01/20/2016
Anonymous
When I got solar, it took a while. Fortunately the owner of Pacific Pro Solar named Bill took care of everything. First was applying for the solar rebate through the city. Then he dealt with the planning/building permits department for the city and the utilities department; which is also owned by the city. He kept me updated every step in the process.<br /><br />Once everything was done, it looked good. I am glad Bill turned me on to the Sun Module Plus SW 280 Mono Black Solar World solar panels. They look a lot better on the roof then the aluminum colored ones. Also, Bill showed me were the solar panels would be located on the roof to make sure I was ok with their location. <br />Since Bill was also a licensed electrician for many years, I had him upgrade my electrical panel from 100W to 200W. This allows me to run 240 in the garage for a charging station and in the laundry room if I ever decide to switch the dryer to electric. Below are the steps I took when I selected Pacific Pro Solar to install my solar:<br /><br />1. I got three bids. All home improvement shows and financial personalities always say to get at least three bids. Pacific Pro Solar was in the middle of the three bids.<br /><br />2. I own the solar, I did not lease. Leases can be from 10 to 30 years depending on amount spent on the solar. I did not lease because if in the future I decide to sell the home, I do not have to get the new owners approved for the same leasing program and the leasing agreements were confusing. I am a person if I do not understand something I stay away. <br /><br />3. Google or go to the California Contractors State Licensing board to make sure the person who is doing the work is licensed, bonded and has workman's compensation. Bill at Pacific Pro Solar contractor's license number is 951776. There were no complaints and everything was current. <br /><br />4. If you are a techie or like technology, make sure you get some kind of program to monitor how much electricity is produced every day. I got the Enphase Enlighten Manager. There is no monthly fee and I also downloaded the app to my phone. Enlighten Manager has a graph that shows how much solar is generated every 15 minutes, shows the placement of your solar panels, and also shows how long certain items can run (fridge, Eiffel Tower, etc) on the amount the electricity generate by the solar. Enlighten Manager also emails Bill if there is a solar panel problem.