Anybody have knowledge or experience with this system, Lennox Sunsource? I'm sure the solar panel helps some, but is it worth the extra investment? If my A/C guy isn't a Lennox dealer can he still get this system. Same question with Carrier Infinity, or Nordyne IQ-Drive?

It appears it's just a 190 watt PV panel that supplements the power draw for the fan on the condenser. It's not clear if it is on only when the ac is running. If you want to go PV it seems like you'd be better off with something not tied to only one appliance.

I would like to go PV at some point, but I think I'd rather spend my money on something with more payback right now. Maybe PV will be more affordable soon. In the mean time, I'll aim at more efficient A/C & solar WH. Thanks for the response.

As an HVAC dealer who sells all the brands the Lennox sun source is the better unit and much better deal. The PV panel does not provide that much only about 1 SEER differnce in the system. However the amount of tax credits you can get because of the panel is much greater. You can take up to $1500 in credits on the unit and 30% of an un-capped price on the panel. Typically the Panel will be the bulk of the cost subsequently after the credits Sun Source wins every time. Also check www.dsireusa.org to see if your state has credits for PV which may even help more.

Thanks for your response. I'm not sure what you mean by un-capped price on the panel? How do you determine what % of the total cost is for the panel vs. the a/c unit. Are they priced separately? Maybe I shouldn't ask this, but, what is a ballpark cost of a 4 ton Sun source unit?

By uncapped I mean on a standard HVAC system that meets the critera for tax credits you are limited to $1,500 in credits on Solar PV and Geothermal they are not capped, If you spend 100 K you get a 30 k credit. As to the price I have no help there what ever you feel is fair. As to how to price each component that is also up to you. I would put a higher mark up on the panel. There are no rules as far as I know its the wild wild west in this area.