Chris Ferris Opts to Install Solar

Chris Ferris beams when discussing the impact his solar panels have had on his life. Originally learning about solar in the 1990s, Ferris always had his eye on the product but wanted the technology to advance further before taking the leap himself.

After thoroughly researching solar panels in this year, Ferris felt it was time to move forward. Ferris laughed as he explained that before solar, his electric bill would be up to $300 a month during the summer, when his air conditioner would be running. While that bill was reduced to about $50 with his 16 solar panels, Ferris wanted to see an even larger reduction. That’s why he added five more panels to his array.

Solar offers relief for the Ferris family

Ferris originally had concern over how the solar panels would look on his roof, but he found peace of mind when PowerHome showed him the vision for panel placement on his roof. The south side of Ferris’ home is the back side of his home, and his backyard runs up against a wooded area. Unless you’re in his backyard and standing on your tiptoes, you can’t see much of the panels.

Ferris raved about his installation experience, praising the installers for their professionalism, efficiency and ability to get the job done quietly. A laugh was shared when Ferris mentioned his wife arrived home without noticing the panels and thought the installation was rescheduled.

Ferris listed all the reasons why he decided to work with solar power

“I was initially just curious to see what it was like. Many people are going solar these days, and the reviews are very positive,” Ferris said. “Second, the salespeople at PowerHome was very personable. Financially, it lowered my monthly bills and it significantly increased the value of my house. It also made sense for the environment; I am reducing my carbon footprint.”

Ferris says the increase in value allowed him to refinance his home and consolidate debt, saving him even more money.

A long-lasting impression

After seeing how solar energy could help families save money on their electricity bills and even become self-sufficient, Ferris was finally convinced to choose it. He had attended several exhibitions on renewable energy and experienced first-hand solar technology. What impressed him most was the positive word-of-mouth from neighbors who had already installed solar systems.

It's no surprise that solar energy has a positive image. It's a clean, non-polluting energy source, and as people become more environmentally aware, it's likely to leave a lasting impression. As technology advances, solar panels are becoming more efficient and less expensive, making them an increasingly viable energy option. Adding solar panels to your home now provides the added benefit of a net metering tariff policy.

After doing a lot of research, Ferris made a few other small changes to his house. This includes things like extra blown insulation in the attic, a hot water heater blanket, and a lot more. If you use the right tools for the job, even the little things around the house can make a big difference. Ferris talked about some of the small, sustainable things he does, like switching to LED bulbs, recycling, and using programmable thermostats, which also help him save money each month.

Adding solar power is actually easy and quick

Throughout the experience, Ferris appreciated how easy it was to add solar. The whole installation took about a day or two and didn't really affect Ferris's daily routine. He was happy to find that, apart from the initial selection and evaluation phase, the actual installation process required very little of his time, and that the solar company's team of professionals completed all the work quickly and efficiently.

“I was expecting it to be much more of a thing. I was thinking, ‘Oh they are going to have to brace the roof of the house, there’s going to be all kinds of drilling, it’s going to be messy and nasty,'” Ferris said. “But no, it was clean, it was quick and it was as painless as any house upgrade I have ever had to experience.”

Ferris’s advice for those considering solar was to “don’t think about it, just do it.” And better yet, his decision to go solar meant he was helping the environment.