Forkner Family
Copperopolis, CA
8.3 kW

"Acro Energy was thorough, dependable and professional, which are very important characteristics to me."

Situation:

Jack and Patricia Forkner have been living in a 2,600 sq.ft. home on 4 acres in a residential community in Copperopolis, California, since 2001.  In addition to using power for typical home needs such as cooling, lighting, appliances, and electronics, they also need power to operate an electrical fence, light the barn for their horse and two donkeys, operate the pump for their swimming pool and heat their hot tub.   In 2008, typical electricity usage at the Forkner home ranged from 1,000 kWh to just under 1,700 kWh.

During the hottest months of the year, the temperatures climb above 100 degrees.  The Forkners depend on their swimming pool and two air conditioning units to cool off.  What Jack and Patricia did not enjoy, however, was paying high prices for the electricity that corresponded with these comforts.  The Forkners were paying as much as $350 per month in 2007 and $300 per month on a Balanced Payment Plan from Pacific Gas & Electric for electricity.

Challenge:

Jack, an accomplished amateur photographer, is a retired U.S. Air Force officer.  He and Patricia were concerned about the rising costs of electricity and wanted to find a way to gain more control over their costs for better planning and budgeting reasons.

Solution:

After one of Jack"s friends installed a solar system for his 70-acre ranch in California with the help of Acro Energy, Jack and Patricia began to seriously consider converting their home site to solar power.

"I was intrigued by solar technology and wanted to investigate our options. My friend said he was satisfied with the high quality of service from Acro Energy.  He told me that Acro Energy was thorough, dependable and professional, which are very important characteristics to me. Acro Energy did what they were supposed to do for my friend. So I didn’t even call another provider for an estimate,” Jack explained.

When Acro Energy's consultant came to survey the Forkner home, Jack was ready with information, utility bills and questions.  He had "done his homework."

"I signed up with Acro Energy the very same day.  I was very impressed," Jack noted.

Capitalizing on rebates and federal tax incentives, the Forkners purchased an 8.28 kW ground-mounted photovoltaic solar system from Acro Energy.  The 36-panel solar system was installed and started producing clean, affordable electricity on January 7, 2009.  Acro Energy assisted the Forkners with all permits and approvals.

"I didn't have to worry about anything.  Going solar was a 'no brainer' for me," Jack commented.

Result:

The Forkners are now producing more energy than they actually use due to the effectiveness of their solar system.  Jack said his monthly bill is $12 per month for meter and transmission charges.

"Our system is sized perfectly for our needs," Jack commented. "I can see how an unscrupulous solar energy consultant might try to get an unknowing customer to buy a bigger system. I couldn't be happier with Acro Energy. Doing business with this company is as good as it gets," Jack said.

He added that his solar system has been operating well, without interruption or any mechanical or electrical issues since its start-up in January 2009.