ASK THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE GOING SOLAR

Summary

In this video, Julian Todd Borden, a solar consultant and YouTuber, discusses the solar industry's pitfalls and offers advice for consumers. He warns against Power Purchase Agreements, advocating for purchasing solar systems to gain equity and tax credits. Julian also emphasizes the importance of micro-inverters over panels and stresses the need for a reputable contractor to avoid costly roof leaks. He shares insights on the best time to buy solar panels for maximum savings and offers his services for those interested in solar installation.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Julian Todd Borden, a solar consultant and YouTuber, emphasizes the importance of transparency and correcting misinformation in the solar industry.
• 🌱 Julian's interest in solar began with permaculture, which is about living sustainably and includes aspects beyond solar energy like food production and community building.
• 💡 Julian advises against Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), suggesting that they often do not offer the best value for customers compared to purchasing the solar system outright.
• 🏡 Homeowners with PPAs can face issues when selling their homes, as the agreement might deter potential buyers or require the seller to pay off the system.
• 🔌 Microinverters are recommended over central inverters because they are more reliable, have a longer warranty, and if one fails, it doesn't affect the entire system.
• 🛠️ The quality of the solar contractor is crucial as they are responsible for installing the system and addressing any leaks that may occur, which can be costly.
• 💰 Julian suggests that the best time to buy solar panels is as soon as possible to start saving on energy bills and capitalize on the forced savings from paying down the system's cost.
• 📈 The payback period for solar panels should ideally be around five years, and the cost should be a little under three dollars per watt.
• 📊 Julian provides detailed videos explaining the financial calculations behind solar panel investments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the return on investment.
• 📞 Julian offers his services for those interested in solar, emphasizing his commitment to providing accurate information and a positive customer experience.

Q & A

What is Julian's profession and what makes him unique in the solar industry?

Julian is a solar consultant who works for a contractor called All Tech Solar. He is unique because of his transparency about information and his desire to correct misinformation in the solar industry.

What was Julian's initial impression of the solar industry when he started?

Julian initially assumed that everyone in the solar industry would be passionate about helping people go green and save money, but he later realized that many contractors were leveraging consumers' lack of knowledge to make money.

What is permaculture and how did it influence Julian's career?

Permaculture stands for permanent culture and is the science of living sustainably on the planet, encompassing solar, food production, community building, and watershed management. Julian's interest in permaculture led him to the solar industry.

What is Julian's advice regarding Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in solar energy?

Julian advises against Power Purchase Agreements because they often do not offer the best value for customers. He recommends purchasing the solar system to gain equity, tax credits, and avoid being locked into a long-term contract that can be problematic if the homeowner needs to move.

Why does Julian recommend micro-inverters over central inverters?

Julian recommends micro-inverters because they provide better performance, longer warranties, and increased reliability compared to central inverters. If a central inverter fails, the entire solar system is down until it's fixed, whereas a micro-inverter allows each panel to function independently.

What are the potential issues with solar panel installation that Julian emphasizes?

Julian emphasizes the importance of choosing a reputable contractor to avoid leaks caused by drilling holes in the roof for solar panel installation. Leaks can be costly to fix, especially if the contractor is no longer available.

What is the best time to buy solar panels according to Julian?

The best time to buy solar panels is as soon as possible because the sooner you start paying for them, the sooner you start saving on your electricity bill. The payback period for solar panels is typically between four and a half to six years.

What is the ideal payback period for a solar panel system according to Julian?

The ideal payback period for a solar panel system is around five years, taking into account the tax credit. Without the tax credit, the payback period might be seven to eight years.

How does Julian calculate the cost of a solar system?

Julian calculates the cost of a solar system by taking the DC watt rating of the system and multiplying it by the cost per watt. For example, an 8 kilowatt system would be calculated as 8,000 watts times the cost per watt, aiming for a price slightly under $3 per watt.

What services does Julian offer to potential solar customers?

Julian offers to provide accurate information, help customers understand their needs, and put together a package that makes sense for them. He aims to ensure customers are making the best decision for their solar needs.

How can people reach Julian for solar consultation?

People can reach Julian directly by emailing him at [email protected] or by calling or texting him at 760-473-5878.