Solar

We met with a solar company today and all my questions were answered satisfactorily - so we are moving forward on having solar installed.  With PG&E requesting (another) rate increase and moving to a 'time of use' rate model, I am open to 'getting off the grid' as soon as possible.

We are choosing the lease option - locking in our lease rate at a fixed amount which is about $120 per month less than our current average electric bill.  Once the system is up and running, we won't pay PG&E for electricity.  We just make the flat lease payment and save each month.  That savings will increase over time as PG&E rates increase and our rate doesn't.  We don't have to come up with any up front money.  Buying the system outright is $50K and then we are responsible for maintenance and equipment replacement.  With a lease, we make a phone call and they come out and repair or replace as needed.  We're asking for references of other homes that have installed with this company in our area and they are providing info.   I'm pretty excited because I can't stand PG&E and am looking forward to getting off their rate structure as soon as possible.  I was hesitant to put more $ into the house but with no out of pocket costs, it's a great deal!

The A/C is cranking today 'cuz it's very hot here - and we are running the pool filter longer because the pool has been shocked within an inch of it's life and needs to keep circulating.  [It is looking a lot better thankfully, 'cuz if it didn't, we would be firing our pool guy].  I think he's been skimping on chemicals and time and hence the algae bloom that we've spent tons of time and effort trying to abate.  Snorkels and masks litter the house 'cuz J. and B. have both headed underwater lately to scrub-a-dub-dub....something we shouldn't have to do with a full service pool guy.  So he saved his job and we can enjoy a sparkling clean pool again!  I hope.

I feel mildly productive so far....worked around the house this morning and went in to work for a couple hours after the solar guy.  Take-out Chinese for dinner and I'm working on cleaning out the refrigerator shelf by shelf.  Slowly.

J. has been madly culling things on his side of the study desks/counters.  Recycling is filling up pretty darn quickly with an assortment of old boxes, etc. .  I'm also cleaning away....

Next week is the last 'quiet' week before the school site staff returns.  Hard to believe another year is here already....