About the Company:
I’ve put together this article for those considering solar power. I’d like to introduce you to the platform I use, which is Powur. Powur has been in business since 2014 and is a Certified B Corp with an A+ BBB rating. We are among the top 5 solar companies in the United States and operate as a General Contractor in approximately 27 states. Additionally, we did hold the 43rd position on the Inc. 500 list, signifying us as one of the fastest-growing companies. Powur’s corporate headquarters are based in Del Mar, California.
Business Model:
Our solar sales are predominantly virtual, comprising about 90% of our sales, which significantly reduces our company’s expenses. As a result, we are highly profitable, providing homeowners with the assurance of partnering with a financially stable company that is likely to be around for years to come. We extend warranties as part of our offerings, and thanks to our cost savings, we can pass these benefits on to homeowners, giving us a competitive edge. This approach helps you invest in your home’s equity rather than continually paying hefty utility bills.
About me – Freddie Avila:
Allow me to share a bit about myself. I chose to enter the solar industry due to the freedom it offers, and as I delved deeper into this field, I became increasingly committed to educating homeowners and shielding them from the misinformation prevalent online. This dedication led me to create and design “Home Solar Simplified.” I have declined numerous employment offers from solar companies because I couldn’t align with their ethical standards, overpriced quotes, or because they failed to meet my research criteria regarding their company.
Tell me about your home and your needs:
To better assist you, I’d like to gather some information about your home and your solar needs. Please consider the following questions:
- How long have you been living in your home?
- Do you know if you have a 200 Amp Breaker Panel?
- Do you know what type of roof you have?
- Have you received any other quotes from other solar installers?
- Are you looking to pay cash or finance your solar installation?
- What are your primary concerns regarding solar energy?
- What’s the highest electricity bill you’ve ever had?
- Who is your current electricity provider?
Let’s start with our Post Installation 30-year (full coverage) Solar Warranty (Powur Care):
Our comprehensive warranty includes:
- Coverage of all hardware components and associated labor, including roof penetration integrity with no deductible.
- Assurance that you are directly covered by Powur, with a commitment to engaged customer support throughout the claims process, ensuring consistent communication between the claimant and Powur. This coverage extends to solar panels, wiring, racking, roof penetration, workmanship, and more. It’s 100% transferable, with zero deductibles.
- Roof protection, which includes a workmanship warranty guarding against costly penetrations from environmental factors.
We’re a Technology Platform:
Upon partnering with us, you will have access to the Powur app, which allows you to track your project’s progress from start to finish. You can monitor every stage, from the site survey and design to permit submissions, installation, post-installation inspections, and even communicate with your project manager. This ensures that you have a comprehensive record of your project and its timeline.
Why Go Solar:
Going solar offers several advantages, including:
- Reduction in your electric bill.
- Rate locking to protect against future price increases.
- Enhanced comfort, such as being able to use your A/C without worry.
- Access to credits, rebates, and incentives.
- A reduced carbon footprint.
- Potential savings when charging a plug-in hybrid using solar energy.
- Elimination of the stress associated with high monthly electricity bills.
- Compliance with new laws mandating solar for new homes as of January 1st.
30% Federal Tax Credit:
The Federal Government’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to receive a tax credit of 30% of the total cost of your solar system. Unlike a deduction, this credit directly reduces your tax payment. To understand how it works, consider consulting with your CPA.
Time of Use and Electricity Rates:
Electricity rates are on the rise, with many utility companies transitioning to time-of-use pricing, where you are charged more during peak usage hours. Solar allows you to lock in your rate, providing cost stability even as kilowatt-hour prices increase.
How Solar Works:
Solar panels on your roof generate electricity by harnessing sunlight’s energy particles, known as photons. These photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, creating an electric current that powers your home. Solar energy is fed into your electrical distribution system and can even be sent back to the grid, earning you credits through a process called net metering.
Net Metering:
Net metering allows you to save on electricity bills by sending excess power generated by your solar panels back to the grid. Your meter tracks this exchange, and you are billed only for the “net” electricity you use. If you generate more electricity than you consume, you receive a credit, promoting renewable energy use and reducing costs.
True-Up Statement:
Every 12 billing months, you receive a True-Up Statement, which reconciles all charges and credits over the past year. If you have a balance due, it specifies the amount. If you have a credit, it resets to zero. Additionally, it indicates if you’re eligible for net surplus compensation if you generate more energy than you consume throughout the year.
Downloading the App:
The Powur app enables you to monitor your energy production, consumption, and the health of individual panels.
Batteries and Solar:
Batteries provide backup power during blackouts, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply. They are particularly useful for those who require constant power. However, setting realistic expectations is essential. Depending on your needs, you may require multiple batteries for full coverage.
Your Bill:
If you remain connected to the grid, your monthly bill is unlikely to be zero, but it typically ranges from $10 to $15 per month. This represents your flat rate.
Electrical Panel:
Depending on your system’s size and age, we may recommend upgrading your electrical panel to a newer 200-amp model, which can be determined through a site survey.
Selling Your Home:
Solar arrangements differ in terms of ease of transfer. With a lease, selling your home might be challenging. However, if you’ve paid cash, have a loan, or hold a Power Purchase Agreement, these can typically be transferred to the new homeowner. Solar panels can even increase your home’s value by approximately $6,000 per kilowatt.
To learn more about the educational resources I’ve created, please visit https://homesolarsimplified.com/. For information on the platform I use, Powur, and the services they offer, you can explore the following links:
- Main page: https://powur.com/homesolarsimplified/
- Solar services: https://powur.com/homesolarsimplified/solar
- Education: https://powur.com/homesolarsimplified/education
- Why solar: https://powur.com/homesolarsimplified/education/why-solar
- Top 10 questions: https://powur.com/homesolarsimplified/education/top-10-questions
Products & Partners:
Finance Partners
Product Partners
Power Services
Feel free to explore these links at your own pace. Our company is proud to offer a range of top-notch services from reputable providers, including Tesla, Franklin Batteries, Q-Cell, SPAN, Solar Edge, and more. Additionally, we have partnerships with over a dozen solar financial companies, some of which offer attractive financing options starting at just 1.99%. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to Freddie at 310.940.8886.