THE TIME FOR SOLAR IS NOW

As of the beginning of the year I am no longer in solar.  Being in sales was interesting and I  am happy to have  a chat about my experiences and solar in general.
– John Crowley

Will your roof work for solar?

While most homes qualify for solar panels, some do not. Your home may not qualify if you have too much shade or the roof is north facing or not angled correctly. The homeowner must also have reasonable credit to qualify for some of the options.  Finally, your roof must be in good condition and have the structural integrity to support the extra weight. Lots of customer have to first replace their roofs and so have to have their electrical panels upgraded.

Step 1: Consultation

Get quotes from at least 2 solar companies – I can give you a few people that I’d recommend.

Step 2: Design

After initial consultation a solar provider will set to work using satellite imagery of your home and roof to design a custom solar system for your roof that meets your electricity needs. Generally people should get more that you actually need. Don’t go crazy but, in general society is going towards electricity only. Your next car will probably be electric.
Most people are getting a battery back-up system. Also ask about a smart panel, e.g. span.io

Step 3: Site survey

a solar surveyor will come to your home. They’ll inspect a whole bunch of things but the main things are the roof, the structural integrity of your home and the outside electrical services.

Step 4: Signing the contact with your solar provider

Before you enter in to a contact with your solar provider Sonoma County office of Energy and Sustainability can provide direct unbiased assistance to inform you about energy efficiency options, review audit results, estimates or bids, navigate incentive program requirements and financing processes. Contact them by phone:  (707) 565-6470

Step 5: Permitting

The Solar installation company will make sure that all of the permits and paperwork your city and local utility company require are taken care of.  All you need to do is sit back, relax, and wait for installation day. It typically takes a few weeks to get the approval from the city/county permitting department.

Step 6: Installation

Installation can be done with installers not even entering your home – it’s all on the roof; In fact you don’t even have to be home for the entire installation. The installation will be completed within 4 to 8 hours. Some time after the installation, the city/county will send an inspector to verify and approve the installation.

Step 7: Permission to Turn On

Once approved by the city, PGE will process the paperwork and issue a PTO document (Permission to Turn On). You will be notified when you may turn on your solar.
Understanding Net Metering
​Here’s a document regarding electrification of your home:
https://fossilfreebuildings.org/ElectricMFGuide.pdf 

Buying vs Leasing:
https://www.consumerreports.org/energy-saving/real-cost-of-leasing-vs-buying-solar-panels/

Some Tax information – talk to your tax advisor

https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/01/f70/Guide%20to%20Federal%20Tax%20Credit%20for%20Residential%20Solar%20PV.pdf

 

https://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/SEIA-ITC-Phasedown-Factsheet.pdf