is received. If you have any suggestions, please let us know, as we would love to hear from you.
Our current panel is rated for 180 mph wind for zone 1 (the center of the roof) for a flat roof, single story, Exposure C building. We are evaluating a high load version of our panel, Solvari SR-HL, which we expect will achieve these wind load capacities anywhere on the roof, at any slope, and for 2 story. Anticipated product launch for that product is Q3 2025.
Thank you @@solvariinc
So this is of no use for ground mount DC coupled systems.
Correct, Solvari SR is not applicable for ground mount applications.
Does it require cloud connection or can you local monitor? I really don't want to rely on a company supporting their system for 30 years, that's a losing bet pretty much every time.
You can locally monitor. The gateway includes a display where you can check real time power production for each of your modules. Of course, it is not as nice as the cloud interface which you can view from your phone.
Modules evolve so quickly that I don't see this as a long-term solution. By the time they become popular, the panel and microinverter will be obsolete.
Thank you for your comment. We completely agree that modules and power electronics continue to evolve over time. That’s why Solvari’s solution is intentionally designed to be adaptable and agnostic to specific modules or power electronics. This flexibility allows us to seamlessly switch suppliers as market dynamics, costs, or technologies shift, ensuring that we remain innovative, competitive, and always aligned with industry advancements.
@@solvariinc Are the components/wiring available if a failure occurs or does the complete panel need to be replaced ? Are the parts proprietary if something bad happens to the company?
Good question. Yes, the panel is fully serviceable. The inverter which comes with all the AC cable can be separated from the panel. In addition, both the DC and AC connectors can be field replaced. The mounts are the only proprietary components. Everything else can be purchased from our OEM partners and they will service the warranties for those components if something "bad" were to happen to Solvari.
The "soft" costs are in reality less costs for the installer and not passed onto the home owner. Lower skilled workers, more jobs per day, and less workers. The grid tie inverters are no longer cost effective for the home owner, gotta have batteries/inverters/switches to save from using grid energy.
Solvari works with AC coupled batteries so you can use it off-grid or on-grid.
I'm out of South facing roof space. I'd like some west facing wall mount option.
Also this seems like a big risk. Unique equipment from one company. If this go out of business like so many have you're stuck.
We white label our panels and inverters. If something goes bad and Solvari is no longer around to support, then you can do your warranty claim directly to the original manufacturer.
wow, that's an amazing product, I would be so down to test them
It will be interesting to see how this product is received by the market. If the goal is to install generic solar with the lowest labor cost, this will be hard to beat. Of course, there will be other customers who are partial to a specific brand like Enphase or REC, but for generic solar capacity, it's hard to beat.
Good innovation, if it works.
Great content. Does the Solvari product allow for ground mounting vs roof mounting? What is the cost / KWH? Thank you
Interesting that the mounting system isn't made to mount into a rafter. Does that mounting system meet the wind rating requirement for Florida panels?
Yes, I believe so. You just have more attachment points. Basically with this design, you have six attachment points per solar panel. That’s 12 total roof penetrations per panel.
Direct-to-deck isn't that great in my experience. You'll get soft spots and spinners, uneven surfaces, etc. If they have different interchangeable options for mounting depending on what roof conditions you encounter then I'd say it's worth a try.
Yes, Solvari’s current 6 mount solution is rated for 160 mph winds, 2 story, Exposure C. In addition, we are evaluating a high load version of our panel, Solvari SR-HL, with 8 mounts which we expect will achieve wind load capacities as high as 185 mph and can be used anywhere in Florida. Anticipated product launch for that product is Q3 2025.
Our technology uses multiple mounts per panel avoiding point loading the roof. This allows us to distribute the load on the roof and reduce the requirement at each attachment. While rafter attach is strong, a single poorly place screw or bad rafter could have catastrophic consequences. The redundancy of the multiple attachment approach lowers the criticality of any one connection, which we believe lowers the risk of a catastrophic failure.
We agree that soft spots can be a serious issue. This is why Solvari is designed with two screws on every mount separated by 2.75" even though only one screw is needed to meet upforce requirements. As for uneven surfaces, each mount is equipped with a leveling bolt so you can level the system as needed.
@@SolarSurge 8 screw holes PER PANEL is laughable. “We can make swiss cheese out of your roof really fast…” That should be the marketing pitch don’t you think ?
Who makes your inverters?
