Joseph Kittner

Summary

The speaker discusses their decision to switch to solar energy at their new home, citing lack of shading and a desire for long-term savings and environmental consciousness as key factors. They share their experience, highlighting the importance of researching various solar companies, focusing on customer service, product quality, and warranty offerings. Though not the first in their area, their interest in solar energy was piqued by teaching a class on renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, leading them to adopt solar energy for their household.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The decision to go solar was driven by a desire for long-term investment and environmental consciousness.
• 🏠 The individual's previous experience with solar at a previous house influenced their decision to continue with solar energy at their new home.
• 🌳 The lack of shading from large trees and significant electric utilities at the new house made solar energy a more attractive option.
• 💰 Willingness to pay a higher initial cost for the potential long-term savings was a factor in the decision-making process.
• 🔍 When considering going solar, it is advised to research and compare different companies based on their offerings, customer service, and product quality.
• 💬 Importance of checking company reviews and ratings from previous customers before making a decision was emphasized.
• 🏡 The individual was likely the first in their neighborhood to install solar panels, as they had been living in the neighborhood for about a year.
• 📚 The person's profession as a teacher, specifically teaching about renewable and nonrenewable energy, played a role in their decision to invest in solar energy.
• 🌐 The concept of 'magical electrons' was used in their class to discuss renewable energy, indicating a personal interest and curiosity in the subject.
• 👪 The decision to go solar was also a family-oriented one, aiming to make a positive impact on the environment and future generations.

Q & A

What motivated the decision to switch to solar energy?

The motivation to switch to solar energy was a combination of wanting to make a long-term investment, save on electric utility costs in the future, and being more conscientious about the environment.

What was the experience like going solar in the previous house?

The experience of going solar in the previous house was decent, but the individual did not live there long enough to reap many of the benefits.

How did the lack of large trees at the new house influence the decision to go solar?

The lack of large trees on the back side of the new house made it an ideal candidate for solar panel installation, as it would allow for optimal sunlight exposure.

What was the main consideration when deciding to pay more on the electric bill now versus saving in the long run?

The main consideration was the long-term financial benefit and environmental consciousness, as the individual was willing to pay a bit more now to save significantly in the future.

What advice would you give to someone new to solar energy?

When going solar, it's important to research different options, compare companies based on customer service, reviews, product quality, and warranties, and ensure that the investment is legitimate and worth the money.

Were you the first in your area to adopt solar energy?

The individual was likely the first in their area to adopt solar energy, as they knew of only one other household that had it installed after their own system was in place.

What inspired you to consider solar energy?

The inspiration came from teaching a class about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, which piqued the individual's curiosity and led them to explore solar energy further.

How did teaching 'Magical Electrons' class influence the decision to go solar?

Teaching the 'Magical Electrons' class increased the individual's knowledge and curiosity about renewable energy, ultimately leading to the decision to adopt solar energy for their home.

What are some key factors to consider when choosing a solar energy company?

Key factors to consider include the company's customer service, reviews and ratings from previous customers, the quality of products they offer, and the warranties provided.

How does the individual's experience with solar energy relate to their role as an educator?

The individual's personal experience with solar energy allows them to provide real-world examples and insights to their students, making the learning experience more engaging and practical.

What was the timeline for adopting solar energy in your new neighborhood?

The individual had been in the new neighborhood for about a year when they decided to go solar, and they believe they were among the first in the area to do so.