Idaho Falls Power says research before switching to solar energy
You may be thinking of making the switch to solar power, but Idaho Falls Power has a warning.
“We really encourage people that before they commit to any solar contract or purchase that they do their homework, they do some due diligence,” says Tony Allen, Energy Specialist with Idaho Falls Power.
If you use solar panels with Idaho Falls power they install a meter.
“If you’ve got some solar panels on your roof and you leave for the day and their producing power all day from the sun, that power is going to come back on the grid we’re going to record that measurement and when you come home in the evening and now you’re then using power coming off the grid we’re going to compensate you for that and net that power out on a monthly basis.”
But Idaho Falls Power is worried that customers won’t understand the billing rates and think because they have solar, that they will either make or save a ton of money.
“They get it installed, they don’t understand how the net metering works and how they get compensated back from us the power that they generate and they end up disappointed with something that they’re paying very long term on. So that’s the big thing, we want to make sure people are educated and that they’re doing the installations for the right reasons and they’re accomplishing the goals that they want to accomplish.”
Allen says one red flag is companies attempting to market a lesser product that might leave you unhappy in the end.
“We’ve got a lot of people going door-to-door right now selling solar panels. We do not recommend or endorse any particular company, we’re happy to work with anyone who is licensed, insured and bonded.”
Bottom line, use caution and do your research.
“I highly encourage people to come and talk to us before they’ve made any type of financial commitments to see what those financial paybacks are.”
Idaho Falls Power says if you want more information on how the rates work, you can talk to their Energy Specialist at 208-612-8430.
