Got my 26.24kw 2x 15k Sol-Ark system with a 58kwh Homegrid batteries installed by Solartime this last week. I am typing this email on my PC being run off sun power stored in my batteries. I've used the grid 0% today. The Solartime team was amazing! From Ziggy running the roof crew, Lupe handling all the electrical work, Greg overseeing entire project on the ground, Kathryn keeping the project milestones running on time, and Mike on the setup, it was a near flawless experience. And top that off with Martyna following up at the conclusion to make sure all went as planned. I've dealt with a lot of contractors, and I can say this is not your typical experience. They do so many minor, but really cool things that a normal contractor would not, for example every ladder has a special bracket to keep from damaging your gutters, a lot of extra care was taken to make sure the outcome looked pristine, and everyone working on the job was very respectful and courteous. I looked at 11 different companies, and I echo a lot of what Martyna says in her video. There were several companies that were cheaper than Solartime, but I ruled them out because I felt they were fly by night companies, or in it just for the quick win. One of those was in fact Tesla, and my family drives two Tesla's, and I believe strongly in their products, so it should speak volumes that I still went with Solartime. Keep up the great work Martyna. You have a company that you should be proud of, and a team that is top notch!

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

You know you made me tear up Jeff. I am so glad to be able to work with you. There should be a way to recommend customers too! haha :) Thank you M

Im your biggest fan. And yes absolutely agree. You covered a lot of points. What makes me mad is the ridiculous prices they charge people. Its insane.

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Thank you Will. Yes. The prices you see sometimes it’s funny. The problem is people don’t even know what fair pricing is. 🫣

This is my new favorite video to send to my clients! But nothing beats Lavazza Coffee! Thanks Martyna ❤

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for saying it. I need to get Lavazza next time 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

I for one appreciate the honesty. I tried to go off grid a few years ago and explored solar and a car battery /inverter solution. The most progress I made was we bought a gasoline generator. You're right that there's a lot of deception going on and it's disheartening when people try to take advantage of you. But it's good when you do your homework and can avoid the scams.

@solartimeusa

5 ай бұрын

EXACTLY, and yes at the beginning with less money involved a generator will do the job just fine. and it will NOT break the bank.

I love coffee! I also love my solar setup SolarTime installed! Great having coffee time with you, always very informative and educational.

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Makes my weekend! Coffee all the way! -Martyna

Bigelow Green Tea here in Upstate NY. While I had a Tesla 3, I looked for an installer that was authorized for Powerwalls, and got a quote of $33K for 10KWh, plus $16K for 2 Powerwalls. Then I checked with Tesla and got $33K for 8KWh & 2 Powerwalls. I went with Tesla, and while communications were not so good, I ended up with a system that integrated PV, Batteries, & EV, and was able to sell back 2MWh last year in an area known for lots of clouds.

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Hey Robert, Thank you for your comment! I am so glad you are happy with the results you got. And maybe I went too negative regarding Tesla. As long as you're happy and everything works, you got a great deal. I will have to try the Bigelow Green tea! Ordering some now! Martyna

your voice is so soothing, I can listen you talking through out the day, nice video, have a great day

@solartimeusa

6 ай бұрын

Thank you sir, I appreciate the support!

Each and every point you stressed Martyna were very informative for anyone either buying or selling the solar system, this particular video is worth watching 2-3 times.....Thank you for all your videos.

@solartimeusa

9 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thank you again!!! :)

definitely underrated channel ! awesome job martina, sweet and informative and awesome

@solartimeusa

10 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! I appreciate the comment a ton! Martyna

Good advice from an early adapter, I’ve had my 4K Enphase system since 2011. She hit some really good points. I’ve just discovered her channel, and think she’s doing the solar industry a real service with her videos. Well done!

@solartimeusa

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so so very much for the kind words. I truly appreciate it sir, and so excited you have had your system for over 12 years now!

