After four years from going solar, Randy from Gloucester, MA is saving big and reaping the benefits of going green. Randy’s main goals before going solar were energy security and financial savings. This case study addresses Randy’s journey before going solar with Solaris Renewables and four years after.
The Problem:
Before 2020, Randy from Gloucester faced two major problems that both have to do with relying on a big utility company: high electric bills and power outages. Randy was dealing with a similar problem that a lot of people relying on a major utility grid, like National Grid, face. Randy received his electricity from National Grid and resorted to the prices that the utility company set. This quickly became a problem for Randy, as it has for many others in the area. The average electric bill in Massachusetts is over $160 per month, nearly 40% higher than the national average electric bill. For Randy, the situation was even more pressing. His monthly electric usage was consistently high, driven mainly by the demands of his large home, as well as his electric vehicle (EV) that he bought in April 2019, which quickly jacked up his electric consumption and bill. With rates steadily climbing, his energy expenses continued to increase, leaving him searching for ways to regain control over his utility bills. The strain of paying premium prices for electricity forced him to confront a problem that many Massachusetts residents face: balancing energy needs with the rising cost of power.
Figure 1: Electric Costs From National Grid from 2018 to 2020 (Before Solar)
Randy’s monthly National Grid bill was only increasing as time went on, especially after the addition of his EV in the Spring of 2019.
Then, in the Fall of 2019, there was a major power outage in the Magnolia area of Gloucester that lasted for over a week. Most everyone in Randy’s neighborhood started shopping for generators after the power outage, which led Randy to think about purchasing one as well. However, he realized he couldn’t have a traditional generator because he couldn’t fit another propane tank on his property. This led Randy to considering electric generators and home battery systems.
Randy’s Journey To Solaris:
At first, he was not considering solar panels for his Gloucester home. Randy discovered Solaris Renewables while searching online for ways to reduce his energy bill as well as battery storage options. When he landed on Solaris Renewables’s website (formerly RevoluSun.com/MA), he was immediately drawn to the wealth of information and customer success stories about solar. Motivated to learn more about solar, he reached out to the Solaris (formerly RevoluSun) team and was quickly impressed by our professionalism and deep knowledge of solar energy.
From the first conversation, our team stood out by taking the time to understand Randy’s unique needs. We carefully explained how going solar could align with his energy goals while guaranteeing financial and environmental benefits.
The process began with an initial consultation, during which Randy shared details about his energy usage, household setup, and long-term energy goals. We then followed up with a customized energy assessment, analyzing his electricity consumption and pinpointing ways to maximize efficiency. We then provided a detailed proposal outlining the recommended solar panel type, strong railing system for his coastal home, guaranteed financial savings, and projected return on investment. Our team’s clarity and precision gave Randy the confidence to move forward, and he promptly decided to go solar with us.
Randy’s Energy Goals:
Randy’s goals went beyond simply reducing his electricity bill—he aimed to achieve energy independence and gain control over his power. To align with these goals, Randy set an ambitious target of achieving a 100% energy offset through solar, and home backup with energy storage. With battery storage, his home would remain powered even during the most inclement weather, which was his original goal when he first started his journey. And, by aiming for total energy offset, Randy would stabilize his costs and reduce his carbon footprint. His Tesla EV played a crucial role in motivating his shift to solar, as Randy quickly recognized how charging an EV significantly increases an electric bill. Also, Randy felt good that he could power his vehicle with clean, solar-generated electricity.
This holistic approach to energy management made solar + storage the ideal solution for Randy, addressing both his immediate and long-term energy requirements. By committing to a 100% offset, Randy could ensure that his household and EV were powered sustainably, contributing to a greener future while enjoying significant savings and peace of mind.
The Project:
Our design and engineering team went to Randy’s home to conduct a thorough site inspection, electrical inspection, and roof evaluation. After conducting the evaluation and speaking to Randy about his goals, we finalized on the following optimal system for Randy’s home:
| Solar Panels: | 370-watt all-black Solaria panels |
| Number of Panels: | 30 panels |
| Inverter: | SolarEdge Central Inverter |
| Solar Racking | K2 racking and mounts |
| Solar System Size: | 11.1 kilowatts (kW) |
| Battery Storage: | Tesla Powerwall 2 |
| Number of Batteries: | 2 batteries |
Since Randy’s goal was close to 100% energy offset, our solar design maxed out his roof space with the highest performing solar panels that we offered in 2020. Solaria, now owned by Maxeon, makes a stunningly beautiful solar panel with high wattage, efficiency, and shade tolerance.
For the inverter, otherwise known as the “brain” of the solar system, we decided to go with a SolarEdge central inverter. We pair all of our solar panel systems with SolarEdge central inverters for their efficiency, reliability, and strong warranty. We also pair all of our systems with K2 racking to ensure system durability and longevity. K2 solar racking and railing is hurricane-grade against Nor’easters and strong winds. Being on the Massachusetts coast, integrating K2 racking into Randy’s system was even more imperative.
The Results
Randy paid cash for his medium-sized solar system. Today, Randy enjoys reduced (usually $0) energy costs and peace of mind with reliable power. Randy’s investment in solar panels, paired with Powerwall, has delivered impressive financial benefits over the years. Randy’s solar system consistently produces more electricity than his home and electric car need. See Figure 2 for Randy’s annual solar production versus how much energy he’s been using after solar. You will notice that solar production has consistently outperformed expectations and exceed Randy’s energy consumption. Because of this, Randy typically accrues net metering credits each month.
Figure 2: Annual Solar Production vs. Energy Usage
Beyond the direct cost reductions from solar, Tesla Powerwall has provided an added layer of resilience by storing excess solar energy for use during peak hours or outages.
Over time, the savings and incentives have steadily offset the initial costs of installation, putting Randy on track to achieve a complete return on investment on his cash purchase in just a few years. The financial benefits of this decision extend beyond savings. His property’s value has increased, aligning with the growing demand for greener homes.
“Solaris Renewables has been an outstanding company to work with”
Randy, Gloucester MA
Overall, Randy Isaac’s experience demonstrates the viability and long-term advantages of adopting solar energy with Solaris. By combining immediate financial benefits, enhanced energy independence, and a positive environmental impact, his investment in Solaris solar panels has proven to be a smart and forward-thinking choice.