This October, our team went to visit homeowner Carlos in the Bronx, to talk about his experience getting solar panels with Mpower Solar. 

We wanted to know why he decided to go solar, why he chose Mpower Solar as his installer, and what the process was like for him. We were also curious to hear how much he’d saved on his Con Edison bill since his system was activated. 

Read on to learn more about Carlos’s solar journey. This interview between Carlos and our social media manager, Karen Bailey, has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Can you please introduce yourself with your name, your neighborhood, and how long you have lived here? 

My name is Carlos. I live in the Bronx. I’ve been here for 30 odd years, and it's a very comfortable neighborhood—perfect for a family. 

What made you interested in getting solar panels? 

Well, I am not a “first” buyer in everything. I have to do research. You know, the benefits that you get from it. I asked questions with people who have already had solar panels before me, and they explained that it's 150% much better than before. So I decided to get myself solar installed—so far it’s working good. I've seen a big result. 

So you are a person that doesn't just “go” for the purchase. You want to think about your purchases. You want to plan.

Well, because yes, it's not everything that glitters is good. So you have to do your research and make up your own mind—what is good for you or what is best for you. And as I said, I have no regrets. 

And now that we know that you're a person that likes to do research, that likes to plan your purchases, can you please tell me what made you choose Mpower Solar? 

Well, I have observed some of the homes that have solar panels [from other companies] and in my opinion, some of them are not properly installed. But then I heard about this company, Mpower Solar. A friend of mine, he had his [Mpower Solar panels] before me. So I observe and I come to the conclusion that this is the best one so far. So as I said, I have no regrets.  

So the Mpower Solar installation team, when they came here to your house, what was your experience? 

The people who I've spoken with—they are very good at explaining things to me and that is what makes me happy about it as well. They were very nice. 

Did you have to do anything in particular to prepare for installation day?

No. So when [the solar advisor asked], did I know what condition my roof was in? I said, it's in excellent condition because I do not wait until it is broken. I fix and I maintain. And so when they came, they saw that my roof was in perfect condition for this purpose.

And when they came in here to install your panels, what was the day like? 

Oh, it was really cool. The sun was out bright and the weather was good. And it was very fast.

And how do you feel about the quality of the panels and their performance?

Some people complain they're not interested in putting up solar panels because the roof starts to leak shortly after. But upon my observation, the material that they have used on my roof—and on other roofs that I observed with this company—it is totally impossible for the roof to leak. They use the best material.

So now what has been the best thing about having solar energy in your home? 

It saves a lot in my pocket. For example last year, in winter, every six weeks [I paid] $600-$700 for heat. But from the solar I've installed on my house, I see we have made a big change. So for this coming winter, I think I can sleep much better financially. 

Can you share what your Con Edison bill looks like now, with solar?

Now that I have solar, it's very low. Very, very low. 

Any words of wisdom for anyone who is considering going solar? 

In the winter, [seniors] have a lot of stress because financially you are being charged very high amounts for heating and electricity. So with the solar panels, they will save a lot.

Thank you so much, Carlos. Is there anything else that you would like to tell me about your experience with solar?

So far I have no regrets in having this solar panel installed on my house because I get a lot of benefits from it. And I can enjoy my solar panels—they make my home a very warm and welcome place. I chose Mpower Solar because it's one of the best, if not the best so far when it comes down to installing their products. 

I'm very happy to know that you're happy with your panels. Thank you for your time, Carlos.