Switch Services and Systems

Unlike most solar specialists, Switch offers complete energy-efficiency services – which means we sometimes talk people out of buying solar or wind power!

Why?

When someone says “I want solar because I want to help save the environment,” we can offer options that will help reach that goal for less money. And maybe save enough money to eventually put on a solar or wind system, too.

Energy Efficiency

is the usually the best way to start saving energy and cutting your carbon footprint, and a home energy audit is the best way to determine what improvements your house needs and how much energy and money each will save. Many improvements are inexpensive and can be performed by the average homeowner.

• Cost of a home energy audit: $300 to $500, depending on the size of your house.
• Cost of improvements: from under a hundred dollars to five figures for expensive projects, such as window or HVAC system replacement.
• Government incentives pay for part of many home improvements.
• ROI (return-on-investment) is often quoted as $1.30 for every $1.00 invested.
• Every $1 cut from electrical consumption save $5 or more in solar electricity generation costs

Read more.

A Solar Hot Water

(thermal) system is a less expensive way to harness the sun’s energy than a solar electric system – and it also has a faster pay-back period. These systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat water for your home.

In this area, an average family spends about $650 a year to heat hot water, so there are savings to be had. If your house has radiant heat, a hot tub, or a heated swimming pool, a solar heating system can deliver dramatic savings.

• Government incentives pay for between 30 and 60% of a solar hot water system.
• ROI (return-on-investment) is in the double-digits -- often 20%+.

Learn how this kind of hot water system works.

A Solar Electricity

(photovoltaic) system converts sunlight into electricity. One reason Chris Graves (an economist) started Switch is that he believed solar electricity finally made economic sense as well as environmental sense.

• Government incentives pay for between 30 and 65% of a solar electricity system.
• ROI (return on investment) is typically in the double-digits, and often the high double-digits.

Take a look at our standardized systems.

Learn how this kind of solar power system works.

FAQs about Solar Electricity

• How do I figure out what size system I want?
• What should I ask a prospective contractor?
• What should I look for in a well-designed system?
• How can I compare different proposals?

Wind-generated electric

systems convert wind into energy. In this region, wind systems are most effective along coastlines and ridgelines. Switch can assess whether wind power will be effective for you.

• Government incentives pay for at least 30% of the cost of a wind-powered electric system.
• ROI (return on investment) ranges from 5% to 20%
• Wind systems pay for themselves in 5 to 9 years (businesses), 6 to 12 years (farms), and 8 to 20 years (residences).

Learn how this kind of wind power system works.