NEP
This system only works with asphalt roofs, not tile, right? Also, it would be nice to see a video showing step-by-step instructions. I've searched and all I have found is workers in fast motion getting it done in 60 minutes. Not very helpful.
Thanks for the question. That is correct, Solvari SR is only designed for asphalt shingle roofs. For tile systems, some of our customers with sophisticated roofing capacities or roofing partnerships are going to remove the tiles and place asphalt shingles down under the location of the array. This does add cost, but also provides an awesome aesthetic as the array is not above the roof but recessed into the roof.
Sorry that we don’t have a video of the installation steps on our website. We can look to add that. Installation is really simple. Here are the steps: (1) pull off the release sheets from the flashing tape on the mounts and place the panel where you want on the roof, (2) screw down all the fasteners, (3) electrically connect it to the adjacent panels. The only other steps are to rewire a panel when going up to another row which only takes about 15 seconds, terminate the end of the string to a rooftop j-box, and put an end cap at the beginning of the string. That’s it.
Also, all systems come with an installation manual with ancillary details like figuring out where to start your array on the roof for those who haven’t done solar before along with some other helpful tips.
That looks like a bifacial VSun 400, is that a VSun module?
We have not made public who our module manufacturer is. But they are Tier 1.
Could this accelerate the DYI sector?
Yes I think an integrated solution like this can make things much easier for a DIY install.
Any integrated mounting solution for a standing seam metal roof?
Thanks for the question. The current Solvari SR product is not validated for metal roofs. However, by late 2025 we do plan on releasing Solvari MR, our metal roof version of the product for standing seam metal roofs.
@@solvariinc thank you for the response. Having an integrated clamping system for standing seam would be a game changer for metal roof owners!
If the inverter part fails and is integrated into the PV panel than the cost is going up with liss of panel.
The inverter can be popped out of its bracket on the back of the panel along with its wires. Then the new inverter can be popped in and rerouted in about a minute. No tools required.
@@solvariinc who makes the inverter?
Biggest thing is install time. Takes 5-7 people to complete a job. White and colored people don’t want to be on the roof here in FL. Most people quit in the summer. Roof is about 130-140F in the summer and if install can be faster with with less equipment will help out.
Thank you for the excellent observation. Heat can be very harmful to humans. Getting workers off the roof quickly is safer from a fall prevention and heat perspective.
Thanks 🎉
are they a proven supplier of micro inverters, maybe they should have used micro inverters with a proven track record
I believe they are using private label micro inverters manufactured by NEP
@@SolarSurge That is correct! NEP has been around since 2012 and has a strong track record for reliability.
Are the Solvari micros made in the US?
Not today, but we're working on it.
Most cos. I know are installing 430s and 460s now. 360s are pretty old technology aren’t they? Is that your best?
Thanks for the question. Yes, our 365W panels use M6 PERC cells which are older technology. However, we have sold out of our 365W panels and are currently taking orders for our new 410W panels that use the latest M10 TOPCon cell technology and have a 22.3% efficiency rating, which is at the high end of commercially available panels. The reason our wattage is still less is that we use a smaller more traditional resi form factor to ensure we keep to our “Solar Made Easy” mission. The larger 450W panels are really big, difficult to handle, can be dangerous on sloped roof applications, and can impact installation speed. At the end of the day, it’s not the size of the panel that matters, its efficiency, cost, and how quickly you can get a job done.
Are these on AVL lists like Enfin, mosaic, etc?
No
Solvari will be providing a financing market place with many financing options including solar loans for our customers. This will be available in Q2 2025. We will also be adding our panels to other solar AVLs over time and there are already many loan options that don't have AVL equipment requirements.
A "normal" installation uses One inverter... this has an inverter on each panel which, if a fault occurs, would the whole panel need replacing...?
Yes, we use microinverters on every panel. However, they can be field replaced in just a few minutes without having to replace the entire module. In addition, they come with a 25 year warranty where a single string inverter typically comes with only a 10 year warranty. In addition, if a string inverter goes down you loose production on your entire system. If a microinverter goes down you only loose production from a single panel.
This is definitely better. I am not sure what guarantees that any company is around for 25 years? Especially in a market that's as fluid as the solar industry. It is trending down based on electric companys buy backs. At the end of the day these corporations and there political power will continue to erode the value of solar (unless batteries are cheaper). It's a zero sum game in solar. No one can say they will be around for 25 years who knows where these guys will be in 5 years. How many businesses can you think of that are around for 25 years? Banks major automotive companys and a few more. The promise/commitment has no valid backing. Any one can say the will be here for 25 years. If I'm a betting man (which I am not) I'll take that bet that they won't be here in 5 to 10 years.
