Living Green
Sacramento Realtor Follows Up With Eagle Shield
August 10th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Real Estate Tips
Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau brought results from 
Eagle Shield. The CEO and supervisor contacted me within 24 hours of filling a formal complaint.
Eagle Shield sent their specialist to my home and she may have found the culprit as to why my SMUD bill has been going higher that ever before.
This is worth reading just in case you’e thermostat is set incorrectly and costing you needless money.
Last week, Dee Dee who is Eagle Shield’s Energy Consultant arrived at my home after several complaints from me about how the Eagle Shield product installed in my attic was not working since my SMUD bills were climbing higher than ever before.
Dee Dee performed a 15 point check, with an infrared instument in each room, door and window and found that the score for my home was very high. The next step was to check to see if the installation was done properly in the attic.
Once, in the attic Dee Dee noticed a fan running and it wasn’t my attic fans. When she returned downstairs Dee Dee showed me the thermostat was all the way over on the “on” position which meant that the fan was running 24/7. This could be the culprit and the reason for the high SMUD bills I have been receiving.
I had an A/C company service my air conditioner, the controls were changed to “ON.” Your A/C needs to be kept on “Auto” rather than “On.” I am hopeful that this was the problem and the August SMUD bill will reflect the change.
Make sure you check your thermostat for the “auto” position.
I am hopeful this will make a difference in my SMUD bill next month and I’ll let you know. I really believed in Eagle Shield’s reflective insulation and hopefully it will prove to have been worth the cost.
Eagle Shield is a young company with a patent on this Nasa product, reflective insulation to help insulate homes and reduce energy costs. They have been very apologetic regarding their lack of customer service and I am told, will improve in that regard. Hopefully, they won’t have too many customers like me that say their product doesn’t work when in fact they have the fan on the thermostat running all the time.
I will let you know what my bill looks like next month since this month it continued even higher…hopefully Dee Dee solved the problem. I sincerely hope the Eagle Shield product works and it was simply my thermostat switch that caused the outrageous bills I received.
Remember, SMUD rates are going up in September so you need to think of ways to reduce your energy use. Here are just a few tips on how to reduce your SMUD bill:
- Clean the coils under your refrigerator
- Turn your thermostat up 2 degrees & it will save 24 kilowatt hrs/month
- Program thermostat when you are not in the house to come on when you return
- Make sure thermostat is on “AUTO” and NOT “On”
- Lower hot water thermostat 10 degrees but no lower than 120 degrees
- Weather strip doors
- Exchange light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs
- Turn off computers at night
- Seal off any cracks or holes around windows and exterior walls
- For those on raised foundations, be sure to have insulation behind switch plates
- Plant trees to give your house shade in the summer months
- Add more insulation in attic
- Put in Dual Pane Windows
Check out what SMUD says the home of the future should have.
“SMUD’s Home of the Future is expected to export about 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and reduce electric and gas use by more than 80 percent. Its energy-saving features include:
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Resource efficient framing with blown-in cellulose insulation and two layers of Icynene foam insulation on the outside of the wall;
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Spectrally selective glass windows with specially coated glazing to reduce radiant heat gain and loss;
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A 3.85 kilowatt solar energy system with battery back-up;
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Solar-assisted hot water and space heating with an advanced boiler;
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State-of-the-art water cooled evaporative air conditioning;
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Fluorescent and advanced LED fixtures that last 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy than standard lighting;
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Water-efficient landscaping and irrigation system with on-site weather station for optimum water management;
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Patios enclosed by recycled glass; and
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Low VOC paints, cabinets and flooring for better indoor air quality.”
Then, take a SMUD test of your home and see what your current estimated cost is on your bill. Or take a look at other ways to reduce and save energy from SMUD
These are just a few suggestions to help since all of us will be paying a lot more on our SMUD bills and in these lean times we need to find as many ways as possible to reduce costs.
