Sylvester – Washington, D.C.

September 24, 2017 D.C., Homeowner stories

Sun provided resources, knowledge and up-front evaluation, overall really helpful!

Sylvester – Washington, D.C.
Went Solar with the East of the River Solar Co-op in 2016
System size: 5.89 kW, 18 solar panels

Why did you decide to go solar?

I went solar to reduce my electric bill.

Why did you opt to go solar with a co-op?

[Going solar with the co-op provided] economies of scale/strategic sourcing, a minimal learning curve—the institutional knowledge of the co-op facilitators reduces the learning curve. [It also] minimized risks and uncertainties. The co-op submits an RFP to prospective qualified Solar Vendors and they submit proposal (technical and cost) and they are evaluated and a selection is made and the price per killowatt is known upfront.

What advice would you give to someone considering going solar?

Do it and own your system if you can because you realize three benefits.  They are as follows:

  • 30% tax credit of the system cost in the year that the system is installed
  • Savings on electric bill—you only pay for electricity that you use that is not generated by your solar panels
  • Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)—for every 1000 kWh your system generates you receive one SREC, which you get to sell.

What surprised you most about the process?

The installation took a day. Overall the process was efficient, organized and seamless from start to finish.