A small West Virginia solar company with an active R&D shop, global energy expertise, deep industry connections, energy policy previews and cutting-edge tech training?
It sounds unlikely, but that’s what’s going on behind the scenes at mtvSolar.
Now, more than ever, our grasp of the changing tides of energy is rising to the top of our offerings to customers. We’re studying how an under-pressure grid is likely to impact electric rates and power availability, and what that means for customers today, 5 and 10 years from now. Your energy partner should be thinking ahead, and we are.
You’re wondering what home energy management of the future is going to look like. You need to plan your next addition or build-out with energy costs in mind. You’re curious how your home and EV can work together to offset rising electricity costs. These are conversations our consultants have every day – not just when a contract is being signed.
“Because of our knowledge of energy services offerings, from the traditional grid to emerging commercial and residential delivery systems, we have insight as to what’s coming in the energy sector,” shared Casey Feezle, mtvSolar’s Business Development Manager. “We share that so you can position yourself for the future – both short and long-term.”
That’s how mtvSolar has always done business.
What are some of those insights we’re sharing with those with an interest in renewable energy?
Mike Studholme, Sales Manager, says one of the top tips is for homeowners to pursue their own energy independence now.
“The power companies are not prioritizing residential service. You should,” he said.
The electrical grid is aging and has growing demands. Power customers may start seeing new kinds of charges on their bills – “time of use” charges that set a higher price for kilowatts used during high-demand periods, for example. Those fees and rate hikes are one way that electrical utilities remain solvent as the overall cost of power rises, from generation to delivery.
Battery systems are an increasingly popular add-on with solar. Batteries allow homeowners to store their own power, protecting against outages and offsetting high-demand power draws. They’re also essential to an energy budget that works for YOU.
“It’s an easy way to own your own power, control your costs and avoid being impacted by shortages or extra charges,” said Studholme. Not only that, there are new incentives on the horizon for homeowners that have battery energy storage. Power companies are recognizing them as a tool in the grid to manage the flow of energy demand, all the way down to your personal meter.
Another recommendation is for customers to “start small” with solar and energy storage if money is an obstacle. For example, a homeowner may dream of going “net zero” with solar panels – generating enough electricity to offset all of their power needs. But maybe that’s an investment you can’t make all at once.
Studholme said installing some solar – even if it’s less than what you want ultimately – has multiple benefits. For one, it gets your system “grandfathered in” to existing net metering rules. Those rules will be changing in several states, reducing what a homeowner will get for each solar kilowatt they sell back to power companies. By installing solar now, property owners lock in today’s net metering rates for the future.
Most solar generation systems have SolarEdge inverters that allow a homeowner to add panels without having to add another inverter expense, meaning you can build out your system economically, step by step.
Despite the loss of residential tax credits for solar, PV panels will still deliver a return on investment – via reduced electric bills, increased home value and less reliance on traditional grid power.
These are just some of the recommendations we’re sharing with folks who are weighing the leap into solar and home energy storage, and deciding how best to position themselves for tomorrow.
“Even if you’re not in a position to buy solar now, we can help you analyze your energy costs and demands, your options to reduce energy draw today and steps toward your ultimate energy goals, even if they’re further out on the horizon,” said Casey Feezle.
To start a conversation about your energy goals today, learn more here: Free Estimate – Mountain View Solar