Custom Solar Installation Designs to Maximize Your Savings- Topps Talk: Episode 4

[00:00] [MUSIC PLAYING]

[00:03] Host: Hello everyone and welcome back to Topps Talk.

[00:07] Host: I’m your host, and today we’re continuing our discussion on personalized design to maximize savings.

[00:12] Host: This is part two of our conversation with David, our lead solar designer.

[00:17] Host: David, thanks for joining us again.

[00:20] David: Happy to be back.

[00:22] Host: So in part one, we talked about the initial assessment process. Let’s pick up from there.

[00:27] Host: Once you have all the data from the site survey, what’s the next step in creating a personalized design?

[00:33] David: The next step is to analyze the customer’s energy usage patterns and determine the optimal system size.

[00:39] David: We look at their historical energy consumption, typically reviewing 12 months of utility bills.

[00:45] David: This helps us understand seasonal variations and design a system that meets their needs year-round.

[00:51] Host: How do you determine the right size for someone’s solar system?

[00:57] David: It’s a balance between several factors. First, we look at how much electricity they use annually.

[01:03] David: Then we consider their available roof space and its orientation to the sun.

[01:09] David: We also factor in their budget and financial goals – whether they want to offset 100% of their usage or a portion of it.

[01:15] David: And finally, we consider any future plans that might affect their energy usage, like adding an electric vehicle.

[01:21] Host: What about panel placement? How do you decide where to put the panels on someone’s roof?

[01:27] David: Panel placement is critical for maximizing production. South-facing roof sections are typically ideal in the northern hemisphere.

[01:33] David: But east and west-facing sections can also work well, especially for customers who use more electricity in the morning or evening.

[01:39] David: We use advanced solar design software that models the sun’s path throughout the year.

[01:45] David: This helps us identify the optimal placement for each panel to maximize annual energy production.

[01:51] Host: Are there aesthetic considerations as well? Some homeowners are concerned about how panels look.

[01:57] David: Absolutely. We always try to balance performance with aesthetics.

[02:03] David: For example, we can design systems that follow the lines of the roof for a more integrated look.

[02:09] David: We also offer all-black panels that many customers prefer for their sleek appearance.

[02:15] David: And we can sometimes adjust panel layouts to be less visible from the street, if that’s important to the homeowner.

[02:21] Host: Let’s talk about equipment selection. How do you choose which panels and inverters to use?

[02:27] David: We select equipment based on the specific needs of each customer and their home.

[02:33] David: For panels, we consider efficiency, warranty, durability, and of course, cost.

[02:39] David: Higher efficiency panels are great for homes with limited roof space, while more budget-friendly options might work for larger roofs.

[02:45] David: For inverters, we look at the roof configuration and shading patterns.

[02:51] David: Microinverters or power optimizers are better for roofs with partial shading or multiple orientations.

[02:57] David: String inverters can be more cost-effective for simple, unshaded roof designs.

[03:03] Host: What about battery storage? How do you determine if that should be part of the design?

[03:09] David: Battery storage is becoming increasingly popular, but it’s not necessary for everyone.

[03:15] David: We recommend batteries for customers who experience frequent power outages or have time-of-use utility rates.

[03:21] David: They’re also great for maximizing self-consumption in areas without favorable net metering policies.

[03:27] David: When designing a system with batteries, we analyze the customer’s critical loads and backup power needs.

[03:33] David: This helps us size the battery system appropriately – not too small to be useful, but not oversized either.

[03:39] Host: Once you’ve created a design, how do you present it to the customer?

[03:45] David: We create a comprehensive proposal that includes 3D renderings of the solar system on their home.

[03:51] David: These visual representations help customers see exactly how the panels will look on their roof.

[03:57] David: We also provide detailed production estimates, showing how much electricity the system will generate monthly and annually.

[04:03] David: And of course, we include financial projections showing their expected savings over time.

[04:09] Host: Do customers ever request changes to the initial design?

[04:15] David: Frequently! In fact, we welcome that feedback because solar is a significant investment, and we want customers to be completely satisfied.

[04:21] David: For example, sometimes they want to adjust panel placement for aesthetic reasons, or alternatively, they may want to increase the system size for more production.

[04:27] David: Fortunately, we can usually accommodate these requests and provide revised designs quickly.

[04:33] David: Ultimately, it’s a collaborative process, and the final design often incorporates several rounds of customer input.

[04:39] Host: What would you say sets Solar Topps’ design approach apart from other companies?

[04:45] David: I believe it’s our attention to detail and our commitment to customization.

[04:51] David: Unlike other companies, we don’t use cookie-cutter designs or one-size-fits-all approaches.

[04:57] David: Instead, every system we design is truly tailored to the specific home and the customer’s unique needs.

[05:03] David: We also pride ourselves on transparency throughout the design process.

[05:09] David: We explain our recommendations clearly and make sure customers understand all aspects of their solar system.

[05:15] Host: Any final thoughts on personalized design to maximize savings?

[05:21] David: I’d just emphasize that proper design is crucial for getting the most value from your solar investment.

[05:27] David: A well-designed system will produce more energy, last longer, and ultimately save you more money.

[05:33] David: It’s worth taking the time to work with experienced designers who understand your specific goals.

[05:39] David: And don’t be afraid to ask questions and provide input during the design process.

[05:45] Host: David, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.

[05:51] David: My pleasure. I hope this helps viewers understand the importance of personalized solar design.

[05:57] Host: And thank you all for watching this episode of Topps Talk.

[06:03] Host: If you’re considering solar for your home, we hope this gives you a better understanding of the design process.

[06:09] Host: Remember, at Solar Topps, we’re committed to creating personalized designs that maximize your savings.

[06:15] Host: Be sure to like and subscribe for more episodes, and we’ll see you next time.

[06:21] [MUSIC PLAYING]

[06:26] [END CREDITS]