These days you could practically call her an ambassador for solar, but the decision to invest in solar energy wasn’t always in Laura Cox’s plans. In late 2018 she and her husband, Joe attended a “bad buildings” seminar and heard a presentation from Solar Holler. It got their attention. 

They liked the idea of being less reliant on the utility company and the financing and tax credit made them realize that going solar was much more within reach than they’d realized. They had some concerns about the amount of sunlight on their roof but it was a free solar analysis so they figured they didn’t have anything to lose! 

Laura and Joe live right next to a large hill and with a naked eye, it wasn’t initially obvious that their roof would be an ideal fit. It all came down to our sunlight modeling, shade analysis and their usage needs. 

To determine the sun exposure of a home, we first use satellite imagery to assess the size, orientation and roof layout. We then run it through our advanced simulation software which uses the coordinates for your home and overlays the hourly position of the sun with zip code specific weather data. This allows us to develop an incredibly accurate projection of what the system will produce in the decades to come. We then complete an in-depth analysis of an electric bill so we can determine your usage needs. 

Prior to going solar, Laura and Joe had electric bills as high as $200 some months. After analyzing their roof and utility bill, our designers calculated that we could offset all of their usage with 38 panels. “The system works exactly as you designed it, and time has proven you right. We haven’t paid more than a monthly statement fee to the utility company ever since. We love it, we absolutely love it.” Laura said. 

 “The system works exactly as you designed it, and time has proven you right. We haven’t paid more than a monthly statement fee to the utility company ever since. We love it, we absolutely love it.”

Laura and Joe were also very impressed with our low interest financing options. When they realized we could make it so their financing payment was the same as what they had been paying for their electric bill each month, it was clear that going solar was a smarter investment than continuing to send money to the utility company. “The financing really sealed the deal for me. When I realized I was basically trading my electric bill for my solar payment, I was sold.” 

“When I realized I was basically trading my electric bill for my solar payment, I was sold.” 

The Solar Tax Credit made a difference for them too. They were able to apply the tax credit over two years, which conveniently aligned with a new business venture for Laura, “I recently started my own business and being able to apply the tax credit really helped ease that burden.” 

Another consideration that factored into their decision was the increased value solar adds to their home. “We don’t have any immediate plans to put our house on the market, but we definitely appreciate the added value that a solar installation brings.” 

After almost two years of directly experiencing the benefits herself,  Laura is now on a mission to help nearby cities and municipalities go solar. She regularly touts the benefits to local town leaders and explains how it could help cut overhead costs and free up funds for other projects. 

When their system first went up, it caused quite a stir in their neighborhood. Joe has reported having folks follow him home from work just to ask questions about it!  We’re thrilled to have Laura and Joe in the Solar Holler Sun Miners Club.