Are these compatible with the Powerwall or other battery storage systems? I seem to remember that storage systems would prefer DC input to maximize efficiency. Also, I have an EV, so thes would seem ideal for input to a Level 2 EVSE. Is this correct?
Yes, this will work with any AC coupled battery like FranklinWH, Generac PWRCell 2, or Tesla Powerwall 2
What if the roof trusses are off a little and not on 2 ft centers? Also, that leaves a larger gap between the panels and may lose the ability to fit another panel in because of the extra space being taken up. Plus, more roof penetrations than needed. Overkill! Increases the chances of leaks. I don't like it.
This direct-to-deck mounting system does not require you to hit rafters or trusses. They just attach to the roof decking.
@@SolarSurge Definitely a no no. I would not risk my roof or any roof with this method.
It'll be interesting to see this product going through the city planning department here in SoCal coastal areas where the Santa Ana's are strong.
We pulled a crew out of Malibu couple weeks back, too windy to install the mods.
@@4some2joe0 I'm in SoCal also. Just the heat and cold expansion alone on top of the Santa Ana winds.
Thanks for the comment Derek. As Joe points out, Solvari utilizes direct-to-deck mounting technology allowing you to put it anywhere on the roof and maintain waterproofness. The gaps between panels promote cooling to increase panel efficiency and allows access into the array using 2x4s so you don’t have to remove panels.
Solvari incorporates extra fasteners on every module for redundancy and increased performance. The number of fasteners isn’t important if your waterproofing is good. Under every Solvari solar panel there are more than 75 fasteners holding down the shingles, and those fasteners are only 3/8” or less from the leading edge of the shingle. No one thinks of that because the sealing method works. Solvari’s flashing tape provides ¾” sealing all around the fastener and has undergone over 4800 hours of waterproof testing as well as accelerate long-term chamber testing to validate the method for its 25-year design life.
You didn't ask if the micro-inverter requires a WiFi connection.
Our microinverter uses powerline communications to communicate to the gateway. The gateway ships with a pre-mated ethernet booster. Once that booster is connected to the home’s wired ethernet, or to the back of the modem, the gateway has access to the internet and will begin reporting data to the cloud within 15 minutes. You do not need to connect to the WiFi or get passwords. This makes commissioning really simple and super fast.
It’s called gouging
Holy crap, my BS meter was absolutely PEGGED when that guy was trying to explain "soft costs". His attempt to tip-toe through the words was so cringe-worthy! What he was trying to say is, "component prices have gone down, so we're having to dream up other costs, to keep the price the same and increase how much the owner of the installation company makes on each job." If a crew can do twice as much work, shouldn't that be half the cost to the home-owner? I mean, it SHOULD, but there's all those pesky "soft costs", like making an obscene margin on each job. This means the salesman and the installation company owner can make bank while the installation crews make the same amount and the home-owners pay the same amount.
The real problem that these guys do not want to talk about...is how DIY is getting easier and easier every year. Cut out the "soft costs", put in a little sweat equity, and stop lining the pockets of these shysters.
Thanks for the comment. Soft costs are real, and we agree that customer acquisition costs, which can be as high as $1.0/W, are a major contributor. DIY solutions are indeed a great way to eliminate not only these sales commission fees but also installer costs and profits. However, in practice, actual DIY installations remain limited. While many homeowners initially consider DIY, the reality of learning the necessary technical details to execute on the project and then the time commitment to actually do the install proves overwhelming. As a result, most either abandon the idea or ultimately hire a professional installer.
At Solvari, we aim to change that. We believe our simplified solution removes much of the complexity and intimidation, empowering homeowners to confidently take the leap into DIY installations.
Beyond customer acquisition costs, other soft costs exist for installation companies which are created by the complexity of their existing technology. Solvari’s solution can eliminate or significantly mitigate these, including:
Job-related tasks:
• System design
• BOM (Bill of Materials) generation
• Parts ordering and management
• Parts picking
• Reliance on highly skilled labor
Additional soft costs:
• Specialized vehicles
• Tools
• Insurance for vehicles and employees
• Employee training
• Higher margins to account for unexpected jobsite inefficiencies (e.g., system design changes, missing parts, failed inspections, or quality issues)
It is possible that solar installers that get 2-3 times more systems done in a day using Solvari’s solution just pocket the increased profits. However, we believe the most likely scenario is they leverage Solvari to make their bids more competitive to win more jobs. By adopting this approach, installers can drive significant business growth and achieve profits that far exceed what could be gained by maximizing returns from an individual project.
