June 7, 2016

By Mike Kluk

Long-time Davis residents Karen Leaf and Tim Ainsworth, who went solar in August of 2015, say their West Davis neighbors encouraged them, offered advice, and generally supported them though the process.

But in the end, the decision was, in their own words, “pretty much of a no-brainer.”

“It was the right thing to do. Environmentally, solar is the best form of energy we have. We were happy to move towards greener energy.”

Reduced Usage First

Prior to installing solar panels, the family took several steps to reduce their energy usage. They switched all of their lights to LED and replaced their old refrigerator with a more energy efficient model. All of which made a noticeable difference in their bill.

Karen and Tim ride their bikes to run local errands whenever possible and use air conditioning minimally – only when it is really hot or if they have guests.

The family also purchased a plug-in hybrid when it came time to trade in their old car. They commute to Sacramento for work and drive together whenever possible. They can plug in the hybrid in Sacramento where it is charged for the drive home. They often drive only a few miles on the gas engine.

Karen and Tim expect their next car will be all electric. When that time comes, they will add some solar panels to accommodate the additional load.

Local and Regional Green Collar Companies Work Together

The family worked with a local company, RepowerYolo, to investigate the best options for a solar energy system. RepowerYolo helped make the process very easy, meeting with Tim and Karen at a convenient time after work and generally handling all the planning and installation details.

“Installation was done in a day. It was all very easy. It is nice to have it. We don’t really think about it or worry about it at all.”

RepowerYolo evaluated Tim and Karen’s historical energy usage and recommended a 4.2 kilowatt (kW) system consisting of 15 high efficiency LG panels and a Fronius Galvo inverter. The inverter is the device that changes the direct current power coming from the solar panels to the alternating current power used by lights and appliances.

Karen Leaf and Tim Ainsworth Solar System
Karen Leaf and Tim Ainsworth’s Solar System Adorns Their Spanish Tile Rooftop

RepoweYolo arranged for system installation by West Coast Solar. The family was impressed with the ease of the process and the installation. The install included a 25 year warranty on components and 10 year warranty on workmanship.

“Installation was done in a day. It was all very easy. It is nice to have it. We don’t really think about it or worry about it at all.”

 

 

Home Equity Financing

The total system cost was $17,684. With a 30 percent federal tax credit of $5,305, the final cost was $12,379. The family was able to finance the purchase with a home equity loan easing any out of pocket strain and providing a welcome tax deduction on the interest as well.

The family was able to finance the purchase with a home equity loan easing any out of pocket strain and providing a welcome tax deduction on the interest as well.

The family’s annual PG&E cost averaged $1280 historically. The projected cost per year with solar is $110 for a savings of $1170. They do not have a full year of experience but it appears the estimate will be quite accurate.

Karen Leaf and Tim Ainsworth are proud Davis residents living in Village Homes.