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.If you have a real estate question that you would like an answer to by Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® specializing in helping home buyers and home sellers be sure to check out 
and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice
Other Eagle Shield Articles:
This Sacramento Realtor Was Wrong
How to Be GREEN and Increase the Value of Your Home
| Discussion: Comments »
This Sacramento Realtor Was Wrong
July 29th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Real Estate News
Back in April, I wrote an article, How To Be GREEN and Increase the Value of Your Home where I also provided videos of a company that I was excited about after watching them locally on Sacramento TV Channel 13, Good Morning Sacramento.
The Eagle Shield company, I thought provided an excellent resource for being “green” and at the same time per their advertisement the cost of my SMUD bill would be significantly reduced with their product. It was to be a win, win…
I promised that I would let you know how I felt about the product and how much it reduced my SMUD bill.
First let me say, Eagle Shield was “Johnny on the spot” and very convincing that not only would my energy bill be reduced but that the life of the A/C and Heater would be greatly increased due to not having to work as much.
The bad news is that my SMUD bill was significantly higher this year than last year at this same time. And unfortunately, that’s before any rate hike by SMUD.
But, worse than that I found the company, Eagle Shield to be non-responsive to complaints. After many calls for several weeks, a salesman came out to check the work and of course was not authorized nor did he have any idea why the bill was higher.
For weeks I have been told the manager Kim at Eagle Shield would call but to this date she has not.
Did I mention that no one ever did the 15-Point Energy Audit that they advertise? Eagle Shield not a company that stands behind their product nor do they follow through with what they advertise.
Since Eagle Shield’s product runs between $3,000-$4,000 and obviously has not worked for me, I can not recommend it. Don’t waste your money.
I would strongly advise homeowners consider more insulation rather than this Eagle Shield product called reflective insulation that they over promise and under deliver as well as very poor customer service. I have been extremely disappointed in the product and the company, Eagle Shield.
In the next few years we will be bombarded with companies on the “GREEN” wagon and I suggest that you tread very lightly before jumping on any of their wagons. Not everything advertised as “Green” is “Green.”
Hope this helps save someone else from falling into the Eagle Shield trap. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to help other homeowners who may be considering Eagle Shield.
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
.If you have a real estate question that you would like an answer to by Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® specializing in helping home buyers and home sellers be sure to check out and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice
| Discussion: Comments »
Are You Planning A Remodel in YOUR Bathroom?
July 6th, 2009 categories: Living Green, Remodel
Sacramento, CA
Couldn’t resist bringing this to all of you. If you would like something that few have, this may be just what you are looking for.
Are you thinking of remodeling your bathroom?
Are you thinking GREEN?
Tied of hearing the toilet flush?
This is one of the hot bathroom trends for 2009.
Want to save water on your water bill?
Are you looking for a toilet that is higher or lower?
The Europeans have had wall toilets since the 60’s and have found them to be quite functional.
I bet your first thought is that there won’t be enough water to flush things down but from what Ive been reading, the water comes after the fact which helps get thing down and keeps the bowl clean. Unlike the system we are all use to the uses water first.
The height can be adjusted from 15″ to 19″ and is great when planning a children’s bathroom.
Did I hear you say, “ it will fall off the wall?” Apparently, it can hold up to 880 lbs. and more. It t saves room and is great along with the silent flushing.
No wax seal to deal with and cleaning underneath is a breeze. I found a distributor in our area if you are interested click on Saniflo.
This is the latest in bathroom design…stay tuned for more remodel trends. Have any thoughts on this one? Would you install a wall toilet in your home?
Be sure to check out the 8 Hottest Trends in BAth Design for 2009 from the Decorating Diva. I love the Hansa Colour Shower, how about you? Are you a chromatherapy fan?
