Sekar Veerappan, from Richmond, Virginia, is just one of the many Americans who went solar. Sekar Veerappan of Richmond, Virginia, was kind enough to share his story about getting solar panels on his roof. What he had to say:
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am an independent consultant and mechanical engineer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, in a two-story single-family house with my family.
Why did you “take the plunge” to go solar?
I have always been passionate about living sustainably and have practiced several green living habits at home. I’ve always been worried about climate change and the increase in extreme weather we’ve seen in recent years.
My primary motivation for going solar was to protect the environment through my clean energy generation. I chose to go solar because of the financial benefits.
How big is your system? When did you install it, and who was your solar installer
My solar system was installed in March 2016. I installed my solar system in March 2016.
The solar panels I have installed are on the roof of my rear house, which is an asphalt shingle roof that faces southeast. My system generates about 12,490 Kilowatt-hours per year.
Tell us about the steps and processes you underwent to convert your house to solar energy.
Solar United Neighborhoods came up when I was researching residential solar and comparing quotes with local installers. This nonprofit promotes rooftop solar. I attended the solar info session and joined their first co-op for the Richmond area.
A group of homeowners within a specific geographic area pool their purchasing power to get the best price for their solar installations.
The co-op answered all of my questions. The co-op guided the participants from comparing the bids of installers to completing the installation. The process was easy and seamless.
Solar was installed without modifying my house or the main electrical panel.
The information and guides on solar energy available through Solar United Neighbors and the U.S. Department of Energy websites were also beneficial.
How did you handle the challenges that you faced along the way?
I had no significant problems. My roof is in good shape, and trees are not shading it much. It was just a matter of educating myself on the various warranties and system components. The co-op helped me navigate the buying process.
Some homeowners associations [HOAs] have restrictions on solar panel installation.
What was your method of financing? Was it a purchase, a lease, PPA, or another way?
I bought my system with a low-interest loan. The 30% tax credit for solar investments in 2016 helped to reduce the overall cost.
Has the solar system reduced your energy bills?
The system I have was designed to offset between 95% and 100% of my electric consumption. Solar has nearly eliminated my electric bill. Solar production depends on the weather, and I also get a smaller account some months due to people working at home during the pandemic.
Solar energy is a great way to protect yourself from the rising cost of electricity. Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) can be sold to earn additional income.
Some states offer SRECs as an incentive that allows solar owners to receive money for each 1,000-kilowatt hour of electricity their system generates. The value of SRECs varies by state. Find out if SRECs are offered in your state.
What additional benefits have you experienced since installing solar power?
I am now more energy conscious than I was before I installed solar. I’ve also taken other measures to save energy and reduce waste. My solar-powered home is worth more than similar homes without solar in my area.
It gives me great satisfaction to know that, besides the tangible financial savings from my electric bill, I am also helping reduce harmful emissions.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to install solar power but needing help figuring out where to start?
Do your research before making any significant investment. Speak to others who have gone solar. If there is a solar cooperative program in your area, you can join it. Compare the warranties and technical specifications when you receive multiple quotes from solar contractors.
Verify that the solar contractor you are considering has the necessary licenses for installing solar in your area. If a salesperson comes to your door and pressures you into signing a contract or making a decision, I advise against it. Take all the facts and only decide on doing your research.
What would you have done differently during the solar energy transition?
In my case, it was an ideal solar journey. I can’t think of anything else that could have been done differently. Using my experience and staying up-to-date with the latest solar technology, I can help others go solar.