Every situation is different, there are too many variables to make a blanket statement “where does it makes sense”.Can you give us a clue what components the "cheapest low quality system" for NEM3 consists off ?
So that should include panels, inverter & batteries, right ?
So he is basically suggesting a replacement with components he trust but also remounted on locations where it does make sense ?
The original cost and refit costs will never make them come out ahead is what you are saying ?
Removal, repair of original mounting, disposal, new permits (technically a new system), cost for audit and preparation of bid which discloses ROI (which he must eat when the owner freaks and declines). Due to the small footprint available including mandatory roof edge/ridge setbacks, wrong exposure, roof type, some situations just aren’t cost effective. Since he’s a small operator, so much of his time is spent on estimating, preparation of bid with the extreme likelihood that the customer rejects the bid that he just doesn’t waste his time on it. He’d rather be working on a paying project. That’s usually a larger home, with acreage and a clean slate. Some parts of the Bay Area are an automatic no bid because of the delay for permits is out so far out that the customer won’t wait or keeps calling for an update. I’ve been his sounding board for years..