From too much electricity to more than enough solar!

Single-Family Residence - September 2021

Beautiful new system, producing more than enough power to offset my large electricity bills and plan for the future!

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$7,800

Energy Needs Met

100%

or more of electricity

Net Investment

$38,480

Return on Investment

20.3%

Property

Owner:: Matt
Type:: Single-Family Residence
Address:: Fairfield, CA 94534
Size:: 3,500 sq ft
Energy need met:: 100% or more of electricity

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: September 2021
Size of System:: 18.13 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $52,000
Value of Tax Credits:: $13,520
Net Cost of System:: $38,480
Annual Savings:: $7,800
Own or Lease:: Purchase with Loan
Additional Financial Notes:: My financing was done for a shorter time period, but doesn't have escalating monthly payments as many solar loans do. I was very pleased with the upfront cost.

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: Enphase Energy; Unirac, Inc.; Panasonic
Installers:: Solar Optimum
Financing:: Salal Credit Union

What You Need to Know

Description:

I have a large, 49 panel Panasonic 370 system installed with Enphase micro inverters. The installer used Unirac mounting, which is pretty and unobtrusive. The installer took my concerns into account and did their best to avoid any major problems on the roof install.

Other Benefits:

I am looking at a new electric car, and it should provide more than enough headroom. I'm considering an electric pool heater as well so that we can have a year round pool!

Maintenance Requirements:

Cleaning after a long summer and the CA wildfires.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Added a 14-50 NEMA plug for level 2 EV charging as well as a full panel upgrade to support my new installation.

My Motivation:

I had huge PG&E bills that were not getting better. This will help to fix my electrical costs for many years to come.

Advice:

Get multiple quotes and don't ignore the quotes from Energy Sage? I almost made a mistake and signed onto a deal that would have cost me an extra 20k dollars over 25 years. The deals through Energy Sage are real and very much worth your time and energy.

Experience with Installer:

The only negative on my installers was my need to press for updates. I would have preferred something a little more proactive in communication. Frequently, I had to call to get updates either the day of or day before. For the most part, it was a fine experience. The crew that worked at my house were tireless and very friendly and responsible. They cleaned every day and left it looking just as good as before. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking in California.

Additional Notes:

I have a lot of wind at my house! Panel install can be precarious, but the team did a fantastic overall job.

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