Hi, I’m Curtis Williamson from Palomar Solar. Today, I talked with a co-worker about how utilities have made it harder to go solar. They’ve changed billing plans, increased power outages, and asked for more information from both contractors and customers. They are even discussing an energy tax based on income. This complicated process can lead to confusion, higher bills, and headaches for everyone involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide that we believe can help anyone looking to go solar:

Step 1 – Think about whether you’ll be in your home or business for at least 5 years. This is an important decision. If you plan to stay for a long time, going solar sooner is a good idea. But if you’re only staying for a few months, it might not make sense.

Step 2 – Download your energy usage data, which the utility tracks in 15-minute increments. This data, known as “green button data,” is free and can help you understand your energy needs. We’re happy to help you review this data whenever you need it.

Step 3 – Analyze your data to design a solar system that meets your current energy usage. Talk to a consultant about any major appliances or electric loads you plan to add in the next few years, like electric cars, dryers, or air conditioning. For example, if you plan to drive an electric car, knowing your daily mileage helps determine how many solar panels you’ll need. Designing the system correctly from the start saves time and ensures it works well.

Step 4 – Review the financial aspects of the solar system and decide how you want to pay. Paying with cash gives you the best value, but we understand that it can be hard to pay a large amount upfront. If that’s the case, consider getting a loan from a local credit union, which often has better rates and service than big banks. We can help guide you through this process.

Step 5 – Research your contractor carefully. Check how long they’ve been in business, whether they’re local or from out of state, and if they have an office nearby where you can ask questions. Make sure they are licensed in your state and that the sales representative is knowledgeable and answers your questions.

Step 6 – Sign a contract with a contractor you trust. Even though solar systems are designed to be low-maintenance, you may need support in the future, especially for monitoring your system. It’s helpful to have someone to call if you have questions or issues over the 25 years your solar panels will be on your roof.