REAL GOODS CASE STUDY - Sebastopol, CA

The Halpin Family: From Solfest to Solar Install

Living in Sebastopol, California, a town that has a pioneering municipal solar program, Joe and Julie Halpin were surrounded by solar. But it wasn’t until they traveled up to Hopland, CA to attend SolFest at the Solar Living Center that they decided to solarize their own home.

“We had talked about it for a couple of years, but when we went up to SolFest last year, it just clicked,” Joe says. “We got Real Goods on the phone as soon as we got back.”

Based on the energy used by the Halpins and their twin 6-year-old girls, solar technician Jason Cotter recommended a 3.8kW system. It turned out to be a perfect fit — down to the amount of year-round sun they receive, the direction their home faces and the Real Goods installation process.

“Real Goods took care of everything,” he says. “They even handled dealing with the county and the utility company, and they installed it all in just a day.”

Since then, the new solar system has made an impact on their wallet — their property value increased about $30,000 and their monthly utility bills have dropped 75%. But it’s the difference it’s making in terms of sustainability and environmental impact that has them exploring additional renewable energy solutions.

“Now we’re thinking about installing a solar heater and pump, and we’re getting a hybrid car this year,” Joe says. “Every little bit counts.”