Oh my goodness, I just got solar panels! Let’s face it, a lot of times solar panels sound like a good idea, but when it comes to actually getting them, it feels impossible. It’s a big step in a good direction. I always talked about getting solar panels but never followed through until one day in May of 2017 I happened to be walking through a little fair. For whatever reason, I stopped to talk to a Solar City representative. This started me on a path to solar energy.
The great part about working with Solar City is that I don’t have to buy the system and make monthly payments while also trying to pay my existing utility bill. Instead, we install panels, and with my system turned on and producing energy for me, I don’t have an energy bill anymore. So instead of paying Excel Energy every month, I’m paying the bill that I already was paying, but to Solar City. Once the panels are paid off, I stop paying that bill completely.
So what was the process like? I set up an appointment with my representative and she came to visit. We reviewed my existing energy bills and talked about needs. Armed with information, she constructed a computer sample of what my system might look like. We tweaked it to make sure it would be enough panels to meet my energy needs. I had to dig up some paperwork, including home insurance and pre-existing utility bills.
Once we had designed my system, an inspector came in to determine everything that needed to be done in order for the install to be completed. Success in my home ended up including a rafter upgrade in my attic and an electrical panel upgrade completely free (they missed this need in the first inspection, so Solar City did not add it to my cost, this is a $2,500 value).
With everything up to code, they came and spent about half a day installing panels. Another week later, I had an inspection scheduled. Once Solar City was done with everything, Excel Energy came out and installed a new meter for my house. Then, with the flip of a switch and the twist of a knob, my panels were up and running. They automatically power down in the evening when there is no sun at all.
I will acknowledge that had I not broken up my maternity leave the way I had, I would have had to take a lot of days off work. That would be one barrier to having solar panels installed. Beyond that, the process was fairly simple and ultimately pretty affordable. They were great to work with.
Interested in solar panels for yourself? Sign up to speak with a representative here.