Pay attention to what's happening in CA. CPUC is allowing the utilities to raise night time rates in such a way that it greatly devalues grid-tied solar (w/out batteries). So many of my customers are reporting that they now have a large year-end "true-up". That's, hands down, issue No 1 for me. 2nd issue is mfgs leaning on installers to go troubleshoot and fix their products as though we're being paid as their very own field R&D. I was talking with my wife last night telling her how I feel like all i do is fix things that are not working... constantly. If you're thinking about getting into solar understand that flipping the switch is not the end of the project... it's just where you stop getting paid.

You hit every key point, I've been dealing with since I've started my Solar company.

@solartimeusa

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much. I hope we can all do better :) \Martyna

Can you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PPA and solar leases vs outright purchase? It seems for us that a 25-year non-escalating monthly price that is somewhat lower than our current utility bill is a very good idea. We're retired, and the escalating costs of electricity are a real concern (we also have two EV's right now, so we're paying a lot!). Additionally, we are promised full warranty coverage on the entire system including guaranteed production, since the solar company (SunPower, Sunrun, Palmetto among others) owns the equipment and promises to replace anything that breaks and/or give us a rebate if the system under-performs- so we don't have to worry about different equipment warranties or exclusions. I know that in the long run, it will be more expensive, but covering monthly expenses seems more important than 25-year operating costs. PPA leases seem to get a bad rap, but I can't understand why. What are we missing? And if the company does go out of business, and our system fails, are we still somehow obligated to pay for power that we are not receiving? I'd love a balanced explanation. Love your videos that I've watched so far!

Super! :) trzymam kciuki za kolejne filmy!

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Dziękuje Szymon ♥️♥️♥️

How does one determine proper support, before committing to a particular company? Support being proper training and knowledge of installing things in the right order, to include programming of batteries, microunverters, etc... Every state might be slightly different, but seems companies in California have different guidelines for distance from breaker box to combiner and then to batteries, when working around setbacks for entry ways where one can't install batteries and in my case plan to mount batteries on the exterior of my garage wall... Love your input and what you bring to those seeking solar education🙏

@solartimeusa

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for leaving a comment sir. ANd you know what just came to my mind. I feel like calling a city, and asking who has a good history and track record with properly passing solar city inspections. Maybe thats an idea? I am not sure what procedures are in Cali, but in Texas before we install a job, wqe have to obtain a city permit and then have it inspected by both utility and city inspectors. I would ask for references as well. and I would ask lots of questions, to weed out if they are actual customers. If you need help choosing let me know via email. info@solartimeusa.com I will be back at work on Tuesday and could help you research the companies you are interviewing. Martyna

Great video - congrats Martyna!

@solartimeusa

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I appreciate the comment :)!

hi no see long time, is there any exbitation or any meeting in solar systems in Dallas ?

1st I'm a Tea man, but I really respect the fact that most people prefer coffee, 2nd in my country solar installation, parts, and contracts are totally a different story, however we have those issues of miss calculating or wrong installation or even bad or no support, they lie to the customer with big hopes and little money then starts to take more money to fix or expand, or the customer stays in the dark thinks that solar sucks and he can't do anything about it. That's why I started working with solar, to get people what they need of energy not to get what they have of money. Actually it's hard in here as we have many many people turning from other professions to solar with knowing the ABCs of it, and that's what makes me Angry 😢

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Thank you for commenting and letting me know. Hey I just ordered some tea to try too! Let me know what your favorite is! As far as your experience, I am so glad that you yourself got into it to help this industry, we really need more honest people that truly believe in Solar. The need of energy not the need of money - I love your words there.... Martyna

Love coffee, but it dose need to be hot. 😂😂😂 I’ve had Solar in California and now looking to get Solar in New Braunfels, TX. My first system was about 8KW that I bought in 2007 when the companies would apply for and take the rebate off of the total system price. Now I’m finding out, here in TX, that to get the best panels is way too expensive and for most companies, they can’t even get them, or they promise something they can’t get. I’ve been through three companies with empty promises. Now, I’m getting a system with less expensive panels and a top notch inverter and battery backup system. Just waiting on the electric company to approve the system. That’s anther subject for another time. You are so fun to watch love. All my best to you. 🥰🥰🥰

