Home Solar Success Story in San Jose, CA

Lynette and Joe were so excited about what SunRun had to offer that they encouraged all their neighbors to go solar as part of the Downtown San Jose Solar Project.

When San Jose, CA residents Lynette and Joe got involved with the Downtown San Jose Solar Project, they wanted to do something with environmental benefit without spending a fortune. "It's like you have to spend all your savings just to get solar," Lynette says, "it's very expensive usually."

By getting home solar with SunRun, Joe and Lynette learned they could help the environment and their savings account at the same time. With SunRun Power Plan, they could spend a lot less upfront for their home solar system, save money on electricity every month, and help the environment all at the same time.

For Lynnette and Joe, SunRun’s home solar system cost $30,000 less upfront than they would have paid to purchase a home solar system themselves. Then, paying around $90 a month for the home solar power their system produces, plus a few dollars to PG&E in San Jose, Lynnette and Joe have cut their overall electricity costs in half.

Because SunRun takes care of Joe and Lynnette's home solar system maintenance, they don’t have to spend any time on their home’s solar maintenance either whether that's replacing parts, cleaning the solar panels, or hassling with insurance claims if there's ever a problem. This means they can save more of their money for an electric car powered by solar, a great companion to their home solar system.

Joe and Lynnette were so excited about home solar and SunRun, they encouraged all their downtown San Jose neighbors to go solar as part of the Downtown San Jose Solar Project. They kept track of the San Jose's "solar progress" by posting a milestone sign on their home for all to see. There's no doubt that Joe and Lynnette played a big part in making the downtown San Jose Solar project a success.

san jose ca solar
"The numbers seem impossible. With SunRun we could pay a lot less upfront for solar - it's magic. That means we can save our money and buy an electric vehicle when the finally come out."
Lynette & Joe, San Jose, CA
Solar Production and Weather
What's the best weather to produce the most solar electricity?

The best weather for making the most solar power is a sunny but cool day.

What happens in rain and fog?

It doesn't have to be sunny for your solar panels to produce electricity because it's the UV rays that do the trick. In fog or on a cloudy day, your solar system will produce 25%-30% of what it normally would. 

What happens when it snows?

Immediately after a snow storm, when your solar panels are covered, they won't produce power. But because snow more easily slides off solar panels and they are installed where there's the most sun and the snow will melt first, your solar panels will be exposed again relatively quickly causing them to produce electricity again.  Also, the reflection off the white snow may even increase how much power your system produces. 

What happens to solar panels in hail?

Most solar panels are guaranteed to withstand 3/4 inch hail balls at 120 miles per hour.  With a SunRun solar plan, you are covered with solar insurance and SunRun manages all maintenance and repairs.  

What happens if lightning strikes a solar panel?

Almost all solar panels are designed to withstand lightning. With a SunRun solar plan, you are covered with solar insurance, and SunRun is responsible for all maintenance and repair.