Today I am beginning the installation of a solar energy system for my house. The aspect that is different in this system is how I will pay for it. I have thought about solar energy for a long time, however I have never had the appetite to invest the huge up-front cost of the system. When my electricity bill reached a new all-time high this past July here in Los Angeles, I decided to do a little research. With one search of Google using the search terms “solar lease California”, I simply called the first two companies that showed in the search results. I thought that leasing would provide a more attractive financial proposition than purchasing.
After a couple of phone calls to these two companies, I discovered an even more enticing program. I could simply have one of these companies install the system on my house and pay them for the power it generates. I wouldn’t pay for, lease, maintain, nor own the system. They would effectively become another electricity supplier that just happened to reside on my roof. The cash outlay was $1000 to pay for the permits and installation basics. Beyond that I will only pay for the electricity it generates. The cost per unit will be half of what the traditional electric company charges, the price is locked in for eighteen years with them maintaining the equipment, and any extra energy that the system generates that I don’t use, goes back into the grid and I get a refund on my traditional bill. This is a completely turn-key program that I didn’t need to do a thing to participate, including securing the permits, etc. This program sounds pretty good!
So, today the crew began the installation. It will take a few days to get done and then I will be part of a greener community of people around the world! Be sure to talk to the solar energy provider in your area to see if they will offer a similar program.
Now, I need to to convert my cars to hydrogen and them I will truly be the Smarter Consumer!
Please let us know what you’re doing to be a smarter consumer!
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10:05 pm
Robin,
I don’t know the company’s marketing region, however here in California SunRun has provided me with the service: http://www.sunrunhome.com/
Posted by: Ralph Jacobson
11:01 am
Ralph could you pass on the energy company’s name. I would like to talk with them.
Posted by: Robin
12:39 am
We don’t have those kinds of solar systems where I live, so conservation is the most important way to save energy.
Posted by: Aleta
1:25 pm
Kristina O’Regan, thanks for the thoughts! Please tell us about the “Eco-Jam”.
Posted by: Ralph Jacobson
11:10 am
Way to go with solar power as sun would be a major resource we don’t have much of in Ireland or its a bit rarer. However, wind and wave energy are being looked at over here in a big way. Well done on taking the solar plunge. Sounds like a great system. Will you be taking part in the Eco-Jam?
Posted by: Kristina O'Regan
7:47 pm
I agree, Amanda! That’s why I ride my bicycle daily! ;-) http://rottweiler508.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Ralph Jacobson
7:39 pm
You could make your cars green right now by not driving them.
Posted by: amanda