Get Solar Without Getting BurnedSM

FAQs

Find answers to common questions and other knerdy insights below.

How do the Knerds do it?
  • Commitment to you. We work for you and you alone.
  • State-of-the-art software. We utilize excellent solar design software so we know what can and will work for you before it goes out to bid.
  • Proprietary techniques. We utilize algorithms of our own design to better calculate estimates of your current and future energy needs.
  • Data gathering. Customers that choose to can be part of our database program. We are using that data to further refine and improve our algorithms.
How do the Knerds help me?

There are several steps to how we can help. We’ll lay it out here and in more detail on our Services page.

  • We sit down with you in a virtual meeting (no pesky salesman with his foot in the door!) and discuss what you are looking for in a solar-powered grid-tied system. This initial consult is completely free and if you don’t have access to Zoom or another platform we can do this over the phone.
  • At the initial consult, if you decide to move ahead we’ll ask for copies of your electric bills or some data from them. A year or two is enough. More data is better though, so if you have it in digital format we’ll crunch the numbers on what you’ve got.
  • You’ll be asked to fill out a questionnaire to get a better idea of how you use your energy and what could change in the future. We may ask for a few pictures of your electrical box and the outside of your house/property.
  • After some heavy Knerding, we will review our initial findings with you and make any adjustments needed in the numbers after consulting you further.
  • With that data, we will build a computer model and make sure it is generally feasible. NOTE: Final feasibility results will be done by the solar installer(s) to determine placement/engineering requirements.
  • We will review our Solar Report together with you to determine if you want to move forward with putting your requirements out to bid.
  • We can place your requirements out for bid to several different solar installers and isolate you from direct contact until you are ready to narrow the field.
  • With you, we review the information in each bid. The best bids are selected as finalists and those companies can contact you directly.
  • Final bids come in, which we can review with you to help you pick a winning bid.
  • A site survey by the winning bidder (usually for a fee if you do not wish to sign a contract yet) is scheduled.
  • The final proposal is reviewed and any final negotiations are made by you before contract signing.
  • If all is good with you then you can sign the contract with the installer. If not, then you can decline and we can start over with other companies, or recall a previous bidder for consideration.
What can the Knerds do for me?
  • We use a multi-step process and custom algorithms to help you determine an accurate prediction of your FUTURE electrical usage. 
  • We perform an assessment of your site using cutting-edge software before the bidders start bidding.
  • If you DO go with a larger system to meet your future needs there can be issues with getting that approved by the utilities and effectively using that additional power in the near term. We have a plan that can help you do that.
  • Finally, we can acquire a number of bids for you from multiple vendors and keep your personal information protected until you are ready to start negotiating with select vendors.
  • We can, if you wish, stay with you throughout the negotiation and installation.  We want to make sure you are pleased with the outcome!
Who are these Knerds?
  • The Knerds are kind and kindred folk who have pulled themselves away from their computer screens and collectibles to help the less knowledgeable go solar.  They have the skills and experience to help you select a quality solar installation, or to choose NOT to go solar if that is in your decision. 
  • We don’t sell solar systems or have agreements with any installers that will cloud our judgment.  
  • If an installer or any other third party does offer us a finders fee, kickback, or any other incentive we will inform you of that and split the incentive with you if that is the company that you choose to install your solar.  Honesty IS our policy.  We work for you.
  • Our Chief Knerd Officer (CKO) – really that’s what he’s called (OK, Chief Knerd Zero behind his back) is the inspiration behind our company.  He’s a certified Project Management Professional with experience in the construction trades, real estate, technical training, and development.  His personal experience going solar revealed how difficult it can be for the average consumer to get a system they deserve.
Why do I need a Knerd?
  • Going solar is a difficult process. There are different technologies and system types to consider. That can be hard for an uninitiated consumer to discern.
  • Sales tactics used by solar installers can be tricky and understanding what your current energy needs are and what you will use in the future is very important. Having an advisor for this can help you get a system that better suits your needs and expectations.
  • Pricing of solar installations can be all over the map and the highest-priced bids don’t always have the best technology available. Knowing what constitutes a fair bid for a system that meets your needs is something for which you should have assistance.
  • Getting solar is a 20-year purchase. It should be the right one for you.
Why do the Knerds want to help me?
  • Through our own experiences going solar, we found how difficult it can be to get accurate bids on solar and how much information companies ask for that you might not wish to give to just anyone. They can also do a poor job asking some critical questions upfront on your energy usage – increasing the likelihood you will get too little energy production or pay above market price for a solar system.
  • When we were shopping solar we got bids all over the map for systems that might serve our needs but were way too expensive for what you got.  From systems that used outdated tech, but still charged a premium – to underpowered solar systems that wouldn’t supply enough power and were still overpriced.
  • We can save you time.  We can save you effort.  We can save you money on a robust solar system that meets your needs at a fair price.  You need a Knerd.

Talk to us

Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your home, new projects, solar opportunities and how we can help.