To give you idea of the grueling timeline that the Steering Committee had set for the meeting--we only chose the REC Solar /Sun Run on January 10th, on January 14th we met with them to discuss ideas for how we could introduce them to the community, and on January 23rd the introduction happened. So in 9 days, we basically designed a presentation, collaborated on ideas and concepts, put out brochures, emails and most importantly had 76 neighbors show up for the meeting on a dark and stormy January night.
So why such a sense of urgency to present so quickly? Why not take longer to gather thoughts and materials? And the answer is--the PGE solar rebate structure. When we started the installer selection process in October, the PGE rebate was $2.50 a KWh. By December 31st, the $2.50 rebate level was fully subscribed, but there was no way that the Downtown SJ Solar Project could either complete our research or complete the project by December's end, so we were forced to let that rebate level slip past. But now the $2.30 rebate is also in danger of going away--the next level is $1.90 per KWh, and since everyone wants to get the best possible deal for their solar install, we are VERY motivated to help. So the meeting was last night, and certainly everyone who was there will be able to get a timely site evaluation and act quickly and lock in the higher rebate for their installation.
I am going to ask REC to get me some rebate numbers for a 4 KWh system under the $2.30 and $1.90 rebate levels, so that you can understand exactly what this upcoming change in rebate level means.
And for those of you who missed it the meeting--click on the REC link to arrange a site evaluation, or call in. But do get started now. There is no down side to talking to REC, deciding what size solar is right for you, getting pricing, and deciding if you want to move forward. The only scenario with a downside is waiting--if you wait, the same system will cost you more in a very short time.
So--the Kick Off meeting--
I introduced it. My intents were to speak extemporaneously, but I had so much that I wanted to say in such a short period of time that I realized that I needed to write it all out. And then I edited. Read it aloud and edited it. I now have a great deal of understanding for scriptwriters who are always changing lines--i must have re-written 20 times to get to where I was even vaguely satisfied.
But you cannot imagine the pleasure I had, standing up in front of a group of my neighbors, most of whom I did not know personally--yet--and talking about this project--how it started, how the committee was formed (people who were interested volunteered to help), and the evaluation process that we followed. And why the REC Solar/Sun Run partnership won our allegiance so completely.
On the REC side, there is passion for solar, commitment to the excellence of their workmanship, engineering and contracting skills, and references that should make them blush, they are so complimentary. In all our dealings with them, their eagerness to please the community, and their excitement to be involved in our Downtown project, is always evident.
Sun Run brings a new model to residents who want solar power. They partner with REC, who works with the homeowner to design the system that is right for that house. The standard model, which is still available in our program, is to get a price from REC, and a community discount, and then purchase the system. But what Sun Run does is different. They buy the same solar system, and install it at your house--and they own it. They also warranty installation, as well as maintain, monitor, insure and repair the system, --they do all this for 20 years. At the end of 20 years, you have a choice to buy the system if you want. But for the 20 years that you have Sun Run's solar panels on your house, whatever electricity it produces, you buy from Sun Run. And there is also an upfront installation cost for the system, which is about 60% of the full purchase price. The bottom line is that after 20 years of purchasing the power from REC, including the upfront and buyout costs, their system will still cost slightly less than if you had bought it directly from REC Solar.
There's a high probability that I have not described this as well as I might have, and I really wish that everyone had been able to come to the meeting, when Lynn Jurich of Sun Run did such a clear and concise explanation of how her program works. But a few things to keep in mind--this is an option that business--really big business--has been following for years, but it has never been available to residents until Sun Run started their offering.
And—I think that of the people who have signed up so far, ~80% are going with Sun Run.
We are going to post some Sun Run FAQs on the site for you to look at, for more in-depth information. But this is a really exciting option. Check it out.
What else about the Kick Off? Well, after Matthew of REC and Lynn of Sun Run did short presentations, there were questions and answers.
And Coucilman Sam Liccardo was there as well, and said a few words. (Sam's office, in the person of Ragan Henninger, has been extremely helpful with publicity and also with logistics)--thanks for giving us meeting space for the community!
Of the ~80 people who attended the meeting (some were couples) 31 requests for site evaluations were received. Way to go San Jose!
Tomorrow I want to update you about the community discounts and who is eligible to participate in the program, but please be patient and I’ll get to it.
Marni Kamzan
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