Robyn – Bethesda, Maryland

I helped friends and neighbors get group discounts with solar.

Robyn – Bethesda, Maryland
Went solar with the Temple Sinai Solar Co-op in 2015
System size: 12 kW

Why did you decide to go solar?

I decided to go solar because I wanted to take a stand against climate change, which I believe is the most pressing issue of our times. By producing clean, renewable energy on my roof, I feel like I’m part of the solution to climate change.

Why did you decide to go solar with the co-op?

I loved the idea of banding together with friends and neighbors to get a group discount on panels that would reduce our collective carbon footprint.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to go solar?

I would say that it’s important to take a long view. Installing solar panels seems like a huge upfront expense, but it is in investment that pays off over time. I would also say be patient. Anyone who has lived through a renovation knows that construction projects always take longer than you expect and there are often long waits associated with solar permitting.

Has anything surprised you about going solar?

I was surprised at how dramatically the panels lowered my electricity bills during the summer months. We had one Pepco bill during peak air conditioning season that was less than $5!

Do you have any data on your system’s performance?

I track my system’s performance through an app and each month. I also get an email with how much energy we’ve produced each month, and how many trees that’s equivalent to planting in terms of carbon emissions.