“This was an incredibly painless process. They made sure we knew exactly what was happening and what to expect next. They were very professional, understanding, and there was no pressure. We had a slight hiccup with our financing and Rex and the solar installer jumped on the issue and handled the matter to resolution. I highly recommend these folks, you could not do better.”
– Jess
Jess’ Story
“Our monthly electric bill before installation was in the $300-400 range, with larger bills in the summer months when we ran our air conditioning. Following installation, our monthly electric bill was approximately $10. With a true-up at the end of the first full year of operation, our total yearly electric expense was $85.
If you ever needed justification for solar panel installation, I think the following will provide the justification. In October 2015, we paid $427.67 for electricity. In October 2016, we paid $2.80. On February 2017, we paid $2.37. These changes are primarily connection fees, taxes, etc. Each monthly electric bill contains a recap of what we will owe in addition to the monthly charges. Most of the time the charges are very minimal or Socal Edison owes us. February 2017 was the 12th month in the billing cycle for net metering. So after all the debits and credits, Edison owed us $1.36. The total amount we paid during the 12 month net metering cycle was $85.21. So if you credit out what Edison owes us, we will have paid $83.85 for electricity over the last 12 months. Of course we have to pay for the equipment, pay it off and then pay less than $100 for electricity (more or less) on an ongoing basis.
“Our federal tax credit was $6,500. The total cost of our system, prior to the tax credit, was approximately $22,000. We put no money down and are enjoying our current monthly Edison payment of a few dollars each month – primarily connection and regulatory fees.”
Following a referral from a neighbor, we first talked with Rex Kehoe at Pick My Solar. They kind of act as a broker. They will do a preliminary inspection and present a first cut at a layout. Once I gave them the go-ahead, they bid my project and came back with three bids (from their network of top quality installers). I also talked to them about financing. Once I decided on what to do in that regard, they handle the necessary applications. Whoever you pick as the installer will complete the financing paperwork. We picked Bright Solar Capital as the installer. They finish the financing paperwork, get the permits, secure the county sign-offs, etc. Lots of financing paperwork. You can lease or purchase. We elected to purchase through a state program where the payments were added to our tax bill. The interest rate is a little higher, but you get to deduct the payment from your taxes. We also received a federal tax credit which is still available at 30% until the end of 2019. Our federal tax credit was $6,500. The total cost of our system, prior to the tax credit, was approximately $22,000. We put no money down and are enjoying our current monthly Edison payment of a few dollars each month – primarily connection and regulatory fees. We are banking credits for power to put back into the grid to help offset the upcoming summer air conditioning costs.”
– Jess
