I just completed their after purchase survey. I've posted their questions and my answers below:…read more
Clean Energy Collective would like to know (required questions): · What prompted you to explore the option of community solar?It seems the cost of electricity has only and is only going up as well as how much electricity we need. I've read in the news about how nuclear power plants are history, how coal power plants are polluting and require extensively expensive upgrades. Also it looks like many of us might be driving electric cars in the near future. I wanted to reduce my electricity cost and help the environment at the same time.I wanted to plan for my future. I chose community solar over the traditional solar panels that are installed on my house for a good number of reasons: My already built house wasn't designed for solar panels. My roof may not be strong enough or big enough or angled ideally for the solar panels I need to match my electricity needs. When in the future, I need a new roof or have a roof leak, there won't be any solar panels in the way increasing the expense. Now my roof is still free for future installation of a solar hot water heater panel and/or emergency lighting solar panels and/or passive heat solar panels and/or some other type of solar panels. Now I don't have to worry about the installation and ongoing upkeep and maintenance of a home solar system and the increased house insurance costs and claims.If and when I sell my house I don't have to worry about a buyer not wanting solar panels on the house and/or not being able to afford the cost of the panels.The Community solar panels can be sold separately or moved to a new utility account, so much simpler.With the community solar, everything is taken care of and even insured, I don't have to worry at all.
· How did you hear about Clean Energy Collective?I researched on the internet, reading newspaper articles and posting questions on solar forums and also investigated the Clean Energy Collective website.
· How many panels did you purchase and how did you arrive at that decision?I purchased the maximum number of panels our City of Colorado Springs CO agreement allows me. 25 panels(120% of my current electric usage) I decided it was a great deal so I went with the maximum and surplus months build as never expiring credit on my utility bill.I can sell or give some of the panels to others in the future and I believe our electricity needs will increase. · What is your projected payback period, and how much money are you expected to save (in the long-term)?My projected payback time with the 10 year loan is 13 years. Since I then get free electricity for 37 years after, the savings is projected to be approximately $160,000!
· What do you plan to do with the money saved?The savings should give me a better chance at an affordable retirement in the future.
· What pleases you most about participating in community-owned solar (financial benefits, reduced carbon footprint, energy independence, etc.)What pleases me most about the community solar is that it seems that it's a win win win situation for everyone i.e. our city, the environment-the planet, the consumer, our Country, our future, our children's future. It enables industrial quality components to be used on a large-scale. It's a joint effort so it's more successful.
· Anything in particular you'd like to share about your experience with community solar?My community solar agent and everyone I've dealt with were no pressure, extremely professional yet down to earth people and extremely knowledgeable. They've really thought of everything.They answering all my questions and more. Their website is very thorough as well. The process was so quick and easy for me the buyer, I felt a bit guilty.They've created a wonderful thing for us all. It's all done. All we have to do now is buy a piece of their wonderful creation.
These questions are optional (but your answers would be incredibly helpful!)· How often do you check the production online?Rarely I usually just look at my monthly utility bill.
· Did you opt for a financing method? (If so, which one?)Yes the Ten-year loan. So for the next 10 years I pay roughly an extra electrical bill then for the next 40 years it's free electricity all the way.
· If you live with a partner, was it a joint decision or initiated by a specific person? Who?I am single, it was my decision.
· If you had to make the decision again, would they choose the same options? (would you choose more panels, fewer panels, no panels, etc.)I wouldn't do anything different.
· What was your first reaction to seeing your panels for the first time? I wondered why we're still allowing coal companies to mine and burn coal for electricity, while destroying our planet, just so they can make for themselves lots of profit.