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
. and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked Gena Riede, Sacramento Realtor ® and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate Voice | Discussion: Comments »
How to Be GREEN and Increase the Value of Your Home
April 22nd, 2009 categories: Living Green
April 22nd is the official designated day to inspire awareness of our appreciation of the environment as Earth Day. I thought I would share with you something I decided to do as a homeowner to save energy and at the same time get 30% of the energy-efficient cost as a tax credit next year up to $1500.
Not bad while also anticipating a reduction in my SMUD and PG & E costs. Now, let me share with you what I did…but first take a look at the difference in what most of us have as insulation in our attic and the result from installing radiant shield barrier.
Here is another test of all the heat coming in through my sky light. Heat coming in means my air conditioner works harder = $ going right out the sky light.
I’ll save you from looking at how heat is coming in through each one of my ceiling fans, as well but trust me…it is. The next video is what I am having put into my attic, reflective technology shield. If it’s what this video says it is, I think I am doing my part to help use less energy while cutting down on my energy bills, getting a tax credit and being more comfortable in my own home.
What are you doing to be “green?”
Can you think of something you could do to increase the value of your home and be green at the same time? It’s nice when you can be “green,” save money and make money all at the same time.
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
. and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked and feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email. Perhaps, your question will be part of the next article featured on Sacramento REAL Estate | Discussion: Comments »
GREEN and CLEAN
April 11th, 2008 categories: Living Green, Sacramento
Being Green use to mean that you were a tree hugger but now, its in to be green. California leads the country in our sustainable green efforts.
This month is Earth Day/Month and many of the Sacramento neighborhoods will be celebrating by helping to educate all of us on what it means to be GREEN.
Many of our homes have been built with the green concept and more are coming. Home buyers today are willing to pay extra for an energy efficient house since they understand the ultimate savings.
If you as a seller, are having difficulty selling your house, you might want to make a few improvements that would have a direct cost reduction to energy bills and let all home buyers know what your utility bills actually are.
Here are just a few small things you, as a seller can do to help make your home green:
- Fix those plumbing leaks and save on the water bill
- weather strip and/or caulk windows that are leaking cold/hot air into the house.
- Install a programmable thermostat which will save $150/year
- If you have an older home, install low flow shower heads and toilets-newer homes 2000 on up already have these installed.
- Buy energy star appliances
Midtown Sacramento is the place to be on April 12th, Green on the Grid is sponsoring the 1st time Art Walk in Midtown.
As many already know, Midtown is a great place to live with everything you need at your finger tips from restaurants to art its all right there within walking distance.
If you would like to know more about Midtown, feel free to view a few of the videos and articles written as well as homes for sale in Midtown Sacramento, CA and even some green homes.
The entire month is devoted to bringing attention to what each of us can do to help Mother Earth be a little bit greener and cleaner.
Citys and communities all over Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County and Yolo Countywill be stepping up to do their part for Earth Day.
Rocklin, CA in Placer County has 144 LEED certified homes that save 65% on their monthly utility bills which results in $1,400 savings per year. These 3-5 bedroom homes range from 2,168 to 2.755 sq. ft. One of the features of these homes is Sun Tile photovoltaic roof tiles that provide supplemental electricity. This can reduce electrical bills by as much as 70%. This is part of a master-planned community. Take a look at one of the models currently for sale and give me call if you would like to see it.
April 19, 2008 at 8:30 Celebrate Earth Day in Discovery Park on Garden Hwy in Sacramento with the California Earth Day Run and Walk. Be sure to bring a lunch and help with the river clean-up.
The City and County of Sacramento encourages businesses to re-think how they do business by reducing their impact on the environment. From conserving energy, water and waste as well as recycling.
Elk Grove, Ca is just one of the Citys who is sponsoring Creek clean up events on April 19, 2008 at seven creek sites. Be sure to click Elk Grove Creek Clean-upfor details and bring your appetite for a BBQ lunch sponsored by Elk Grove Lions Club.
