Kathie and Glenn – Oberlin, Ohio
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Solar is the logical conclusion for Earth and financial savings.
Kathie and Glenn – Oberlin, Ohio
Went solar with the Lorain County Solar Co-op in 2017
System size: 6.48 kW, 24 solar panels
What interested you about going solar initially? Why do you support solar energy?
Our original interest in solar power was to reduce pollution, reduce long-term utility costs, be an example others might follow. The timing let us be part of a co-op, reducing initial costs and have possible rebates. We support solar energy now because it’s everything we had hoped for.
Why did you choose to go solar with Solar United Neighbors?
We chose SUN-Ohio because they came to Oberlin, offered a convincing presentation, demonstrated they knew what they were talking about, and had a good reputation.
Do you have any data on your solar system’s performance? What electricity savings have you seen since going solar?
Our installation came online January 18, 2017, and the figures below are through December 31, 2017. Our electricity bills in 2017 totaled $907 less than in 2016 (72% reduction). We also received, coincidentally, a $907 rebate from Third Sun Solar, which installed the system.
Our solar panels produced 70% (well, 69.98%) of our total electricity usage for the year – about 8 percentage points ABOVE Third-Sun projections for our project. Full Disclosure: Total recorded electrical usage (a/c plus phv) was about 10% less than in 2016.
Solar production was about 96% of the figure projected for the system. That seems remarkably accurate for anything which includes a weather variable.
Has anything surprised you about going solar?
We are delighted with the solar installation. And we found the project assessment, the proposal, and the installation (1½ days!) were thorough, clear, prompt and expertly done. Our installation may have been a trifle simpler than some, but the care, courtesy, and expertise will be the same. Operation has been very reliable. The panels have survived deep, heavy snows, two hailstorms (I have some great videos), and other slings and arrows of outrageous Ohio. It did shut down in August, apparently due to a lightning strike nearby, or the meter replacement by the power company that day; I failed to notice the shutdown, and so the reboot was delayed; but there was no physical problem, and the tech help people were very responsive when I (belatedly) called them. So, be sure to monitor your system daily after it is installed (mobile app available!).
What advice would you give to someone considering going solar?
Our advice to anyone considering going solar would be to go co-op, work with experienced people, and be sure to have a complete assessment of your location and the physical structure as you make your decision.