The next time it’s overcast, you may think differently about the sun’s rays. Kansas is currently one of the top ten states for solar power, either “slightly above or below Florida, depending on who you ask,” says Andy Rondon from Good Energy Solutions.
Rondon is living “every solar guy’s dream.” He was originally trained as a civil engineer and recently received his NABCEP certification, which is the solar industry’s leading recognition of technical sales expertise. He proudly drives a solar-powered car and nestles under his solar roof each night.
Rondon’s work at Good Energy Solutions paves a way for residential and commercial clients to take advantage of solar energy. Good Energy Solutions, based out of Lawrence, was named one of the top 25 solar contractors nationwide by Solar Power World Magazine and installed the most solar in Kansas in 2017.
Rondon explained that there are two types of energy production: Centralized and Distributed. Centralized energy production is the status quo, with large energy plants powering multiple cities. Solar breaks this model, with energy being made and used in the same area. “Creating energy where it is being used means you don’t need to have transmission lines as we have now. It changes the infrastructure that’s needed.”
The core of solar technology has not changed significantly since 1989. “We’re just better at manufacturing it,” says Rondon. Instead, the majority of research and development dollars are being spent on improving battery technology. “Once we do batteries better, we don’t need coal or natural gas. When this happens the world is going to be a lot different,” says Rondon. “The amount of energy dumped on the planet is mind-boggling.”
Solar modules last 20 years with a 30 to 40-year potential. Current rates mean it takes about 10 years for a customer to get their money back. New potential rates could push that to 15 years.
That shouldn’t deter potential customers. To the question of “Why go solar now if there will be a new technology in the next five to 10 years, Rondon replied “If you are generating all or most of your own energy now, what is the benefit of the next technology? You already have that.”
