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Four homeowners, four paths to solar

Every home is different, and so is what each homeowner needs from us. Some want a thorough, independent analysis and nothing more. Some have quotes in hand and want to know if they’re fair. Some need us to find them a better installer. Some have a large, changing load that’s hard to size. Here are four real engagements — names and addresses removed — that show the whole spectrum of what we do. Each links to the actual report we built, with private details stripped.

A complex, growing load A better installer Help choosing between quotes Just the analysis
Napa, CA · PG&E

“My usage is big — and about to get bigger.”

What
A Napa homeowner on the EV2A rate with large consumption (12,775 kWh/yr), a heat pump, overnight EV charging — and more electrification on the way.
Why
A growing, complex load under a tricky time-of-use rate makes sizing and timing hard to get right — the wrong design leaves real money on the table.
How
We forecast his new load (heat pump about +3,300 kWh/yr, overnight EVs), modeled it hour-by-hour under EV2A, and designed for best performance and ROI: 24 panels / 9.6 kW split east–west, plus a Powerwall 3 that actually pays here. He’s reviewing the report now.
9.6 kW24 panels + Powerwall 3
11.3 yrspayback, all-in
~$50,250saved over 25 years
View the report
Pasadena, CA · Pasadena Water & Power

“The quotes I’m getting aren’t great.”

What
A high-use Pasadena homeowner (about 16,000 kWh a year) had collected several quotes, but none were compelling.
Why
The quotes she was getting weren’t competitive, and she wanted someone in her corner to find better.
How
We modeled a 7.6 kW system and confirmed the opportunity was real. Then — with her written consent — we introduced her to a vetted, NABCEP-certified regional installer from our network. They came back with the best quote she’d seen. We never negotiate or contract on her behalf; we equip her and make the introduction, and she stays in control.
7.6 kW19 panels, microinverters
9,149 kWhmodeled year-1, shade-aware
Best quotefrom a vetted installer
View the report
Austin, TX · Austin Energy

“Are these quotes actually competitive?”

What
Julieta already had bids in hand for solar plus a whole-home battery. She wanted to know whether they were fair, and whether the battery made financial sense.
Why
The quotes were similar to each other — but she worried the regional market was inflated, and the battery clouded the math.
How
We ran her real usage (7,860 kWh/yr, about $96/month), modeled 6 kW / 15 panels on her best south-east face (94% sun), and did a price-sensitivity review with and without the battery. Our read: solar yes — about an 11-year payback at a fair $2.25–$2.75/W — the battery is backup, not a money-saver. We walked her through which quote to take.
6 kW15 panels, SE face
~11 yrspayback, solar only
Batterybackup, not savings
“Wow, the White Glove Solar Analysis is amazing. So comprehensive! My foremost concern was whether the bids were actually competitive — your price-sensitivity review, with and without the battery, was very reassuring. The detailed analysis of how battery backup would work under different conditions was also a huge relief. I now feel much more certain and settled about the decision.” — Julieta, Austin, TX
View the report
Oshkosh, WI

“Just the analysis, thanks.”

What
A high-use home — 22,340 kWh a year, driven by a pool in summer and electric sunroom heat in winter — wanted an independent read on whether solar was worth it.
Why
They’d done their homework and wanted one unbiased opinion, not a sales process.
How
We modeled their real 12 months on the time-of-use rate and sized a 44-panel, 17.6 kW system that offsets about 99% of their use — no battery, on the numbers. We were honest that it’s a Fair deal: strong only at a low price. Aim for a quote at or below $2.90/W and it pays for itself in about 13 years. They took the report, and that was exactly what they wanted. Sometimes the whole job is a straight answer.
17.6 kW44 panels, no battery
~13 yrspayback at ≤$2.90/W
~$52,000saved over 25 years
$2,400WI Focus rebate applied
View the report

On privacy. Every report linked here has the homeowner’s address and identifying details removed. The roof image is replaced with a generic system schematic, and the shading section shows a copy of a shading analysis run on a random apartment complex — not the homeowner’s roof — for privacy. We never sell your details or hand them to installers without your written consent. What we collect →

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Read next

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The $12,000 question →