Before You Install, Give Us a Call!
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (Feruary 17, 2025) – The solar salesperson who knocked on Effie Thompson’s door a few months ago wanted her to sign then and there. To convince her, the Arizona salesperson employed aggressive sales tactics and went so far as to offer persuasive — but incorrect — information. Thompson wasn’t having it.
Politely, Thompson adamantly told the salesperson she wanted time to consider whether a solar system would be right for her household and asked him to return the next day. The idea, after all, wasn’t a new one for her, but she had many questions about how solar would impact her electric bill. Years ago, Thompson lived in a neighborhood where a handful of her neighbors had solar. These neighbors remained her friends after she built her current home on her family’s homestead north of Grand Junction, and they told her about the cost benefits of solar electricity. Thompson was interested in collecting the sun’s energy but wanted to get accurate information and answers about her specific situation.
After the salesperson left and she gave it some thought, Thompson called Grand Valley Power with her solar questions. She connected with Destry Smith in the Energy Services department, and the two reviewed her electricity usage. They discussed time-of-use rates, the interconnection process, and the monthly Grid Connectivity Charge that all members pay to help cover maintenance and operations costs of Grand Valley Power’s distribution grid. Smith also encouraged Thompson to get multiple quotes and shared that Grand Valley Power maintains a list of local, reputable solar installers that have signed a pledge to conduct business with integrity, honesty, and quality. Thompson wanted to have accurate information when the solar salesperson returned, and Smith agreed to help answer her questions in the salesperson’s presence.
Ultimately, Thompson decided to add a solar system to her house. She got multiple quotes from solar installers and chose one local to Grand Junction. The process from start to finish took a few weeks, but she is happy she went solar and especially happy that she called Grand Valley Power first with her questions. “I felt like I did something right,” Thompson said.