Make Your Solar Decision With Confidence
We start with what you want to accomplish, then evaluate solar, battery, financing and equipment options to find the right fit for your home.
Start With What Matters
Lower monthly costs, backup power, predictable energy costs, or preparing your home for the future — we start with what matters to you.
Understand Your Options
Solar, battery storage, equipment and financing aren’t one-size-fits-all. We help you understand the tradeoffs before choosing.
Make the Right Decision
Get independent guidance based on your home, priorities and finances — not a predetermined system or financing product.
Solar Isn’t One Decision
A solar proposal combines several decisions at once: how much solar you need, whether battery storage makes sense, which equipment fits your home, and how you want to pay for it.
Change one of those decisions and the cost, savings, and overall fit of the project can change.
Before You Compare Solar Proposals
Start by getting clear about what you want solar to accomplish.
Lower monthly costs? More predictable energy expenses? Backup power? Preparing for future energy needs? Or some combination of these?
Then consider the things that can change which solution makes sense — your energy use, your home, how long you expect to stay, future changes, and how you prefer to pay.
That’s why we created the Homeowner Checklist.
It gives you a simple way to think through the important questions before you compare solar proposals.
Independent Guidance. More Choices.
I’m Carol Cole-Lewis, founder of Upstart Energy and an independent solar consultant.
I believe the right solar decision starts with what you want to accomplish — not with a predetermined system, financing product or equipment package.
Through my partnership with Powur PBC, I have access to a broad range of solar, battery storage, equipment and financing options, backed by project management and local installation partners.
My role is to help you understand your choices and find the solution that fits your home, priorities and finances.
If you choose to purchase a roof, solar, or battery system through Upstart Energy, I receive compensation from Powur PBC for the sale.
Ready to Talk Through Your Options?
A Clarity Call is a conversation — not a sales presentation.
Bring what you already know, what you’re unsure about, and any proposals you’ve received. We’ll talk through what you’re trying to accomplish, your home and energy needs, and the choices that may make sense for you.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before we talk. That’s the point of the call. And there’s no need for an in-home appointment — we can do everything by phone or video conference.
What Homeowners Say
Real stories from homeowners I’ve helped make sense of their solar choices.
“Carol made sure that we knew everything we needed to know about our solar options and consistently answered all of our questions and concerns. From the first time we met with Carol, we thought we could trust her — and we were right!”
Jane S. — Kelseyville, CA
“Carol provided constant support and helped make the process as painless as possible. The fact that she was not representing a specific solar company gave her credibility. The truth is, I would not have solar on our home today without Carol’s help.”
Eva A. — Berkeley, CA
“The videos were really informative and inspiring, so we contacted Carol, who is a delight to work with. We talked on the phone and had discussions via Zoom. Over time we learned what we needed to know to feel comfortable committing ourselves to this process.”
Dave S. — Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Not Sure What Your Next Solar Step Should Be?
Whether you’re just beginning to explore solar or already have proposals in hand, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Start with the Homeowner Checklist to understand the questions worth asking — or schedule a Clarity Call if you’re ready to talk through your options.