Earlier this week, GRID Alternatives installed solar for the Mayuga family in San Bernardino. After the install, the family wanted to share their experience and how grateful they are to receive a solar electric system.
"My husband and I have been married for 25 years now. After years of living in an apartment with two young daughters, we were finally able to save enough money to make a down payment on a house. And I am proud to say that we are still in the same home after 18 years.
Our home has been a witness to many precious memories. But it was also here that we have faced numerous trials.
My husband had a well-paying job in Orange County until the recession struck, forcing the company he worked for to close. With a mortgage and other bills, we struggled and ended up borrowing money to sustain our family. After a year, he found a job at a local company. I went back to school in 2008 to study and started my own skin care practice in January 2009. Things in our lives were going as planned. Our daughters were doing so well in school. We were so happy.
Our lives took another tumble later in 2009. I started to feel fatigued and was constantly in a state of pain. When large bruises sporadically appeared on my body, it prompted me to see my doctor. After several tests, the doctor told me I have Leukemia. Every day, I have to take a chemotherapy pill. The side effects from the pill limit my ability to work full-time. My husband was left to be the only provider for our family. Additionally, my parents moved in with us to help take care of me. With a single income and growing family needs, life started becoming harder and stressful.
We needed to find a way to make ends meet. We are so lucky and blessed to have two great daughters who are able to attend college because of scholarships and grants, but life is becoming even harder because we still have to provide for their everyday needs. With our financial situation, I started calling utility companies to seek help. I called Southern California Edison and the customer service agent referred me to GRID Alternatives. I called and began the application process.
With the installation of the solar panel system, we are looking forward to a dramatically lowered electricity bill. We are also looking forward to having extra money to spend on our family. We are looking forward to not having to fear that our income for the month might not be enough. Hopefully, in the future we can finally afford our first real vacation. Maybe with the savings from the solar panel system, my husband can “retire” from the odd jobs he has been doing just to augment our income and finally have time to rest and relax with his family.
We are eternally grateful to GRID Alternatives and its staff. Families like us would never have been able to afford solar panels if not for a program like this."
-- Mayuga Family