Leann – Frederick, Maryland

Once I understood, I realized solar was possible and easy!

Leann
Frederick, MD
System size: 5.355 kW

Why did you decide to go solar? 

Going solar was not on my ‘to do’ list for 2019. I attended a local Green Festival and started talking to the guy at the solar panel table, just to be friendly. I had it in my brain that there is no way I can install solar panels on my townhouse roof. HOAs having the reputation that they have would never allow it. Plus, there was the cost that I could never meet on my paycheck to paycheck budget.
But this nice young man told me that HOAs in Maryland must allow, by law, solar panel installation in their communities. ONE MYTH DISPELLED! Then he tells me that there is no money down and some banks have created solar panel loans where the payments are stretch out enough the monthly amount is equal to what your electric bill was. SECOND MYTH DISPELLED! So, I took his card and went home to think. I ran into him again at our Frederick Green Neighbor Festival the next month and set up a free consultation appointment. WOW, was I actually going to do this!?

Did anything surprise you about the process of going solar? 

The ease of the process. I bought my panels from Key Solar Solutions and they took care of everything, the HOA approval, loan, permits. I cannot say enough good things about the installation crew. At 8am on the dot they were at my door ready to work. These guys are wonderful! Friendly and professional. They answered questions and let me take pictures. They were neat and brought their own trash can. They used one ladder to access my roof from the sidewalk. I was concerned for my plants, but I needn’t be. The entire installation of 17 panels was done by 3pm THAT DAY! Inspections and electric meter change were done within the week and I was up and running. I even have an app to show me how much electricity I am generating.

Do you have any data about your solar system performance? What electricity savings have you seen since going solar? 

My panels were installed in August 2019 and I net-meter with Potomac Edison. In the winter heating months my electric cost is 50%. In non heating months I am only paying the connection charge to Potomac Edison.

What advice would you give to someone considering going solar? 

Do your homework. A reputable company loves an informed buyer.

Anything else you’d like to add? 

It is so easy and such a good thing to do for the environment, there is no excuse not to go solar.