SOLAR ENERGY
Whether you already know that solar is right for you or if you are new to solar, we want to thank you for considering to Go Solar with Aviara Solar.
For those of you who did not think solar was right for you based on previous experiences, we appreciate your reconsidering Going Solar with Aviara Solar.
By Going Solar, you are choosing to install solar panels, shingles, or tiles, either on your roof or on the ground, that will convert radiant energy from the sun into electricity that you can readily use or store for later use, offsetting the energy that you would have used from your electric utility company.
A PROVEN TECHNOLOGY
Generating electricity from solar energy is a proven technology. Solar energy has been in use for decades (or millions of years if you consider photosynthesis), from powering small devices such as calculators to larger devices such as satellites, space probes, space stations, and the Mars Rover. For residential purposes, the end-to-end process from solar cell manufacturing, to solar panel integration, to installation, and to seeing actual bill reductions is also proven. The components that comprise a solar system have no moving parts, require no regular maintenance, and are highly durable and reliable, with 10 – 25 year manufacturer’s warranties that are standard in the industry.
PROVIDES REAL BENEFITS
PROVIDES REAL BENEFITS
Just as the technology is proven, so are the savings that Solar generates. Solar is an investment that will generate electricity and provides tangible savings from the day of operation, resulting in a hedge against future electric rate increases, a relatively short payback period and an above average return on your investment.
IT’S AFFORDABLE
Going Solar should not be discounted based on the belief that solar is not affordable. Although the upfront, outright purchase cost of a solar system may seem relatively high, there are many options and incentives that make the net cost much lower; hence, making solar affordable and enabling most people to enjoy the benefits of solar – financing, leasing, rebates, tax credits, and rising energy costs. Some options provide more savings than others, but any of these options still provide a long-term net financial benefit versus not going Solar.
PART OF YOUR TOTAL ENERGY PLAN
Solar energy should be a part of your total energy plan:
– install energy consumption monitoring devices that show when, how much, and on what you consume electricity.
– look at ways you can reduce your usage overall and/or during peak time.
– utilize more electric powered devices, appliances, and vehicle.
– install energy efficient appliances and devices such as LED lights, variable speed pool pump, or solar attic fans.
– generate and use energy from clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar.
– at any time, there are numerous manufacturer, utility company, local, state, and federal government incentive programs to help you go green.
– work with a partner who believes in their mission, who believes that they are successful only when their customers succeed, and who will continue to provide on-going value.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOLAR PARTNER
The process of going Solar may seem long and complicated. There are many steps involved, but most of these steps involve making sure that the right solution is put into place. A quality minded, experienced partner will own and manage all the steps – from the point of signing the contract to being granted “permission-to-operate.”
Choosing the right solar partner is important, but can also be difficult. There are many solar companies in California that advertise themselves as the best solar company; however, their messaging and offerings are different and confusing. There are also 3rd party companies that act as brokers and recommend the “right” solar company for you to go with. Finally, there are contractors that install solar as a side business or as a secondary trade – for example, their primary business may be roofing, electrical, or general construction.
TO HELP YOU DECIPHER AND DECIDE, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
Choose a solar company whose primary focus is solar.
Solar focused companies will be more experienced, committed and motivated to provide better customer service. Since technology, processes, products, and best practices are continually changing, solar focused companies will be current and utilize the latest solar developments to provide you with the best solution.
Choose a company that offers a choice to fit your needs.
A lot of companies advertise 10, 20, or 30 years in business; however, they do not advertise how many of those years were focused on solar, or the age of their solar license. Unfortunately, it is common practice today for companies to hire a contractor who has had a license for, say, 15 years, and then advertise that the company has been primarily doing solar for 15 years. Research the companies you are considering to go solar with: Check their license history, how many permits they have pulled, and so forth. A great website to check on how many projects have been completed by a contractor is: BuildZoom.com. You can check license history and details at the CSLB site: CSLB.CA.GOV.
Choose a company that is financially stable and has a sound business model.
Just having a contractor’s license is not enough to consider a company to be fully qualified. The company also needs to be in sound financial standing and have a sustainable business model in order to maintain and support your system, and honor the guarantees and warranties through the 25 year solar system lifespan. Enquire if the company is forward looking, constantly innovation, improving its processes, hiring the best, and looking out for its customers.
Choose a solar company whose primary experience is solar.
The company should offer a choice of products and services that meets your needs and situation – not theirs, perhaps based on an exclusive relationship with a particular manufacturer. Also, with ever changing technologies and products, a company that offers choice is also more likely to offer unbiased recommendations and have the expertise and experience to support that capability. It’s like the adage: when you sell only a hammer, all problems look like nails.