#ProjectGridhack
Before you sign up for Solar . . .
What is #ProjectGridhack?
With everything going on in the world, from riots and viruses to economic breakdowns, it’s no surprise that more individuals are opting to live off the grid. While this way of life has been around for decades, there has been an increase in the number of individuals and families who want to start over and live off the grid in recent years. Amongst all this chaos, a movement was born #ProjectGridhack.
This movement was created to help home owners go Solar without getting screwed on their finances. Well how does that happen?
Solar systems have been getting installed left and right, chances are one of your neighbors might even have one! What’s up with that? If you’re familiar with Solar Energy already, you might already know about the Federal 26% Tax Credit.
What makes it even better is your utility company might also be providing an additional incentive towards your system. CPS, a major utility company in San Antonio, Texas, is providing an extra $2500 towards your system for example. Another attractive bullet point to consider is that it’s $0 Down. Crazy right? Only thing you really need is a decent credit score and a home.
With such a great deal, who wouldn’t want to miss out? Alan sure didn’t. (First homeowner installed by Gridhack, FYI) Not only does this opportunity provide great incentives to go Solar, but it provides an opportunity for more solar companies to pop up out of the blue. Meaning. . . There is going to be competition for inflated install prices.
So what’s the deal with Gridhack then? A Vigilante Company. Sounds pretty insane right? Vonny Rich, Green Entrepreneur, Founder of the movement #ProjectGridhack, has been on the hunt for solar companies taking advantage of homeowners wanting to go green.
How would he prevent such things? The ideal structure of solar companies is to rake in a high sales commission per job by charging you an inflated P.P.W. (Price Per Watt) for example. Plenty of homeowners won’t even think twice about what their paying when it comes to a “good deal.” Not saying all Solar Companies are bandits, there are definitely plenty of good guys around. Just be educated!
Key things to consider before you agree on your new Solar System install
- Hardware
What’s included? How many panels? Type of Inverter? Do you really need back up power?
2. P.P.W (Price Per Watt)
Be a smart consumer, ask your solar consultant what P.P.W rate you’re getting. Example, $4.0 is pretty fair for Texas.
3. Reputation of Solar Company
Plenty of Solar Companies to go around, but who is your actual Installer? Is SunRun sending Sub-Contractors to you?
4. Warranty
All your hardware should be warrantied for a minimum of 25 years. Make sure to ask if they include 25 years of servicing / workmanship on top. Because any solar company can slap on the 25 year manufacturer disclosure.
5. Ask a lot of questions
In fact, if you’re shopping around. Write down a list of these questions and think of your own questions to ask your consultant.
Let’s go green! Happy shopping!
“Everyone is going to go solar one day, let’s expedite this process in the best way possible. To help transition to a better future, to save the world.” -Vonny Rich