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for letting me know. AND YES! Coffee has to be hot! I even have a little cup warmer in my office as I am a slow drinker haha. I am so happy for your new system! Lets hope utility company approves it soon. I like to say: HAPPY PRODUCING! :) Martyna

@RMC-7211

11 ай бұрын

@@solartimeusa You, a cup warmer is great or a really great thermos if you're on the road. Yes, it looks like I'll be getting approval this week for my Solar system. It's going to be 12 kw of Solar panels and 10.3 kw of backup battery power. I'm sure it will meet our needs. It's only two of us in a 2440 sq foot home with central AC and one electric car.

Business is not charity ….I like that. You are so true

@solartimeusa

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Good afternoon Solar goddess Martyna. I have a Solar Edge system. Is there an app that can will allow me to monitor each individual panel for my system? Thanks!

@solartimeusa

7 ай бұрын

YES! What year was your system installed? Email me at info@solartimeusa.com and I will try to help you. Lets get the monitoring up!

Great channel

@solartimeusa

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so so much for saying that. I appreciate the comment a ton! :)

Great video, thanks for sharing. I am about to put together a 19.2 kW solar energy system and was wondering how much power is lost by going with a fixed ground mount system as opposed to a tilting mount system. My installer, a highly reputable installer recommends that I go with a fixed system due to the fact that I live right on a salt water bay here in South Texas In order to avoid maintenance issues that a tilt mount system may incur I will go with his recommendation but I still wonder how much I will lose.

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

I 100% agree with your installer. Less maintenance means you can even spend that extra money on just a few more panels to get the same output but without the need for maintanace. :) Good luck and thank you so much for commenting. In Texas: 1 kW facing Perfect South 180* 10 Degree tilt - 1440-1500 kWh per 1 kW 15 degree tilt - 1470-1530 kWh per 1 kW 20 degree tilt -1490-1540 kWh per 1 kW 25 degree tilt - 1510-1560 kWh per kW ( All depends on what panels though) ! I would not too go high though, the higher the tilt, the deeper the legs in the ground to make sure its structurally sound. I would say 15-20 * and you should be just fine :)!!! Martyna

@STxFisherman

11 ай бұрын

@@solartimeusaWe are talking about a 20 degree tilt and I hope an open lot next to my house that faces South so that should work out fine. I bought 400W Aptos bifacial panels. They seem to be a good match for this area. Thanks again for sharing, your input and your professionalism. You represent Solar energy installers in a very good way. Congrats and continue on as you are.

💚💚💚

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Hello Martyna, you are very correct! And I like your philosophy. I have been thinking a lot about a "minimum" solar system (to help people get their feet wet)... something that doesn't require a lot batteries. My thoughts were a 220 volts solar inverter that only hooks up to the A/C and Heat system, minimal battery, just enough to get an extra hour out of the solar. Importantly it would need to be designed so when solar was active, it powered the A/C or heat and when it was dark or too cloudy, residential would be used instead (automatically). Have you ever designed such a system? What are your thoughts about it overall?

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

I think starting small is a very good idea, but i also think making it LEAST complicated is also important. I would say its much easier to expand string or central inverters and hybrid ( like sol ark) than enphase micro. The reason I say that is because enphase has new products coming out almost every year and not all new microinverters are compatible with old ones.... I would say start with a small solar system either without or with a battery. If you start without battery its fine too. There is a lot of AC coupled batteries you can add to the system in the future. Or start with a hybrid inverter and just stackable batteries too. Let me know if this helps. I do not suggest hooking the solar to just ac. I say have it backfeed the whole house. Doesn't matter if it will go towards microwave or HVAC. IT will help anyway and wont be too complicated. Martyna

@marcfruchtman9473

11 ай бұрын

@@solartimeusa Thanks!

Circle k got th best coffee ( imhrso) u are such an intelligent icon truly outstanding information

100% agree on the deceitful - "free-solar-the-govt-will-pay-for-it" adds... they're TOTAL garbage.

@solartimeusa

3 ай бұрын

I know...... how do we stop them?!

coffee is my choice

@solartimeusa

9 ай бұрын

Cheers!

