As rooftop solar prices have come down, Omaha Public Power District has seen increased interest from both residential and business customers who are looking to generate their own electricity.
To put that interest in perspective, in 2019, we had 24 applications from customers to connect new solar panels to our grid. And this year we are on a trajectory toward 1000 applications.
With the increased popularity has come an increasing number of solar companies. Some are using very aggressive, even misleading sales practices.
“OPPD has received several customer complaints about questionable business practices and false claims by solar companies,” Kirk Estee, OPPD’s manager of Customer Alternative Energy Solutions.
Estee strongly suggests customers do their homework before hiring a solar company. The first step should be to visit our website, OPPD.com/COG, to research whether solar is right for your situation. There, you’ll find a quick start guide, answers to frequently asked questions and solar calculator to determine your payback period on an investment in solar.
In addition, you’ll find this list of solar and other customer-owned generation trade allies. These are businesses OPPD has worked with and recommends as trusted sources.
“And always get multiple bids before signing any contracts,” Estee said.
Visit OPPDTheWire.com to read more about the increasing solar generation in our service territory how OPPD works with customers and installers.