Drew’s Top Tips for Going Solar

Paid partnership with Sunrun.

When it comes to home updates, you probably imagine a kitchen renovation or getting new furniture for your bedroom. But some of the best improvements are those you can’t even see.

“When people are thinking of renovating their home, they focus on the visual things,” Drew says. “What I focus on is the function for your family and the sexy components.”

So, what are those components, you might ask? “Out of all the things you could do to your home, all the upgrades you could bring in, I think switching to clean, efficient energy is the most important,” Drew says.

That’s why Drew and Linda recently installed a whole-home Sunrun solar energy system with battery backup. For Drew, the reasons were clear: He wanted to save money, have protection against power outages, and, of course, switch to clean energy.

“I am genuinely excited about embracing clean energy at home. It’s healthier for my family, it’s healthier for the planet, it’s healthier for all of us,” he says.

But switching to solar doesn’t happen overnight! If you’ve been considering making the change, or are curious about where to start, Drew is sharing a few solar tips to make the journey easier.

Have a Reliable Partner

Just like with any major construction project, you want to work with a trustworthy and transparent company that can help you feel confident and answer your questions. Sunrun, for example, is there every step of the way, starting with taking the time to create a system that’s unique to you, ensuring all your wants and needs are met. They also offer support for everything from financing to the industry’s most comprehensive repair, maintenance, and monitoring program. When it comes to solar, you don’t just need a team for the install—you want a partner who will be there in the future, as well.  

“To have a proper solar system installed, it’s a longer process. It’s not just a couple days of install,” Drew says. “You need to have a consultant come out and design the system. You need a technician to come out to make sure your house has everything it needs to be solar-ready. There are several steps along the way, but the right partner makes sure that’s a seamless process.”

Drew rested easy knowing Sunrun would handle all the above and more, such as applying for permits and securing the proper approvals or documents. That way, Drew could focus on other things… like chasing around Parker and Piper!

Design Your Dream System

As Drew mentioned, there are a lot of factors that go into understanding if your house is right for solar. How much shade does it get throughout the day? How old is the home? Is the angle of the roof ideal?

Sunrun’s consultants will help you navigate all those questions and discuss (and sometimes even cover) the costs, but there are a few tasks you can do to prepare, too. For example, you’ll want to look into how much power you currently use throughout the year to help determine how many panels you need. You’ll also want to think about long-term plans.

“Your energy goals might not be the same now as they are in the future,” Drew says. “For example, Linda and I now have two kids, so there are four people living in our house.” He suggests discussing those topics with your solar partner, as well, to ensure they’re accounted for in your design.

Don’t Skip Battery Backup

Incorporating battery storage is more important than ever. Not only can it help you avoid paying peak rates during peak hours, but it can also protect from power outages from extreme weather events, damage to grid equipment, and more. 

“There are two types of power outages: blackouts, which are unscheduled, and brownouts, which are scheduled,” Drew says. “Not only are the solar panels and battery backup protecting me because I’ll no longer have those power outages, but on top of that, it’s protecting the rest of the city because it’s taking demand off the grid.”

Another bonus to battery storage? Some utility companies will even pay you to share your battery power with them during high-demand times. Which means you could even potentially earn money back! Depending on where you live, you could also join exclusive power plant programs that earn you rewards when you share the excess energy stored in your battery.

“I’ve been waiting for years to have a working solar system,” Drew says. “I know I’m protected today and if there’s ever an issue down the road.”

If you want to hear more about Drew’s experience and solar tips, visit Sunrun.