Many insurance companies such as Frontline will drop a customer with net metering. Others limit to tier 1. Most solar sales people don’t want to admit this. Solar companies need to support non net metered installations but they can’t or won’t. Only Generac will even discuss this option since they have been supporting home backup without net metering with their gas powered generators for years so doing so with solar panels and a backup battery is just a natural extension of their gas generator model.

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

You are so right. Getting the biggest system doesn't always make sense. For the utilities that don't offer a good net metering the system should be sized smaller or accompanied with a good battery to charge it, and use it in the evening and avoid any power being send back to the grid. 100% agree with you.

@ 2 : 00 solar without storage is incomplete-Mr Donald Sadaway MIT

@sparkysho-ze7nm

6 ай бұрын

@ 6 : 40 imo cold coffee is bettern no coffee…

@sparkysho-ze7nm

6 ай бұрын

@ 10 : 26 2 days before I went to Little Rock AR TO SEE GUNS AN FN ROSES I created a 5013c solar farm for charaties in 2017

@sparkysho-ze7nm

6 ай бұрын

Would love to hear more about what you love instead of hate … Acutely predicted solar is th future because you can charge electric vehicles from solar ( remnants of Gods first spoken words)

@sparkysho-ze7nm

6 ай бұрын

9 mw solar farm supplying a ADJACENT pedestrian friendly renewable retirement charatible community of Patients parents at ST JUDE , HABITAT FOR HUMANITY , an HOUSE OFGRACE above a TERRA TUNNEL POWER PLANT ALL WILL ALWAYS BE 501c3

I love coffee and I love my solar unit on my garage 😍 but I think Solar is Freedom just went out of business and I did research on them and the KZread videos were good and reviews but they are gone I feel and I have a enphase system and hopefully they will honor the warranty 😮😮

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Hey! As long as the system works, you still have manufacturer's warranty on all the equipment so if you have ever any issues, reach out to them to recommend a good installer to service the system if needed. :) I hope your system will work with no issues and thank you for commenting. Cheers to COFFEE :) Martyna

Just discovered your channel, but how about this call “cup of sunshine with Martyna “! It’s a vague callback to solar without reusing that overused word, and covers all cup lovers, even no-coffee/tea people like me

@solartimeusa

3 ай бұрын

HAHA I LOVE THAT! Thank you!!! I hope you stayed as a subscriber? :)

Marty a, I really enjoy your KZread videos,but I am interested in the Silfab panel & am not able to find a local contractor in the Albuquerque area. Please help

@kerrie8486

11 ай бұрын

I can’t find any in Virginia

@solartimeusa

11 ай бұрын

Hmmm what you could do is try to reach out to silfab and ask them who installs their panel in your area. They are not very hard to find... I know Krannich sells them as a distributor. So you could also reach out to Krannich to find an installer that buys those panels from them. Martyna

A good video but sorry for your coffee got cold

@solartimeusa

9 ай бұрын

Thanks, I keep a cup warmer on my work desk, that keeps it warm haha, need to get one for the studio too! :D Marrtyna

Coffee drinker here.

@solartimeusa

6 ай бұрын

High five! :) Thanks for sharing!

Hi Martyna. Do you want to expand into New Braunfels? I was in the car rental business for 35 years, The sales side of it, and was wondering if you wanted a representative in this area for sales and service? If so, let me know. Have a great day. And as always, it's such a pleasure to see you. 🥰

Get at me girl I wanna install on roofs both new an old IN MISSISSIPPI. tho….. wanna be supplier?

First off,, WHY don't you have a solar coffee warmer?? As for your thoughts and opinions, we share some and disagree on some things.. YOU are in a RED state, I am unfortunately in a icky blue state. YOU are in the business of selling and installing, I am developing ways to reduce or eliminate what needs to be purchased. My criteria is ZERO government involvement.. No permits, no inspections, no licensing needed, NO turning my property into a solar field that benefits the local power company at MY EXPENSE.. and 100% legal.. C-10 only..