Found just the right solar vendor

Single-Family Residence - May 2018

Selecting the right vendor made all the difference

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$3,000

Energy Needs Met

50% to 74%

of electricity

Net Investment

$16,170

Return on Investment

18.6%

Property

Owner:: Herb Drake
Type:: Single-Family Residence
Address:: 15967 24th Ave, Clearlake, ca 95422
Size:: 2,000 sq ft
Energy need met:: 50% to 74% of electricity

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: May 2018
Size of System:: 7 kW
Monitor performance:: http://www.solaredge.com/
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $23,100
Value of Tax Credits:: $6,930
Net Cost of System:: $16,170
Annual Savings:: $3,000
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: Hyundai Energy Solutions; SolarE
Installers:: NRG Clean Power

What You Need to Know

Description:

Twenty large panels, which is the maximum that can be accommodated on sloping, South-facing roof. SolarEdge ooptimizers and inverter.

Other Benefits:

Home does not have any Internet access. Solar vendor provided monitoring via cell towers.

Maintenance Requirements:

So far, none. Expecting rain to keep panels adequately clearn.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Double pane windows.

My Motivation:

Home is located where only electric power is availabloe (no gas service) and monthly costs were approaching $500. System is intended to cut this in half.

Advice:

The home is in Lake County where there are few solar installers. The first installer I talked with who would consider that location had terrible Yelp reviews. I then tried EnergySage and got five bids right away. I spent a week analyzing all five bids with a spread sheet and found one that was the lowest cost, highest number of 5-star Yelp reviews, Diamond Certified, and with an A+ BBB rating. Without EnergySage's service I probably wouldn't have started the project.

Experience with Installer:

Estimator showed up on the day specified and measured the roof. Installers came two weeks later, permit in hand, and completed the installation over a two day period. System has been online ever since.

Open House Info:

Home is rented and not available for open house.

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