Jeff mentioned that Real Goods was not the best place to buy solar
equipment because their prices are higher than others. I'd like to know
where you all buy from.
I agree about Real Good's prices. I've crosschecked their prices on a lot
of their products (not just solar) and found that they are almost always in
the average range for other stores but they are at the top of that range.
For example, an AquaStar 125 tankless water heater is about $570-650 on the
internet (not counting tax or shipping). Real Goods sells it for $650.
But I just got one (a return) from their outlet store for $450 (plus tax
but no shipping and we got a 5% discount).
There are some advantages to Real Goods:
- They have a great catalog with lots of descriptions
- They're based in my state (Calif) so they know local laws. In fact, they
have a store in my county so they really know local laws
- They have trained people who can help you put together a system
- They have a store pretty close to me so I can see the products
- They have an outlet store next to the regular store (some really good
prices)
- I can buy without paying shipping charges (for anything that will fit in
our van and is available at the local store)
- We get a 5% discount on everything we buy
Disadvantages:
- They may not carry all the products I want (no one carries everything)
- Their starting prices are higher than other stores
- Local store means local sales tax (almost 8% here)
- Their experts aren't always expert (at least their sales staff isn't
always up on everything...and the techies don't work weekends and are very
busy)
- They sell at least one product (laundry disks) that are a fraud so I have
trouble trusting them 100% (of course, most eco-type places sell that
cruddy product)
So where else do you all suggest? Given the lack of shipping and the 5%
discount, do you think I'd be saving anything by shopping somewhere else?
Any other tips?
Thanks,
Cyndi
Oakland, California
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