Posted by Stephen Torres on Mon, Feb 28, 2011 @ 10:37 AM
Stephen Torres & Karen Irey discuss the first step to going solar... understanding your electricity costs.
Posted by Stephen Torres on Wed, Feb 16, 2011 @ 01:51 PM
We are very excited to receive word today that NextEnergy is the newest SunPower Elite dealer. This represents a major achievement by everyone here at NextEnergy and recognizes our dedicated workers as being among the best in the business. We also want to thank all of our happy customers who have helped us along the way. We wouldn't be here without all of them!
Thanks Everyone,
The NextEnergy Team
Here is the email we received from SunPower!
Dear Next Energy, I am happy to inform you that you have successfully met all the requirements for inclusion in the Elite Tier of SunPower's Dealer Program! This now places you in a very exclusive category within the SunPower Network of Dealers. I was hoping to have this confirmation by the time I visited you on Monday, but wanted to let you know the minute it became official!! Congratulations!!! I want to personally thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and commitment. Your new status is effective immediately, meaning you can now begin promoting your company as a SunPower Elite Dealer.Congratulations on becoming one of the most successful dealers of the planet's most powerful solar panels. We're excited to welcome you to our exclusive Elite Tier and hope that you continue helping us set new standards in excellence. David SaittaWestern ASMSunPower Corporation
Posted by Stephen Torres on Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 01:37 PM
With such intense competition in the Solar Industry, we want to show consumers how they can gain the upper hand.
By Jeff Johnson
Electric Bills are rising and you are now poised to research solar energy for your home. A not so simple search on the web leaves you confused and overwhelmed, uncovering over 70 installers within a 50 mile radius? The last thing any homeowner wants is a bunch of solar companies tromping around on their roof. Now what?
A little up front due diligence will empower you and reduce the impact of traffic on your roof. Leveraging technology allows you to avoid high pressure sales tactics and gives you control over your solar purchasing process. The key… screening companies before you have them come to your home.
Screening: Utilize phone and/or web-meetings to get pertinent information and gather the facts about each installer. This will help you decide which companies you will want to have out to give you an actual proposal and which ones you don’t. You want to avoid meeting one on one with companies desiring to schedule site surveys, but then show up and try and pressure you to purchase.
Web Meetings will save you time and allow you to maintain control and weed out companies that neither have the industry experience nor the expertise. There are many companies out there now days that simply try and sell a job the bid out the project after the project has been sold, so be leery.
Solar Companies with solid industry track records are equipped to assess your site remotely and give you a competitive estimate for 90% of the homes they install. Keep in mind that there are specifics about each installation that cannot be seen remotely (electrical service panels, conduit bends, etc), but an experienced solar professional will go over all of that with you during the actual site visit after you have screened which companies to talk to.
What to Ask: You will need to filter the solar companies to establish your trust and confidence with them before meeting with anyone from their firm.
Mandatory Screening Questions-
1- How long has your firm been installing PV solar? (solar companies must warranty the system for 10 years, newer companies may not be around long enough to service your system when you need it)
2- Do you subcontract any of your work? (if they do, good luck when you need service as they play the “it’s the subcontractor’s fault” and you wait for service)
3- Exactly how many residential installation have you done in my area? (this will tell you how experienced their crews are, if they know your micro-climate, and if they have worked with your building department jurisdiction)
4- How many dedicated service people do you have? (you will be glad you asked this question if you ever happen to need service in the future)
You will also want to check the BBB, the California State Licensing Board to make sure they are current, and their company website. If a company meets or exceeds your expected answers for the above mentioned criteria, then you can confidently have them give you a proposal. This can all be done at your convenience in the comfort of your home without the intrusion of numerous face to face meetings.
If you have any questions or would like further information on this process, feel free to ask one of our solar folks at NextEnergy.
Jeff Johnson is a Solar Energy Consultant at NextEnerge. He can be reached by contacting our office on the contact us page.
Posted by Stephen Torres on Mon, Jan 10, 2011 @ 04:07 PM
Last week we had an amazing guest at our team meeting, Tony La Russa. It’s not very often when you’re in the presence of baseball royalty, and it’s even less often when royalty is so humble, gracious, and informative. Mr. La Russa shared with our solar consultant staff insights about team building, execution, and personal motivation.
Everyone in the room could see why the teams Tony has managed have been so successful. La Russ’s genuine sincerity and deep caring for team members were highlighted through personal stories of managing game situations (and the biggest names in baseball) during stressful times and chaotic situations. “Respect, Trust, and Caring” were echoed throughout the message, and everyone walked away in awe as Tony shared his tips about “Physical, Mental, and Fundamental” mastery leading to peak performance.
The session winded down with Tony talking about the amazing people at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation. The passion of ARF workers and volunteers is constantly on display and lives it their motto of “People Rescuing Animals… Animals Rescuing People.” For more information, or to adopt a pet, visit Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek.
Posted by Stephen Torres on Mon, Jan 03, 2011 @ 08:30 AM
Happy New Year and welcome to the new NextEnergy solar blog. We hope to provide our readers a bevy of information about the solar energy business, installing solar panels, and any other fun stuff we can think of. You will also get a glimpse of our unique culture and the crazy cast of characters that make our company tick!
Cheers to a wonderful New Year!