85
Trust
Score
WattBot

Element Power Systems reviews

CALIFORNIA / EAST BAY
Element Power Systems
61 Reviews • 1 Location 8,113 Data Points Processed

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The Verdict

Element Power handles the basics well but doesn't stand out. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a company that installs solar systems correctly, shows up on time, and answers the phone when something goes wrong. One homeowner called about a roof tile repair from a previous installer, and Element's crew fixed it without being asked. Another mentioned their first-year true-up bill came to 32 cents after running air conditioning all summer and charging a Chevy Volt. The workmanship scores high because crews route conduit through attics instead of leaving it visible on exterior walls, and they paint exposed runs to match the house. But when a 70-year-old customer needed help opening a weatherproof box to reconnect WiFi after four years, Element quoted a $350 truck roll fee. If you want clean installation work and don't mind paying for minor follow-up visits, this is a safe local choice.

If you value cosmetic details and expect your system to work as promised, Element delivers. But if you assume minor post-install help comes free, budget for service calls.

3 Stories That Stood Out

1. robertjmjrs
EnergySage | Jun 21, 2017 |

After two years navigating the confusing rooftop solar market and using EnergySage as a final research stop, Robert had sat through pitches from six companies whose reps often seemed to know less about solar than he did. He ran into Brian, the majority owner of Element Power, outside a Home Depot and found someone friendly and low-pressure who actually answered his questions on the spot instead of promising to check back. Brian’s proposal was competitive, the contract read as consumer-friendly and thorough, and the installation crew and follow-up service fit the same mold. He arranged for an extra monitoring meter to be added, and Brian stayed responsive during the follow-up. The system beat the company’s production estimates: it eliminated his electricity bill and fully covered charging his Chevy Volt, shaving about $200 a month off what he had been spending on gasoline. After the first full year, the PG&E settlement landed at $0.32—thirty-two cents. Even his wife was impressed at signing by Brian’s patience and competence through his many questions. He walked away with a nearly zero electric bill and roughly $200 monthly fuel savings—details that made the whole search feel worth-

2. nancy hart
Google | Nov 14, 2022 |

Nancy had solar put on her home four years ago and liked that an out-of-state company used a local installer. Recently she hit a small snag: the system’s gateway controller needed to be hooked to a new Wi‑Fi network, but it sits inside a plastic waterproof box she and others could not open. When she reached out, the company quoted a "truck roll fee" of $350 just to open the box. At 70 years old she could have fixed the Wi‑Fi herself if she could access the gateway, so the steep fee and the refusal to help left her frustrated. The one detail that stuck with her — and should stick with buyers — is that the company will charge $350 to open a plastic box that is blocking a simple, low‑effort repair.

3. Michelle G.
Yelp | Jun 27, 2020 |

Michelle G. wanted solar without the usual "after" look — she ended up with an installation that left her roof and exterior free of visible conduit. Brian, the owner, took time to walk her through how solar works, the different panel choices and how each would perform, never rushed the conversation and stayed in steady contact through the whole project. On installation day the crew arrived on time, stayed courteous and kept her updated as they worked; they wrapped the job and even got the city inspector’s sign-off in just 1.5 days. The team’s craftsmanship stood out: instead of running unsightly conduit down the outside, they routed all wiring through the attic so the system looks seamless from the street. Luke, Garret and the other crew member were all pleasant to work with, and Brian also set up an app so she can monitor system production at any time. The detail that lingers is simple but telling — a fast, polite install that left no visible hardware to spoil the home’s appearance.

Platforms Monitored

Yelp
44 Reviews · 2 Locations
4.9/5
Google
9 Reviews · 1 Location
4.1/5
EnergySage
7 Reviews · 2 Locations
5.0/5
SolarReviews
1 Reviews · 1 Location
3.8/5
BBB
Tracking
N/A

Performance by Work Type

SOLAR
SOLAR
Installation, permitting, and grid connection.
4.3/5
ROOFING
ROOFING
Repair or replacement, before or after solar installation.
5.0/5
SERVICE
SERVICE
Repairs, maintenance, and ongoing system support.
1.9/5
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
Panel upgrades and wiring for system readiness.
5.0/5
BATTERY
BATTERY
Energy storage for backup savings and independence.
N/A
COMPLEX PROJECTS
COMPLEX PROJECTS
Multi-trade installations requiring co-ordination.
N/A

How We Got To Trust Score 85

Clean Record

Unauthorized Activities

Passed screening

We checked for:
Unauthorized charges
Undisclosed loans
Identity theft
Forged signatures
Fake contracts
Falsified permits

Misleading Claims

Passed screening

We checked for:
Bait & switch
Overstated savings
Hidden fees
Misrepresented specs
False performance
Misleading warranty

Background Check

Serving customers for 15 years

Among the longest-standing installers in the market.

