10 Steps To Going Solar

Step 1: Conserve!

Your first step is to identify ways you can reduce your energy consumption. Conduct a Conservation-Energy Audit to assess the energy needs of your home or business. It is typically more cost-effective to spend your money on energy efficient appliances and other energy-efficiency measures than it is to purchase extra solar panels. Reducing your energy needs makes your renewable energy system affordable.

Step 2: Arrange finances

Renewable energy systems are more affordable now than ever before, but they are not cheap. This is a major investment, on par with a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. A typical 2kW PV system will cost around $20,000; the California Energy Commission will rebate up to one half of this amount. Interest rates are at a 40-year low, so now is a great time to refinance your house and use the money you save to pay for your renewable energy system. If you have cash available, great; otherwise, you must arrange your own financing before proceeding.

Step 3: Site inspection

The co-op will gladly perform a free site inspection to determine whether your home/business is a good candidate for renewable energy. There is no obligation to purchase. This is an honest evaluation based on your energy usage patterns and shading issues for a planned solar PV array. You provide your utility bills for the past year ready to enable us to review your monthly electricity usage figures. We also collect shading information and measure your roof or other proposed array location. Based on this information, we prepare a detailed analysis of your site including recommendations for array location, sizing, components, and estimated system output.

Step 4: Join the Co-op

If you decide that a renewable energy system is right for you, and you have not yet done so, we ask that you join the co-op. By doing so, you become a part owner of the company, and we will work very hard on your behalf. Shares of the co-op are $100, and only three shares entitle you to full membership benefits. You may sell your shares back to the co-op at any time.

Step 5: Select a system

The co-op offers a variety of pre-engineered PV system packages as well as basic components. We can help our members select a renewable energy system appropriate to their needs. When you have decided on a system, we ask you to place a deposit on the equipment to secure the price and authorize the co-op to begin the paperwork for the building permit, CEC Buydown rebate, and the utility Net-Metering contract.

Step 6: Hire an installer

The co-op has identified and qualified several local contractors who can install your renewable energy equipment. We have verified that they are licensed by the State of California, checked their references, and asked the tough questions that you would ask when evaluating a contractor to work on your home. We have also explained the co-op process with these contractors and established a good, cooperative working relationship. The co-op assists you in soliciting and evaluating bids, although the final agreement is between your chosen contractor and you. If you decide to do the installation yourself, the co-op can assist you in planning your project and refer you to design experts or other specialists as necessary.

Step 7: Place your order

When your building permit is approved, we go ahead and place your equipment order. We apply any minor adjustments to the equipment order and generate a final invoice. We must collect the balance of the equipment cost at the time we place your order. We schedule the delivery to suit your needs and coordinate with your contractor.

Step 8: Install your renewable energy system

The contractor is responsible for your installation. You may arrange to have other co-op members involved in your project work crew -- sort of a modern-day "barn-raising." However, if you want to do this, please make sure you have discussed it first with your contractor. Of course, the co-op can facilitate this process as necessary or requested.

Step 9: Arrange for inspections

When your equipment is in place and ready to go, we perform a detailed inspection of the installed equipment. Then we notify the building inspector to schedule his/her inspection. When the building inspector has approved the installation, we arrange for the utility inspection. When we have gotten sign-off from these inspections, we process your CEC rebate claim and make sure you get your refund promptly.

Step 10: Enjoy your renewable energy system!

When all of the inspections are done, you experience the satisfaction of "throwing the switch" to generate your own electricity. The co-op periodically performs system check-ups and cleans your panels. If you would like additional services, please let us know. This is your co-op and we want to be responsive to your needs.