The Solar Site Audit
First they spent a couple of hours on the roof measuring, checking the direction of the sun and calculating how many panels would be needed. They plotted exactly where the panels would go, what angle and checked the roof for structural and maintenance issues. I happen to have a nice, flat, fairly-new roof that passed the test. It should be perfect for the right amount of panels to power up our home.
Next they checked the electrical panel on the home. Our panel is not the absolute ideal because it doesn’t have as many free spaces as it needs. However the guys said they might be able to re-configure what is there to find the needed space. They got the numbers to work out on their calculations, they just need to have the architects’ findings work out the same. They thought everyone could make it work. Let’s hope they are right.
Next they went into the attic and drew out a plan of all of the load baring walls. They need to have exact measurements of all of the beams and structural walls so the architect can draw up the structural plans for our solar system. They took pictures and drew out a map for them to work from. This should give them the framework to build our system.
Last but not least, they needed to test our internet connection and make sure they could connect the new solar system to the internet. From here they will be able to monitor our system from afar. (Our friend that recommended Solar City to us said that Solar City has spotted issues online that they didn’t even notice and called and had them corrected. SC is watching, even if you aren’t.)
Checking the Internet
Now all of these figures and measurements are sent back to the Solar City engineers and architects and they come up with a plan for our house. This should take about a month to do. They will come back with a complete diagram of how many panels we need, where they will be located, how they will connect to the electrical grid and internet. We will also soon be getting the rebate information from the LADWP and the finances will be set.
Check back to follow the progress and let me know if you would like a referral to Solar City. We are thrilled with the process thus far and highly recommend a lease vs. a purchase.
For more information please call John Garand the senior solar consultant at SolarCity at 650.963.5686 or email him at jgarand@solarcity.com. The web address is www.solarcity.com. And please remember to tell him that Heather Leikin referred you.
