The Light Between Seasons – Chapter 3: The Quiet That Follows

September, 2017 – Lisbon, Portugal Some things don’t disappear. They retreat. Into quiet corners of memory. Into the folds of worn letters. Into the space between a breath and a name. Clara hadn’t said Elias’s name in years. Not aloud, anyway. She had learned to carry him differently—tucked behind the photographs that never made it to galleries, folded into the black-and-white portraits of strangers with eyes too familiar. Her life had stretched in the years since she left New York: Dakar, Seoul, Marrakesh, Montevideo. She chased light across continents, always moving, always framing beauty just before it slipped away. But even then, she could never quite escape the moment at JFK—the kiss that wasn’t a goodbye, the silence that followed. Sometimes the absence said more than presence ever could. Clara lived in an apartment above a bakery in Alfama now. The windows overlooked tiled rooftops and narrow stairways where stray cats wandered like old souls. She taught workshop...
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The Due Diligence Toolkit

The Due Diligence Toolkit

The Due Diligence Toolkit: Smart Ways to Evaluate Life-Changing Opportunities

Not every shiny offer is a smart one. In a world full of solar deals, electric vehicle pitches, and trending “green” solutions, the real power is in knowing how to evaluate them for yourself.

This page is your go-to resource for vetting various opportunities—from home solar and EV chargers to sustainable gadgets and lifestyle shifts. The goal isn’t to push you toward anything. It’s to give you a toolkit for smart decision-making, so that when you do make a move, you know it’s right for you.

Each opportunity mentioned below includes a link to learn more—but before clicking, learn how to check it out for yourself first.

Powur Solar

A solar platform offering residential solar with zero upfront cost and strong warranties.

How to do your due diligence:

  • Check Powur’s profile on the Better Business Bureau
  • Verify contractor licenses in your state’s official license database
  • Ask for NABCEP-certified installers
  • Read reviews on SolarReviews.com, Reddit, and Google
  • Compare multiple quotes before committing

Once you’ve checked those boxes, you can assess if Powur meets your needs.

Apricot Solar

A growing solar company focused on efficient installs and clean financing.

Due diligence steps:

  • Search “Apricot Solar complaints” or “reviews” to get the full picture
  • Look up their contractor license in your state
  • Verify warranty terms and cancellation policies
  • Visit the BBB and Trustpilot for complaint resolution history

If it still looks solid after your research, you can explore further.

A1 Solar Store

An online store offering solar panels, kits, and off-grid equipment.

How to evaluate:

  • Confirm equipment certifications (UL listing, NEC compliance)
  • Research the brands sold—do they offer 25-year warranties?
  • Look into their return policy and shipping damage process
  • Read product reviews directly on the site and via independent forums

If everything checks out, A1 could be a good choice for DIY solar buyers.

JuiceBox by Enel X

A smart EV charger compatible with home solar systems.

How to vet it:

  • Make sure it's UL-certified and ENERGY STAR rated
  • Confirm your EV model is compatible
  • Read up on its app reviews in the App Store or Google Play
  • Look for support responsiveness and warranty length

If it aligns with your home setup, it’s worth considering.

Rad Power Bikes

A popular electric bike brand for commuting and utility riding.

Due diligence checklist:

  • Make sure your state allows that class of e-bike
  • Review return policy and parts availability
  • Read user experiences on Reddit and YouTube
  • Check if there's a local Rad test-ride center near you

After confirming reliability and support, it might fit your lifestyle needs.

Community Solar

An option for renters or homeowners without a good solar roof.

Vetting steps:

  • Use the Department of Energy’s official project finder
  • Confirm the program is state-approved by checking your Public Utility Commission site
  • Ask your utility if the provider is legitimate
  • Review billing and credit terms in writing before signing anything

If the paperwork and feedback hold up, community solar can be a win.

How to Vet Anything, Anywhere

Use these general due diligence steps for any company, product, or service:

  • Look up the business on the BBB and read how they handle complaints
  • Search for “[company name] scam,” “[company name] lawsuit,” or “[company name] complaints”
  • Read third-party reviews on Reddit, Trustpilot, Google, or dedicated forums
  • Ask for everything in writing—quotes, warranties, cancellation terms
  • Check for real licensing, certifications, and registrations in your state or industry database
  • Use government resources like energy.gov, FTC.gov, and your state’s attorney general website

Smart research protects you from costly mistakes.

