Kyle Rigby, Supervisor of Energy Solutions

First, let’s make sure you’ll be meeting your goals.

If your goal is to reduce your bill, it’s possible that some energy efficiency improvements, such as replacing windows and adding insulation, can offer you quicker savings than a 20-year payback on a home solar system. A Weatherization Loan can make that process easy. Also, if your usage patterns are conducive to our Time-of-Use rate option, you can experience significant, immediate savings. We can look at your usage history, ask questions, and give you the information you need to decide.

If your goal is to be green, you need to make sure you’re a good candidate for solar. Solar companies looking for a quick sale might not talk to you about the pitch, direction and condition of your roof. If your roof will need to be replaced before the 20-year life of the solar panels are over, you’ll risk damaging the panels during the replacement, and it can be hard to find roofers to do the job. Also, solar panels may void some roof warranties. We can help you assess your individual situation for the best outcome.

If your goal is to be energy independent, and a solar company is telling you that you can be, remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. To be totally independent you’d have to overproduce during the day, which doesn’t fit most load profiles. A 30 to 50% reduction in electrical consumption is possible, and we can help you determine how long it will take to earn back your investment. Let’s make sure you get the system that is right for you.

By looking at your past energy bills over time, detailed by hourly intervals, we can help you determine what you need, and make sure that your system isn’t oversized or undersized. It can be easy to be oversold. Reputable companies will appreciate the information we provide so they can do the best job possible for you.

When choosing a solar company we recommend due diligence, as you would with any large purchase. Doing research through sources like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau, and getting three quotes from licensed and insured installers, will go a long way to making sure you're happy with your decision. If a company doesn’t want you to talk to any other companies, that is a huge red flag. Remember, it’s OK to challenge the answers that a company has given you, and it’s never too late in the process to call us.