Elk Grove, Ca is just a few minutes away from Downtown Sacramento and has a variety of newer neighborhoods with an old town feel. Check out Elk Grove, CA and the variety of homes for sale in Elk Grove, CA for all 3 zip codes. Also, check out how Elk Grove, CA celebrated Earth Day last year and pick up some additional Green tips .
Here are a 7 ways for you to get started Being Green and CLEAN & Save $:
- Shop Close to Home “ this helps your local businesses and cuts down on fuel
- Donate to local charity organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army
- Install low flow shower heads and take shorter showers to save energy and money
- Filter your water instead of using bottled water which adds and produces container waste
- Set heat lower in the winter, and a few degrees higher in the summer and save at the same time
- Wash clothes in cold water and dry on clothesline when possible
- Clean dryer lint filter after each load“(leading cause of home fires)
- Walk, bike and ride public transit to reduce emissions and save fuel costs
Click for more ways to help by being GREEN and Clean and Living Sustainable Lifestyles.
If you would like to start a community garden take a look at some of the established Community Gardens in Sacramento, the Environmental Organizations, where the Farmers Markets are located, Sacramento Recycling Centers, Sacramento Green Business to Shop and more Sustainable Living businesses and events.
Help celebrate Earth Day by adding just one thing that will help sustain our earth.
Click if you would like to know what makes a home green, Green Remoding Guidelines,
Other Related Articles:
How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?
Happy California Cows Make Electricity
Everyday Is Earth Day in Elk Grove, CA
photo above by artist: Dana Gray
| Discussion: Comments »
Downtown Sacramento Homes for Sale Going Green
March 10th, 2008 categories: Downtown, Living Green, Real Estate, Sacramento
For the eco friendly home buyer that is energy conscientious both in an eco friendly home or condo as well as within walking, biking, and desiring city transportation I have just the answer for you.
Bet you thought I was writing about something on St. Patricks Day a bit early!
Downtown Sacramento is definitely building right. Yes, there is solar power. But theres more geo thermo heat and cooling where the earths ground water system heats and cools the house. Non toxic products and eco friendly resources have been used as materials in these homes.
Where is all this splendor you ask? Can you believe its just 6 blocks from our Sacramento Capital, Downtown.
Its true that there are beautiful historic homes surrounding this new project however, the architect, Bob Chase has brought eco friendly together with historic architecture and melded them beautifully.
Contemporary lofts, Craftsman bungalows, cozy cottages, Victorian homes are all splattered together with the feel of Midtown living in Downtown Sacramento
There are 9 contemporary eco friendly homes for sale with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths ranging from 1300 square feet to 1500 square feet with a price tag ranging from $490K to $550K. This is not for the weak of heart. This is for the serious home buyer that wants an eco friendly home within walking distance of Downtown Sacramento, the Capital, restaurants, cafes, art, museums, culture and more.
This weekend everyone was bustling around with excitement over such responsible building for the discerning Sacramento home buyer who wants to live Downtown. Its not cheap but typically nothing with real value is.
Do you think its time to build more eco friendly? Would you be willing to pay for materials that are better for our environment and for you?
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe to get the latest articles sent to your email.
If you have a Real Estate question, check out and read what other home buyers and home sellers have asked.
Feel free to ask your Real Estate question by email.
Want to see homes for sale in Sacramento? Check out the Sacramento MLS (the IDX form of the MLS and is free for home buyers).
Other Sacramento Neighborhood Articles:
Take A Spin Around Sacramento California
Midtown Living in Downtown Sacramento
Land Park Home of the BEST Neighborhood Park!
Land Park, An Outstanding Neighborhood in Sacramento (Part 1 of 2 series)
River Park, A Secret Neighborhood in Sacramento
Affordable Neighborhood in Sacramento
Curtis Park Homes in Sacramento
Curtis Park Neighborhood in Sacramento
Carmichael CA Hot New Neighborhoods
Elk Grove Caters to the Family
Natomas Living in Sacramento County
Rancho Murieta California is A Secret
What Are The Great Neighborhoods?
