Avila Family
Modesto, CA
4.5 kW

“All roads led to Acro Energy,” Mike commented. He added that Acro Energy’s references were very positive, and all of his interactions with every Acro Energy employee had been pleasant and memorable.

Situation:

Mike Avila, 30, and his wife, Rashell, 26, of Modesto, Calif., have established an admirable goal for themselves and their growing family: by 2014, they want to assume responsibility for producing 90 percent of the power they need for their primary residence and cars with the help of solar energy.  Mike and Rashell own two homes and two hybrid vehicles. They have been living in their Modesto house since July 2008 and leasing their other home in Turlock about 15 miles away.  Their Modesto residence occupies 2,691 sq. ft. and is situated in a subdivision.

The Avilas wanted to find an effective way to address the continuous rise in gasoline and electricity costs and do their part to reduce carbon emissions that cause poor air quality and respiratory issues.  In 2008 and in early 2009, their electricity bills with the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) averaged between $150 and $175 per month. Their highest bill for electricity was over $300.  Also, as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District, Mike said that he sees firsthand the negative health implications of air pollution and particulate matter when he and his team respond to calls for help for victims of asthma and other serious respiratory illnesses.

With two children under the age of 4 at home and another baby expected in April 2010, the Avilas wanted to stabilize and predict their power-related expenses as much as possible.

Challenge:

Mike began researching options and costs related to installing a solar system when he and Rashell were living in their home in Turlock more than four years ago.  Of the residential solar system providers that he researched, Mike felt that something was missing: either they were too far away or they lacked  knowledge, experience or attention to customer service. Furthermore, because Mike and Rashell were looking into buying another home, they decided to hold off on installing a solar system.

Solution:

Mike and Rashell Avila chose Acro Energy to install a 4.5 kW roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system.  The project was completed on March 16, 2009.  Mike and Rashell took advantage of rebates and federal tax incentives to purchase their solar system with a zero percent financing arrangement.

“All roads led to Acro Energy,” Mike commented. He added that Acro Energy’s references were very positive, Acro Energy had offices and personnel based in Oakdale only about 10 miles from the Avila home, and all of his interactions with every Acro Energy employee had been pleasant and memorable.

Mike explained that he was especially inclined to work with Acro Energy because he felt the Acro Energy sales consultant had built a relationship with him and Rashell years before they actually purchased a solar system.  Mike felt that the sales consultant demonstrated his knowledge of the solar energy business and offered suggestions without pressuring him to make a buying decision.
Once the Avila’s were ready to move forward with installing a solar system, Acro Energy’s installation team evaluated the types of trusses that were used to support the roof of the Avilas’ Modesto home and assisted the Avilas in fortifying them to support the weight of the solar panels.  Acro Energy personnel also secured all required permits and approvals for the Avilas.  The entire process took only 45 days.

Result:

In the eight months since Mike and Rashell's solar system was installed, the family has used 6,031 kW of power. Mike noted that the electric meter routinely is at 0.  And even though the MID is raising rates for electricity, the Avilas are not affected because of the output of their solar system.

"I am now known as the solar guy among my friends and neighbors," Mike said. He and Rashell have not received any complaints from neighbors, especially since the panels are located on the rear-facing roof.

"Realtors have told us that having the solar system adds value to our home," Mike commented.  "At some point in the future, we’d like to upgrade our system to power our water heater and our furnace. By 2014, we estimate that about 90 percent of all of our power we consume will be generated by our solar system.  By 2011, we would like to have one car powered by electricity produced from our solar system and by 2014, we’d like to have both of our cars powered by electricity produced from our system."