A second chance at solar

Subhajit Bhattacherjee has gone solar before. It was 2011 when he saw an ad on Facebook that prompted him to switch. “I knew nothing about solar other than the fact that it sounded like a good idea,” he admitted. With its abundant sunshine, living in Arizona made the decision feel relatively safe. 

At first, Subhajit was happy with his solar panel system. But like many early solar companies, his installer eventually went out of business. Another company took over his lease, and the problems started.

The issues persisted even after moving to a different house and passing the solar lease to the new homeowner. “The new company ended up being a really bad steward,” Subhajit reflected. Despite no longer holding the lease, he continued to be charged for the system. It wasn’t until he personally went to the bank that the payments finally stopped.

Over a decade later, with a clearer understanding of what not to do, Subhajit was ready to explore his solar options again. This time, he wouldn’t be an easy sell.

“Based on my past experience, trust was hard to come by. EnergySage helped me develop trust in the vendors.”

As a Tesla EV owner, Subhajit started his solar journey there. However, he was disappointed by the lack of technical expertise from the company’s representatives and found himself back to square one. A quick Google search led him to EnergySage.

EnergySage’s comprehensive resources, online marketplace, and impartial Energy Advisors empower homeowners like Subhajit to explore their options confidently, shop for sustainable energy solutions, and easily evaluate installation offers.

After providing some basic information about his property on EnergySage, Subhajit quickly connected with his personal Energy Advisor. Unlike solar salespeople, EnergySage Energy Advisors work solely for the customer. These energy experts, available free of charge, help answer questions, clarify rebates and incentives, and offer tailored assistance. Whether through multiple phone calls or simple email exchanges, Energy Advisors adapt to each customer's needs.

For Subhajit, a video call with his advisor proved to be the most helpful:

“If EnergySage, and specifically my Energy Advisor, weren’t available, this process would not have been very fast.  I think it would’ve taken me at least two to four times the amount of time that it took to find the right vendor.”

Confident in EnergySage’s vetting process, Subhajit received six quotes from local solar installers. With the help of his Energy Advisor and EnergySage’s side-by-side comparisons, he narrowed his options down to three. He ultimately selected Solar TOPPS to install his 24.3-kilowatt system in October 2023.

• System size: 24.3 kW

• Solar panels: REC Group 410 watt

• Inverter: Enphase IQ8A

What won Subhajit over was Solar TOPPS’ willingness to push back when they believed his requests weren't in his best interest. Their expertise and professional discernment showcased their trustworthiness. Still, Subhajit credits EnergySage for enabling him to trust his installer.

“Would I have trusted that vendor without EnergySage? No. EnergySage helped me place my trust in the vendors.”

For homeowners like Subhajit, a resource like EnergySage empowers them to take control of their energy future, ensuring that solar is not just a leap of faith but a well-researched decision that pays off in more ways than one.

Subhajit’s sophomore solar system now provides him with monthly savings ranging from $120 to $600, along with the added benefit of a reduced carbon footprint. "Thanks to EnergySage, I was an informed buyer this time around," he said, reflecting on the lessons learned from his first solar experience.

With the support of EnergySage, he could compare options, avoid pitfalls, and ultimately secure a system that aligned with his needs and values. Now, his solar journey represents financial savings, peace of mind, and confidence in his decision.