Wilton California Country Living At Its Best
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Paper or Plastic?
January 26th, 2008 categories: Fun Things, Living Green, Sacramento
Paper or Plastic, Sacramento?That will be the 15 cents, please if you chose plastic.
Our Legislators will be working on passing a bill to charge 15 cents for each plastic bag that your groceries are bagged in.
The reason is that damage is being caused to our ocean by these bags as well as the generational time that it takes for the plastic to break down at the dump.
The E-Friendly thing to do is use a cloth bags. Im sure youve seen them, they are sold at the grocery stores. And if you start now and buy one each time you go to the store, you will soon have a collection of healthy e-friendly cloth bags.
San Francisco has already banned plastic bags all together. So wont you at least give paper a try? Its important to start lets not be stubborn. Each person can and will make a difference. We owe it to our children and our grandchildren as well as the creatures in the ocean.
Heres a little hint I learned awhile back:
One thing that is rather cheap to do and Im sure that you have plenty of at your house
Take an old T-shirt, cut the arms off and sew up the bottom. This now makes an excellent way to carry your groceries using the arm slots as handles. If you dont sew, take a bunch of T-shirts to the cleaners and ask them to sew the bottoms.
If you like what you read here on Sacramento Real Estate Voice simply click and subscribe
Other Green Articles:
How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?
| Discussion: Comments »
How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?
May 22nd, 2007 categories: Homes For Sale, Living Green, Real Estate, Real Estate Tips, Seller
California is heading the pact when it comes to moving forward with our environment.
Assembly Member, Lloyd E. Levine has introduced a bill to wipe out the old incandescent bulbs and make way for the compact fluorescent light bulb.
California will be the first State to ban the common light bulb.
The old light bulbs are the same as they were 125 years ago and conduct more heat than they do light. And cost the user much more in electric bills along with using our supply of energy and landfill of these wasted bulbs.
Levine’s legislation bill AB 722, replacing the old light bulbs with the new more efficient fluorescent light bulb will reduce the CO2 emissions by 1.82 million metric tons per year. Give support to this legislation.
This bill, if passed will eliminate the hog of light bulb electricity use by the year 2012. This bill has passed out of the Assembly Committee and now heads for the Appropriations Committee.
If that’s not enough to get you to change your light bulbs…
Replacing a 75 watt regular incandescent light with a 20 watt fluorescent bulb as shown above, would prevent 1,300 pounds of carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere by electric plants. Carbon dioxide is a major component of the gases that most experts say is responsible for global warming.
You will save $55 over the life of a single bulb. Now, that ought to grab your attention! Start replacing your old bulbs, today and save tomorrow.
Governor Schwarzenegger of California heads the pact for energy conservation. Be sure to check “GREEN CALIFORNIA” for the latest in what is Green for California.
Another bill Levine is currently working on is the Pet Act which would require most pet owners with a dog or cat over four months old to have their pets spayed or neutered.
Last year, Levine authored legislation to require large supermarkets to recycle plastic bags and Governor Schwarzenegger signed the bill.
Levine is on the side of the environment and needs support to help protect ourselves from ourselves. Won’t you take the time to help, as well?
Now you ask…how does a light bulb apply to Real Estate?
One of the things I provide at an Open House, as a Realtor is a presentation notebook of the home with pictures before a remodel and after, school information, neighborhood information and electric and gas bills…now wouldn’t that be a positive for a future home buyer to see low electric bills?
Think about that…Listing Agents, this is a call to you to legislate to your Sellers…replace all regular light bulbs with new energy efficient fluorescent bulbs and provide a comparison of electric bills to show a future Home Buyer how they too, can save on their electric bill.
Are you ready to commit? Are you Green? Are you a Californian?
