The Copa Issue 11 / Oct 2014 | Page 15

How to start saving on your electric bill! Q & A with Brad Crohurst, Maricopa’s Energy Consultant HMTV: Tell us about a little about yourselfBrad: When I’m not talking about solar (my wife says that’s never) I enjoy spending time at the local ACE hardware store picking up supplies for the house, playing games at UltraStar with the kids, horseback riding, and watching the kids compete. My 12-year-old daughter Rylee participates in competition cheer here in Maricopa with the Fyrestorm Cheer. If you are ever at the Copper Sky during one of the big events like the Maricopa Music Fest, you should check her out. HMTV: People are going to start seeing their electric bill go down, why not wait until next summer until the temps get hot? Brad: First, there are a few steps before you can get the panels installed. We go over what plan works best for you, whether it is a zero down lease, straight up purchase, or you finance to buy, we still have to do an energy evaluation on your home. This is free of charge, but we look at how the homeowner uses power during the consultation, this determines the system size and what I will recommend to a homeowner. I want to know exactly where you are with your consumption of electricity so you are not purchasing any more or less than what your house needs. Also, the winter is when the savings for summer begins. After we install, the additional energy you are producing is a credit that can be applied to those high summer bills. I think that is important to realize. HMTV: So if someone goes solar, does that mean ‘no more’ ED3? Brad: No, you will still receive an ED3 bill as there is a service charge of $33 no matter what to ED3. This covers the basic connection fees to the grid. However, if you take your reduced ED3 bill and add our payment you won’t have a heart attack because it will be lower. HMTV: How long is the process from meeting to savings on the electric bill? Brad: If all goes well, you are looking at somewhere between 2-4 months. It can though, be as fast as 30 days. This is primarily based on how fast we can get a permit, ED3’s approval, and how responsive our customers are through the process. HMTV: How many homes in the Copa have a SolarCity system already installed, and what are you seeing over the next few years? Brad: We are doing about one to three installs a day right now in the Copa. So far, we’ve surpassed 1,500 homes in the area, and it is only a matter of time before you see it everywhere. The more people learn about it, the easier the decision is. HMTV: What is the warranty entail if Solar City does the installation? Brad: Bottom line is that we cover everything. Broken panels, or if it is something related to our panels installation. We carry a $2 Million policy that protects your home and personal belongings. Everything is insured and protected for the duration of the lease (20 years) or purchase (30 years). We monitor the system 24/7 to make sure it is operating at its most efficient levels. We have to, it’s part of our guarantee when it comes to the savings. Brad: I have to add, I’m very excited about our newest purchase option, SolarCity will now finance a system for you and your monthly payment is based off the production of the system. The payment is applied to the loan so after the loan is paid the system is yours to keep. This product has a 30-year warranty on all parts and components and will surpass any competitor warranty in the market. What’s great about this product is if you need a tax credit, you can claim 30% of the system cost as a tax credit. Tax time is around the corner and the system needed to be installed by December for this year’s deduction. For more info: http://www.solarcity.com/residential/solar-energy-faqs Contact Brad today! (602) 881-1729 [email protected] ROC 243771 ROC 245450 ROC 277498 Your Local Handyman Service