Petia Dimova

Summary

In this interview, the guest shares their journey to installing solar panels, influenced by changing electricity rates and the desire to be 'grandfathered' into better pricing. They discuss the impact of neighbors also going solar and the challenges faced throughout the process, including bureaucratic hurdles and delays. The guest advises patience for those considering solar, as their project took three times longer than expected, but concludes with the satisfaction of finally having the panels live.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The interviewee decided to go solar due to a combination of personal interest and external factors like neighborhood trends and rate changes from the electrical company.
• 🏘️ Many neighbors in the area were installing solar panels, which influenced the interviewee's decision.
• 📈 The electrical company's announcement of changing rates and a deadline to apply for better rates was a significant trigger for the decision to install solar panels.
• 🔗 The interviewee's neighbor, who was also installing solar panels, connected them with a broker who works with solar companies.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The interviewee might be the first among their circle of friends and family who are homeowners to go solar, potentially inspiring others.
• 💡 The interviewee learned the importance of patience throughout the solar installation process due to various roadblocks and bureaucratic hurdles.
• 🛠️ The process of going solar involved several steps including approvals and additional information requests, which delayed the expected timeline.
• ⏱️ The actual time taken to start using the solar panels was triple what the interviewee initially anticipated.
• 🌧️ The interviewee experienced a delay in seeing the results of their solar panels due to weather conditions after installation.
• 📝 The takeaway advice for anyone new to going solar is to have lots of patience and to manage expectations regarding the time and process involved.

Q & A

What motivated the interviewee to consider installing solar panels?

The interviewee was motivated by the desire to have solar panels, seeing others in the neighborhood installing them, and a deadline set by the electrical company to apply for better rates.

How did the electrical company's rate change influence the interviewee's decision to install solar panels?

The rate change and the possibility of being grandfathered into better rates acted as a cue for the interviewee to finally decide to install solar panels.

Was the interviewee the first among their friends and family to go solar?

The interviewee is likely the first homeowner among their friends and family to go solar, although they mention a friend who started using solar before them.

How did the interviewee get connected to Green Systems for their solar panel installation?

The interviewee was connected to Green Systems through a neighbor who mentioned that his uncle is a broker working with solar companies.

What was the interviewee's experience with the installation process of the solar panels?

The installation process was longer than expected, with many roadblocks and steps to go through, including approvals and additional information requests.

How long did it take for the interviewee's solar panels to be installed and operational?

The process took triple the time the interviewee had anticipated, with the panels being turned on just the day before the interview.

What advice does the interviewee have for someone new to going solar?

The interviewee advises having lots of patience, as the process involves many steps and can be time-consuming.

Did the interviewee mention any specific challenges they faced during the solar panel installation?

The interviewee did not mention specific challenges but did indicate that there were roadblocks and the need for approvals and additional information at various steps.

How did the weather affect the interviewee's ability to see the solar panels in action after installation?

The interviewee mentioned that it rained for three days after the panels were turned on, which prevented them from seeing the immediate effects of the solar panels.

What was the interviewee's initial expectation for when they would start using their solar panels?

The interviewee initially expected to be using their solar panels by the previous summer, but the process took longer than anticipated.

How did the interviewee's neighbors influence their decision to install solar panels?

The interviewee's decision was influenced by seeing others in the neighborhood installing solar panels and hearing about the rate changes from the electrical company.