Motivation: Energy Conservation, Sustainability

Motivation: Energy Conservation, Sustainability
Competitors researched during due diligence: Sungevity, SunRun, Sunation, Sunpower by Empower
Sales person: Matt Brill
Installation supervisor: Dave Ezzo
Project Manager: Ali
Project duration: 10 weeks end to end

What I liked about SunPower by EmPower:

1. Transparency - I spoke to Matt Brill in Sales, who is truly passionate about sustainability, which is very refreshing compared to other sales people I spoke with whose primary objective was to sell and close. Matt was very transparent about cost, which was one of the reasons why I decided to sign a contract with EmPower.

2. Equipment - SunPower is the premium brand in Solar PV. As the panels and inverter will stay on my roof for a few decades, I've decided for a more expensive option with quality product and hasel-free warranty.

3. Professionalism - On installation day, a crew of 4 people led by Dave Ezzo arrived bright and early at 7am and finished everything in one day. They did a clean job and was very polite and patient in explaining what they will do and the progress. Project manager also kept constant communications on what's next.

Tips:

1. Educate yourself before calling the companies. I recommend 2-3 hours of reading in total or about 5-10 articles. Most of the work you need to do is limited to the initial due diligence process, once you decide on a company and sign a contract, the company and project manager takes care of everything so there is no more with for you.

2. Don't only focus on the panels. Inverters are equally important so don't neglect them.

3. Call at least 3 companies and compare metrics. A good mix of national and local companies is recommended because while martial companies benefit from econony of scale, local companies have advantage of familiarity with local rules (e.g. permit process with local building department) and regulations (e.g. fire code).

4. Pay attention to after sales service. How are problems handled? How soon can someone come?

5. Buy, don't lease! If you can't pay cash, get an EFS loan, interest rate is very reasonable.

6. Keep records as you will most likely need to refer to them when claiming Federal and State tax rebates (which is sustantial) or when being assessed for property value increase.

Go solar and help with sustainability!