Army veteran expands solar system on northwest valley home

Hawaii native and retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Eric Nakahara is harnessing the Southern Nevada sun to power his northwest Las Vegas home. The 24-year veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom moved to Las Vegas from Hawaii upon his military retirement four years ago.

He purchased a 3,600-square-foot home in North Las Vegas three years ago and soon after started researching his options for a solar system to power the home, pool and spa as well as two separate air-conditioning units.

"My power bill was averaging $450 per month, and the highest bill was $730," Nakahara said. "I wanted to install a solar system not only to help regulate my power bills but also because I know it is the right thing to do for the environment. Everything in the house runs on electricity, so I knew I needed enough power to cover it."

Nakahara originally wanted to install an 18-kilowatt system but started with a 10-kilowatt American Patriot Solar system to stay within his budget. He recently added an additional 3 kilowatts to cover 75 percent of his monthly power needs.

"One of the great things about solar systems is that you can start with a smaller system that fits into your budget and add to it when the time is right," said Andrea Vigil, chief operating officer of American Patriot Solar.

American Patriot is a locally owned and operated solar company that works in tandem with its installation company, US Renewable Development, to sell and install residential solar systems.

"No matter what size system you get to start, it is always better than not doing it at all. It is an investment that will reap rewards for many years to come," Vigil said.

Nakahara said he knew a solar system was a good fit for his home.

"In Hawaii, the power went out all the time on the military base, and I didn't want that to happen in my new home," he said. "I purchased two portable generators and now have a solar system that covers about 75 percent of my power needs. I feel a lot more comfortable knowing the sun is generating my power, since there is so much of it here."

Nakahara's advice to homeowners considering solar systems?

Do your research and read the fine print. When he started researching his options for solar power, he said he found many options would cost him as much or more as he was paying for traditional power.

"I almost went with one company, but when the final paperwork came back it was actually about $150 per month more than I was already paying," Nakahara said. "I'm glad I read the contract thoroughly."

Vigil said many of American Patriot Solar's clients have had similar experiences.

"As with any contract, carefully reading the final verbiage is important," she said. "We encourage our clients to take their time and ask questions so there are no surprises when it comes to your monthly expenses."

Though Nakahara ultimately didn't finance his new American Patriot solar system and its expansion, he said the company's was one of the best he found in financing terms.

"American Patriot's prices were right, they had quick installations and their financing was better than any other company I looked at," he said.

"We are proud to be a locally owned and operated solar company, and take pride in our products and services," Vigil said. "American Patriot makes every effort to hire veterans and appreciates the opportunity to provide solar systems to our American heroes. We thank Master Sgt. Nakahara and all of the veterans in Las Vegas for their service to our country."

American Patriot Solar helps its customers create custom solar systems by determining average energy consumption and designing a solar system tailored to the needs of each individual home.

American Patriot Solar has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and hires local contractors. American Patriot Solar systems are installed by its installation company, US Renewable Energy Development (license No. 0075882), also a Las Vegas-based company. For a limited time, American Patriot Solar is offering a free $500 interior LED lighting package to all new solar system customers.

For more information, call American Patriot Solar at 702-227-9205 or visit www.apsolar.com.