I’m in sales directly- Homeowners say that want what is cheapest but I disagree, homeowners only want what’s easiest (maybe everyone) to them , not what’s cheapest - DIY is not the way to go for most since now when sthg goes wrong they have to make more than 1 call ( for the repair) and they hate the co, they hate the says, they bad mouth the whole industry, I also don’t see the big current co’s. selling cheaper, only making more money. Also, a big part of thei profit goes to the co. financing the project-( many people don’t realize this)
@@solargiousa - Didn't you just type out a long list of reasons why someone would be much smarter to LEARN and install a DIY solution? Why pay all that money when the company isn't going to be there to support the work you paid them to do? As a sales person, are you really doing your customers a service by selling them that bill of goods?
Why on earth are they using bi-facial panels? All the installation they show are for the panels to be a few inches off the roof. The host talks about bi-facial gain which only harms his credibility as there will be none. If the host wants to be credible he needs to stop making what is effectively an infomercial.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, we don't expect, promote, or build into the panel production wattage any bifacial benefit. However, there will likely be a slight lift in power performance. We are working to quantify it but don't expect anything beyond 1-2%. Testing will tell. We use glass/glass for the strength. The bifacial cell was the same cost as monofacial, so we just consider it a bonus.
🥰
So pretty much they took the soft prices from installers and slapped it into the panel all… 😂😂😂😂 $1.80 per watt. That is for 360w panel it’s going to be $648. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
It’s going to be interesting to see if this approach is accepted by the market.
Any long term solar installation company knows This has been tried before and has failed, but I do wish them luck. There are so many short falls and inherent issues with this type of product that I professionally will stay away.
Enphase partnered with Longi to make AC panels. $.83/W
Note, the $1.80/W is MSRP direct for DIY market and includes our rooftop junction box, pre-commissioned gateway, and free shipping. Pricing to solar installers is much different. If you are interested, please contact our sales department for more relevant pricing for your organization and size of order.
@@robertsheperd502 Thanks for the comparison. Please note. AC modules don't include racking, wiring, deck screws, or flashing and don't provide significant time savings. Solvari SR is not an AC module, if anything, we are an AC++++ module and it provides unmatched installation efficiency and can lean the entire organization to make it more profitable. AC modules do not provide this level of value.
Bs. The homeowner costs will only go up. This presentation is so obnoxious and naive.
What's you evidence for such a statement?
@@skydivekrazy76 tariff
We disagree. Discussion with our installation partners is that they can deliver solar at a lower cost because they can complete multiple jobs in a day accelerating their revenue and increasing their profits. This will allow them to lower their installed price to win more bids and grow their business without adding crews.
@skydivekrazy76
My evidence is what I've seen in other related industries, though anecdotal, my guess is it is actually fairly standard in capitalist systems. Wherever there is profit available, everyone will do everything they can to get it. During covid prices went up, they haven't come back down, though in many instances should have. With ev sector, the US government offers a large rebate, up to $7500(?). Weeks after that announcement, Ford among others announced a price hike unashamedly precisely the for same amount. In the heat pump industry, many states offer a large incentive, and suddenly the cost of those installations go up to essentially exactly that amount. How is it a heat pump that goes in, in 1-2 days costs $10k+ to install? How about apple, they charge you nearly $1000 for an upgrade in new desktop memory yet memory has only become ridiculously cheap. How about insurance, every year my insurance goes up, yet my car is older (worth less), I have more experience, I have more years without infraction or accident, & actuarially I have become cheaper to insure, yet it still goes up. Health insurance? And so on.
Basically anytime there is a disruptive change to costs, the consumer is almost never the one that benefits. I'm not saying it's necessarily wrong, I'm pointing out that it is more typical for the corporations to keep the price the same and pocket the reduction in production costs.
There are always exceptions, and I whole heartedly hope this is one, but I'm a bit jaded.
@solvariinc
Yes I guess we do. I do hope you are right and I am wrong.
By the way, when I do installs I have to have wire and building inspections prior to laying panels so inspectors can check roof penetrations, wire management, and conduit, although they rarely do check much.
I wonder how various AHJs will feel about this kind of system. Best of luck.