SunRun Solar. So far so GREAT!

I've blogged a couple of times before about our switch to solar power here at home late last year. I've been interviewed by media about the switch a couple of times and asked this question both times:

"How is it?"

My answer is easy; "Exceeds every expectation."

It's been a very long, hot and dry summer. We set a record for the number 90+ degree days. Last year we used our AC very sparingly, it was just so expensive. Not this year, we had the thermostat set at between 76-78 degrees every day. No worrying about the power bill, because we were generating more power than we were using.

Some Stats:

1. We've generated 6761 kWh of power since installation last December. That 820 MORE kWh than we used. We have a new power meter that runs both ways. It's been running backwards all summer. At the end of the year we'll get a credit from the power company for the power we SOLD them! 
2. We saved 10278 pounds of CO2 emissions. To put it in perspective, the savings in emissions is equal to us planting 120 trees. Or NOT driving 10,669 miles.

We got our system through a company called SunRun. We had multiple options to either purchase, finance or lease the system. We chose the lease option, our monthly price being about half of what our previous electric would have been. The other advantage is we'll always know what our bill will be, comforting especially during long hot summers. Should we ever put our house up for sale, we'll just pay out the lease and be able to advertise our home as having free electricity.

Our goal with solar was simply to save money, but when you look at the positive impact it's had on the environment, it feels good. It also has me thinking of what things could be if more people gave solar a try.

The technology is just plain simple from installation to using every day. You can also go to your customer link on SunRun's home page to monitor your power use, along with the additional meter installed at the back of the house.

OK, I know the government is talking about all sorts of massive solar power "farms" using thousands and thousands of acres. Just not practical and you don't want the government involved in things anyways. Some neighborhoods up in the mountains are pooling resources for solar "gardens." Even on cloudy or rainy days, you're still generating power.

So whether on your own roof, or a community garden, solar works. It's easy and affordable.

Ka-Ching!

Brian Olson
Owner/Consultant
Conversation Starters Public Relations