Solar? For Me?

Jose B. Tengco, a key member of the development team for the award-winning Andalay System, shares with homeowners how solar can make a huge difference both for their checkbook and the environment.

Solar systems: the very term sounds technologically advanced and a bit out of reach for the average consumer. But as time goes on, even the loudest objections have become passé, explains Jose B. Tengco of Akeena Solar, a California leader in solar development. Akeena has developed the art of home residential solar systems over the past ten years. As they have done so, they have watched solar power grow from a hobby for a cadre of environmentalists to a financially savvy choice for any homeowner.

A solar power system can reduce or eliminate an electricity bill. For the customer who decides to purchase a solar power system, he or she may be able to pay the system off in five to seven years and never see another energy bill again. Or, for the customer who prefers to finance a solar system, locking in a lower-than-average monthly payment will drastically reduce bills, especially as energy costs rise or fluctuate. At the same time, these customers will be doing their part to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gases.

It sounds wonderful, but how does one know if a solar system is right for them? Tengco explains it this way. Ask yourself, “Am I paying an expensive electric bill?” If your bill is manageable, you may not require solar. But if you’re paying over $100 per month for electricity, a conversation with a solar system provider is in order. Or maybe you simply want to reduce your carbon footprint. Whatever the motivation, it opens the door for an in-home analysis by a representative and the development of a custom solution.

In the case of Akeena, their entire goal is to deliver solar power to the level of the average homeowner—to you. The product of their in-depth research is the Andalay Solar System, which soundly addresses two of the major consumer concerns: 1) Will it last? And 2) what will it look like? In both cases, the Andalay product is a stellar choice. It provides decades of dependable power and cost savings, plus a low-profile look that is sleek, clean and nearly unnoticeable on the roof. Andalay didn’t win the Popular Mechanic’s “Breakthrough Product of the Year” award for no reason.

So, if you’re wondering if solar power is for you, in the words of solar pro Jose B. Tengco, “Absolutely, yes.”