A Note on Links and Transparency

Some links on this page are referral or affiliate links. If you decide, after doing your own research, that the company is right for you, using my link supports this blog (at no extra cost to you).

But every company here is listed because it passed the same kind of vetting process I encourage you to do—not because of commissions.

Final Thought

Opportunities are everywhere. But real value comes when you stop chasing hype and start researching for yourself. Use this page as your launchpad for making smarter, safer, and more aligned decisions across solar, EV, and beyond.

This is your Due Diligence Toolkit. Use it. Grow with it. Question everything.

The Due Diligence Toolkit: How to Vet Solar Companies Before You Join, Sell, or Promote

Not every solar opportunity is as good as it sounds. If you're considering becoming an affiliate, salesperson, or solar consultant, your reputation and time are on the line.

It’s not just about commissions or brand names—it’s about alignment, transparency, and whether the company delivers what it promises to customers and professionals alike.

The solar space is booming, but that also means there are more companies—and more noise—than ever. Some offer real value and strong systems. Others overpromise, underdeliver, or push hype over substance.

This guide helps you make smarter decisions before joining, promoting, or selling for any solar company.

What to Look for in a Solar Company as an Affiliate or Professional

Company Reputation

  • Look up the business on the BBB, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Reddit
  • Search for complaints, especially about commissions, install delays, or misleading practices
  • Google the company with terms like “lawsuit,” “scam,” or “complaints”

Licensing and Legal Compliance

  • Check if the company uses licensed solar installers in your state
  • Look up contractor licenses on your state’s official database
  • If they subcontract installations, research those companies and their track records

Installation Quality and Customer Satisfaction

  • Ask if they use NABCEP-certified installers
  • Review product and workmanship warranties
  • Check install timelines and customer experience reports
  • Watch out for chargebacks or commission clawbacks

Compensation and Payment Structure

  • Request a full breakdown of compensation
  • Ask when payments are made—after contracts, install, or funding?
  • Find out if there are hidden requirements or clawbacks
  • Understand whether it’s sales-based or involves MLM-style recruiting

Training and Support

  • Ask what kind of onboarding and training is provided
  • Find out if tools like CRM, proposal software, or leads are offered
  • Evaluate mentorship or support system availability

Transparency and Culture

  • Talk to at least two current or former reps—not just recruiters
  • Ask honest questions about support, installs, and culture
  • If people are afraid to speak openly, that’s a red flag

Example: Evaluating Powur

Powur is a virtual solar sales platform offering zero-upfront residential solar and team-based compensation.

How to vet Powur:

  • Check their BBB and SolarReviews profiles
  • Search “Powur Solar reviews,” “Powur commission problems,” etc.
  • Request a written compensation plan
  • Verify who their installation partners are
  • Confirm installers are state-licensed and NABCEP-certified
  • Ask how long installs take on average
  • Clarify what happens to your commission if a deal falls through

Example: Vetting Apricot Solar

Apricot Solar is a national sales organization with high recruiting volume.

Due diligence steps:

  • Search “Apricot Solar complaints,” “commission issues,” etc.
  • Look up contractor licenses and installer partnerships
  • Ask who installs their systems and what warranties apply
  • Request the full affiliate or sales agreement
  • Clarify whether recruiting is required for success
  • Ask about training quality, support, and payment timelines

Example: Reviewing A1 Solar Store as a Product Affiliate

A1 Solar Store is an e-commerce retailer for solar gear, offering affiliate partnerships.

How to evaluate:

  • Ensure products are UL-listed and meet NEC standards
  • Review product warranties—25 years or longer is ideal
  • Check reviews on-site and on platforms like Reddit
  • Understand their return/damage policy
  • Ask how affiliate tracking works and how often you’re paid

Due Diligence Tips for Any Green Tech Opportunity

  • Search “[Company Name] + complaints/lawsuit/scam”
  • Check BBB, Trustpilot, Reddit, and niche forums
  • Request written policies, compensation, and warranties
  • Verify licenses, certifications, or insurance
  • Ensure product standards (UL, NEC, ENERGY STAR)

Final Note

Solar and sustainability are long-term markets—but your role in them should be built on trust, not pressure. If a company pushes you to “get in fast” or won’t answer basic questions—walk away.

Smart professionals ask questions, demand clarity, and align only with companies they truly believe in.

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