Related California Green Articles:
Happy California Cows Make Electricity
Everyday Is Earth Day in Elk Grove, CA
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Everyday is Earth Day in Elk Grove, CA
April 23rd, 2007 categories: Elk Grove, Living Green
We are celebrating Earth Day, and we need to celebrate Earth Day everyday. This will help each of us and each of our children and their children. The children in Elk Grove Unified School District have been learning about recycling for several years. It not such a hard thing to do. Start small just like you did when you were younger and add something new to your vocabulary of good earth things to do each month.
Many of the homes in Elk Grove have dual pane windows to cut down on the electric use of the air conditioning and heating. If your home doesn’t have dual pane windows or they have lost their seal, you may want to replace them. This will not only help with your energy bills but it will help sell your house to a prospective home buyer. Fix those leaky faucets and check with the local nursery to find out how much most of us over water our lawns. You will be surprised. What is even better is that your water bill will go down. Check below for some additional ways you can become Earth-friendly.
Many of the Cities/Communities in Sacramento have made it a simple process to recycle. We each have green recycle trash containers that can be utilized. Some cities like Elk Grove, have stations where they ask that you drop off contaminated items instead of putting them in your regular trash can. Its worth checking out the website and finding the location for your contaminated waste. Our drains, fish and streams will appreciate it and so will the Earth.
If you wonder is it important to recycle? Take a tour of your local dump and see what you threw away. It isnt really away, its right in our own backyard. We all need to do our part to reduce what is at the dump.
*When you are at the grocery store and they ask you, paper or plastic which is the correct answer? Answer will appear at the bottom of this article.
Elk Grove, CA here are just a few things you can do toward taking responsibility in your family to help Mother Earth:
- Use Cold water to wash your clothes
- Change at least 1 light bulb each month to an energy light bulb
- When you buy aluminum foil, see if it is 100% recyclable
- When buying packaged items, buy the one with the least amount of packaging
- Recycle newspaper, do you know how many trees are downed for just a stack of newspaper?
- Rinse out cans and glass to recycle
- Ride your Bike, leave the car for Bike Month in Elk Grove
- Sign up for Commuter Club and reduce emissions of cars
- Save gas by using the Elk Grove E-tan
- Learn what is and is not acceptable to recycle
- Learn what and where to recycle waste that does NOT belong in your Green recycle trash can
- Know what to do with used old oil?
- Only run the dishwasher when it is full
- Use the smart strip for your T.V. and computers. Turn off when not in use by switching the off at the smart switch
- Un-plug coffee maker, toaster, mixers, juicers when not in use
- Use non-toxic cleaning supplies
- Dont throw old batteries and cell phones in the trash, here is what you do with them.
Believe it or not some of these items listed above will actually save you money on your electric bill if you implement them. What are you waiting for?
Here are a few more Recycling tips from the City of Elk Grove, CA. Can you think of some easy quick things you can do to help recycle in your family?
A National website has been established to help each State and zip code find where and what they can do to help in this effort to save our planet. We each need to take responsibility and start to improve our understanding of what we can do to help.
Related Articles:
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Elk Grove Red Hat Ladies in Sacramento
* Answer: Neither one. You should be bringing your own left over bags and/or a canvas bag for your groceries.
| Discussion: 6 Comments »
California is GREEN
March 17th, 2007 categories: Living Green
Remember Kermit the Frog when he sang, Its not easy being Green?
Im here to say, that it is easy (we can all do our part) California is leading the way in revolutionizing our planet and going GREEN.
Today, in the Sacramento Bee, the headline reads, Lennar plans 1,254 more solar homes by Jim Wasserman.
Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a voluntary goal of 1 million new solar rooftops within a decade and set aside more than $2 billion to lower solar installation costs.
Not only is solar energy considered clean power, but it cuts the cost of the homeowners utility bills by at least half. In the video provided by Lennar Builders, a homeowner shared their utility bill before and after solar was installed. How about cutting your costs from $297 to $3?
Be sure to continue reading, there is a surprise at the end.
| Discussion: 10 Comments »
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