Utility markets are complex and require significant investment. We strive to simplify complex utility matters in a way that is easy to understand. Please reach us at info@powerfinpartners.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
It costs you nothing. In fact you will receive a credit from your energy provider (utility). A typical residential customer will save about 20-30% on their monthly electricity bill, without paying anything!
There are a couple of benefits to you as a SolarHost. First, you will see a credit on your bill for the electricity that the panels on your roof generate. That means a lower monthly bill for you. In addition, the panels on your roof send a clear message that you are doing the right thing for future generations.
An average homeowner saves about 20-30% on their monthly electricity bill, depending on how much solar energy is generated on their rooftop.
You’ll let PowerFin know that you’re interested in the program by filling out an application online or by calling a designated phone number for your area. The review process occurs on a rolling first-come first-served basis. Once your home is evaluated, PowerFin will contact you to let you know if your home is a good candidate. If it is, the final approval process should take about 3–4 weeks, and then another 5-6 weeks to get the proper permits and to schedule the installation. Once everything is installed and commissioned you’ll start earning credits that will reduce your monthly electricity bill. A typical household will realize an average monthly savings of 20-30%.
SolarHost is, in fact, free to customers. Some solar salespeople have claimed that their equipment is free, but ultimately you will have to pay, either with a loan or money out of your own pocket, to buy the equipment. SolarHost is, in fact free, and is co-branded with your utility (or other existing energy provider) and PowerFin. We have successfully provided this program along with CPS Energy, the municipal utility in San Antonio, and are growing into other communities throughout the country. Get in touch with us if you think SolarHost can help you and your community.
PowerFin owns the solar installation and is paid by the utility, not the customer, for the solar electricity we provide over 20+ years. The solar electricity that PowerFin generates is less expensive than electricity from the grid, and those cost savings are effectively split between participating customers and the utility. When the utility saves money, even non-participating customers should experience some savings.
Yes, rental properties are allowed in the program. The landlord/property owner must submit the application, support the program and understand that the host credit will go to the utility account holder (tenant paying the electricity bill) for the property hosting the system.
With community solar, you have no panels on your roof and you either buy "shares" in a solar farm or you subscribe to the program. Community solar programs differ by utility and geography but they generally appeal to people who can't have or don't want solar on their rooftop.
The SolarHost program is a great fit for all home and business owners since there are no upfront costs. Because it is free, we are able to offer it to all parts of the community. Income, whether low or high, does not matter.
The primary qualifying factor is your roof. Our initial review is done using satellite imagery to assess roof orientation and shading. If the initial criteria look good, then a PowerFin representative will contact you to set up an on-site evaluation. Unlike any other rooftop solar programs, most applicants will qualify because personal income or the amount of electricity they consume do not matter to us.
Powerfin is responsible for all the maintenance and upkeep of the system. You don’t have to lift a finger; PowerFin will take care of everything.
The solar panels will stay on your roof for 20+ years, during which time you or the subsequent tenant paying for power will get a monthly bill credit from the utility. At the end of 20 years, we will remove the equipment and return your roof to its original condition.
If you sell your home or move, the new homeowner or tenant will be enrolled as a solar host and will receive the host credit on their monthly electric bills for the remainder of the program. Because the solar is owned by PowerFin, there are no conflicts with the home's value or mortgage. The new homeowner or tenant simply fills out a one-page form to let the utility know to credit their bills. That's it!
HOAs cannot block homeowners from installing solar panels. In Texas, House Bill 362 and Senate Bill 1626 provide homeowners with the right to have solar panels on their homes without resistance from their HOAs. That said, you still should contact your HOA to let them know you plan to have solar panels installed on your home. SolarHost can provide standard form documents to provide to your HOA.
Once we examine your application, you should expect 3-6 weeks to move through the evaluation process. This depends on when the on-site evaluation can be scheduled. If your home qualifies, the permitting and approval process for the rooftop solar system should take about 5–6 weeks. (8-12 weeks total time).