Sharing Solar Stories
Throughout SEM’s history in the solar industry we have had some truly incredible, motivated individuals who made the switch to solar. We often think of it as the start of their solar journey – the moment they begin creating (and maybe even storing) their own energy, good energy.
Every journey is unique, driven by different motivations, which makes the stories behind them so compelling. Lloyd and Susan’s story is one we’re excited to share.
Meet The Lenses
Lloyd and his wife Susan made the decision to move to North Carolina in 2022 from Long Island, NY and found their community in Carolina Arbors, a 55+ residential community in Durham. Both retired physicians and avid cyclists, they founded and now lead the Environmental Interest Group in their neighborhood.
Over the past three years, they’ve hosted a series of presentations focused on public health, safety, and environmental protection. No sales pitches, no hidden agenda – just useful, science-based information. So when Lloyd learned about Southern Energy Management, he thought, “Why not bring them in? Let’s see what they know.”
Switching to Solar
After our presentation, Lloyd worked with Graham to design a system that fit both their home and HOA guidelines. A shade study confirmed the roof could perform well, and together they landed on a 10-panel system plus bird guard – affectionately named that because of the Carolina Arbors pigeon flock.
Helping the planet was their primary motivation, but the financial incentives were a welcome bonus. With an initial investment of $25,000, the Duke Energy PowerPair incentive, Battery Control program, and 30% Federal Tax Credit brought their total cost down to roughly $10,000.
“We haven’t paid an electric bill for almost 16 months and we have a credit with Duke Energy.”
With North Carolina’s 200+ sunny days a year, the system has become what Lloyd calls an “environmentally sound advantage.” And with rising grid demand and more frequent outages, having power security feels increasingly important.
Choosing Battery Back Up
Lloyd added a backup battery after years of relying on a gas generator during Northeast outages – making the upgrade feel “very obvious,” especially with the available incentives. Now, the battery keeps essentials like the fridge, lights, and washer running during outages – so seamlessly that he often doesn’t realize the neighborhood has lost power until someone posts about it online.
He also appreciates how intuitive the app is for managing stored energy, and how Duke Energy can prep the system during storms to keep the home resilient. The battery’s low-profile design fits neatly into their garage without getting in the way, and the combination of solar plus storage gives their home a sense of self-sufficiency that Lloyd believes will add long-term value.
Being Good Environmental Stewards
For Lloyd, going solar comes down to personal values – how each of us wants to invest in our homes, our communities, and the planet we share. He’s seen that neighbors who explore solar are often motivated by the desire to make a meaningful impact: to reduce their environmental footprint, model good choices for their families, and contribute to a healthier future.
He encourages others to start with the basics – ensure your roof is in good shape, work with partners you trust, and think about how solar may soon become a standard, value-adding feature in homes.
As he puts it:
“My wife and I want to be viewed as making a positive difference in a non-egotistical way. Being good role models to our neighbors and friends, children and grandchildren – being respectful to Planet Earth – that’s really gratifying.”
Interested in what solar could look like for you and your home? Reach out today →
