"Solar is too expensive. I can buy a lot of electricity for the cost of a solar system"
Many people dismiss solar energy because of the perceived high cost involved. It's true one can purchase a lot of electricity for the cost of a system. But in the end, they have nothing. Customers who own their own power systems, however, usually pay the same amount for electricity as they always have but a portion goes to paying down their system, which will eventually be paid for. The person without solar will continue to have rate increases and essentially be "renting" their electricity. The analogy of buying a home versus renting a home applies to solar. Example: Joe and Sam have the same $300 electricity bill. Sam says solar is too expensive. Joe decided it made sense and sees his bill drop to $150 and his payment for the solar system is $110 immediately netting him $40 per month. After 7 years Joe's system is paid for with only with what he wasn't paying PGE. Joe's bill is now half of Sam's for decades to come. Sam finally gets a solar system and says, like all of our customers, "I should have done this years ago".
"I have been thinking about solar for a long time. It's a good idea but I'm waiting for prices to come down and rebates to go up. When do you expect solar prices to start to fall?
If someone tells us that “there has never been a better time to buy”, we usually dismiss it as marketing hype. But unlike a vacuum cleaner or a water softener, “…best time to buy” is a fact when it comes to solar power. The rebate levels have, and will, continue to decline and prices have, and will, continue to rise.
A study by Environment California concluded that, since 2001, solar has increased by an astonishing 5,900%. Indeed, the solar revolution is here. Cost factors, like any other sector, are determined by supply and demand and right now, the demand is high. German, Japanese, Chinese, and new American module manufactures are ramping up production to meet the demand. Logically, the prices should come down. But a recent study by PHOTON consulting paints a different picture as the unexpected worldwide demand for solar expands pushing pushing prices upward. Read more here…
"My friend told me that PGE will pay me for the excess electricity I generate from my solar power system".
We've heard commercials telling people that the utility will buy back electricity from customers who have solar energy systems. This is a half truth. The utility is required to give credit for excess electricity sent to the grid from a solar power system. If a customer does not use their credit in one year's time, he or she will lose it and essentially donate it to the utility. This is why it's so important to understand sizing your system.
"I have a 2,000 square foot home. What size system do I need?"
Estimating the size of an Unlimited Energy Solar Power System depends on many factors. Two identical homes can have very different electrical usages. For example, a home with a working couple and no children will likely use less electricity than the same 2,000 square foot home with 2 young children and a stay-at-home mom. Or, one homeowner may place high value on comfort while their neighbor (with the same size home) may be conscious about the cost of their utility bill. In order for us, or any legitimate solar contractor, to determine a properly sized system, we will need your annual kilowatt hours used. This way, we can analyze your usage and suggest a system based on your usage and personal goals with solar power.
" I've heard there are new rebates and Tax Credits available. What are they?"
The California Energy Commission currently offers a cash rebate of $2.60 per watt for solar electric systems to most of California's ratepayers. This rebate is scheduled to be reduced 20 cents per watt every six months. " Now is the best time to buy" is an old, tired marketing term. But in this case, it's true. Residential customers currently qualify for a 30% Federal tax credit (capped at $2,000) in the tax year the system is installed or paid for. Commercial customers qualify for a generous, uncapped, 30% Federal tax credit plus accelerated state and Federal depreciation. A customer who has a home based business may be eligible for both the standard $2,000 Federal Tax Credit and a portion of the 30% Federal Tax Credit for businesses. Always consult your CPA for your actual tax benefits.
The landscape of renewable energy in California is constantly evolving. It is likely that California will replace the current "up-front" rebate with a Performance Based Incentive (PBI). What this means is that cuustomers will pay the full amount for a solar power system and, as their rebate, receive payments over a 5-year period. Read more about the PBI here...
" There are a lot of solar companies around. Why should I choose Unlimited Energy?"
Customer care, integrity, expertise, experience, reliability and longevity are just a few reasons why Unlimited Energy is the best choice amongst our competitors. Our installers are individually trained to the highest standards of workmanship. Our Installation Director, Dennis Cox, has developed an "in-house" apprenticeship program that ensures the quality we're known for. Our expertise has been recognized by the City of Fresno, the State of California, and homeowners and businesses throughout Central California. We've been in business in Fresno since 1984 and we are the only solar contractor in the area that is a member of the Better Business Bureau in both Fresno and Bakersfield. Our aggressive pricing is the result of our tremendous volume allowing us to negotiate the best prices direct from manufacturers. We warrant what we sell so we choose the highest quality components that are field tested in our Central Valley. Our racking system, superior in every way to the industry standard, is manufactured locally thus cutting costs further. In short, Unlimited Energy offers the best installation, and the best warranties, all at the lowest cost. It's that simple. |

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