Erik W. Case Study

We started to experience more power outages in our area, and having a well for water made it very difficult when that would happen. We always wanted to add solar panels, and when the battery technology improved and prices became manageable, we decided to make the leap.

Yes, we would have 2 or 3 outages a year, and sometimes they would stretch for a few days. We can adapt to not having lights, but losing access to water was a big consideration when deciding to add a battery.

Only very briefly, and it was very seamless. The battery took over, and we proceeded to minimize the load on the system by turning off unnecessary appliances or draws. It only lasted a few hours, but it was nice to see everything working in the Franklin App.

We have also had a few instances where there was the potential for an outage, and it’s nice when the battery automatically goes into an emergency mode based on the data it receives from the weather services.

As a family, we have always prioritized being respectful of the environment. The move to add solar panels lets us “put our money where our mouth is,” so to speak, and do something proactive. Aside from the financial benefits, it feels good to see our house moving toward energy independence and being able to move away from the worry of increasing electric bills.

We have only had the system running fully for a few months, but our electric bill has been reduced considerably. Last April, our electric bill was $132.04. This April, our bill was $0, and we earned a credit of $98.02. So the difference is about a $230 difference from last year.

I went through Energy Sage, and the reviews were very strong. Once I gathered bids, I was most comfortable with GPE because they are not trying to put the cheapest system together, but one that would function well and meet my family’s needs.

Absolutely, and I have. Hopefully, some will be able to get a system set up. I found GPE to be very straightforward with the technical information, and this was really important because I am not an engineer or technically sophisticated. I also really liked the idea of GPE being responsible for all the permits and that the install team would be in-house and not outsourced.

It’s been the best decision we have made during the 19 years we have owned our home. Financially, it gives us some security as energy costs rise. On a personal level, we feel like we are doing a small part to help things become more sustainable. Seeing the data and how we are moving toward energy independence also makes us feel good about how we prioritize certain things that might not show an immediate return, but we know it was the right thing to do in the long run.