BBB Rating: A+

Excellent BBB standing. Strong complaint resolution.

Natural Review Patterns

Reviews were posted naturally over time.

What You Can Expect

01

1. sjmccullough
EnergySage | Jun 24, 2017 |

About five years ago Sjmccullough bought a rooftop solar system for an East Bay home and has had it run without trouble ever since. They found Brian's team at Element delivered solid workmanship for a reasonable price and put together a proposal tailored to their needs. The sales process felt low-pressure — the crew listened carefully and answered every question with patience. Five years of flawless operation left them ready to call Element again for any additions, and the detail they keep repeating to neighbors is simple: a personalized, pressure-free install that’s still performing perfectly.

2. rreber
EnergySage | Jun 22, 2017 |

rreber discovered a pleasant surprise in the crowded solar market when Element Power Systems delivered a lot more than panels. Looking for a roof-mounted residential system during a very rainy season, they found a team that listened to specific concerns, spelled out realistic expectations and cost trade-offs, and produced the best quote among the bids they received. Element quickly presented clear cost‑vs‑performance options, handled plans, permits and approvals, scheduled the work at a convenient time, and completed the installation faster than anticipated. The crew's workmanship and technical knowledge stood out: installers paid strict attention to detail, left no mess or dings, and even replaced defective roof tiles — a practical fix that mattered because there were no leaks despite heavy rain. Element kept checking in afterward with calls and visits, helped reconnect the system to Wi‑Fi after an internet change, and reviewed power reports to confirm the system was performing as expected. After a year the homeowner's electricity savings matched or beat the estimates, and they passed the company name along to several neighbors. The detail that stuck with them most was the roof-tl

3. robertjmjrs
EnergySage | Jun 21, 2017 |

After two years navigating the confusing rooftop solar market and using EnergySage as a final research stop, Robert had sat through pitches from six companies whose reps often seemed to know less about solar than he did. He ran into Brian, the majority owner of Element Power, outside a Home Depot and found someone friendly and low-pressure who actually answered his questions on the spot instead of promising to check back. Brian’s proposal was competitive, the contract read as consumer-friendly and thorough, and the installation crew and follow-up service fit the same mold. He arranged for an extra monitoring meter to be added, and Brian stayed responsive during the follow-up. The system beat the company’s production estimates: it eliminated his electricity bill and fully covered charging his Chevy Volt, shaving about $200 a month off what he had been spending on gasoline. After the first full year, the PG&E settlement landed at $0.32—thirty-two cents. Even his wife was impressed at signing by Brian’s patience and competence through his many questions. He walked away with a nearly zero electric bill and roughly $200 monthly fuel savings—details that made the whole search feel worth-

02

1. kathleen_haugh
EnergySage | Sep 14, 2018 |

Kathleen installed a solar system on her home and, after 15 months, has been thoroughly pleased with the outcome. She contacted Travis Falconer, who coordinated the installation, only once — he called her back promptly and solved her question even though the issue had nothing to do with the panels — and that quick, post‑installation support left her confident that Element stands behind their work. Electric bills with PG&E dropped significantly, especially in summer, so she now runs the air conditioning when the house gets uncomfortably hot instead of avoiding it to save money. She expects even greater savings if she converts more appliances to electric. Beyond lower bills, the system has added resale value and makes her home more competitive with other houses in the neighborhood that have solar. The 30% tax credit also helped offset the system cost. She can’t think of any negatives after a year and a quarter of use; what sticks with her is the combination of measurable summer savings and the ongoing, reliable support from Element — one helpful phone call was all it took to prove it.

2. Luke V.
Yelp | May 18, 2022 |

Luke V. had a residential solar array professionally installed and watched the crews finish the physical work without problems — then discovered the system sat idle for six weeks waiting for the inspection that would turn it on. He ended up spending that time trying to get anyone at the company to manage the next steps: he left messages on multiple department phone lines, emailed the customer-service address that had previously responded, and tried the online chat, but nobody answered about scheduling the inspection. When he reached the salesperson who had handled the sale, the response was that the rep only does canvassing and had no ability to help with post-installation issues. What lingers from his experience is not the installation itself but the complete absence of post-installation support — the crew finished the job, and he was left chasing an inspection and activation for weeks with no point of contact.

3. Richard E.
Yelp | Jul 7, 2023 |

Richard E. entrusted Element Power Systems with a home solar installation and walked away impressed. He found Luke and his crew unusually hands-on: Luke took the time to explain each step, kept the team on schedule, and coordinated the work so it wrapped up in time for the city inspection. That timing paid off — the project cleared the inspection and earned city approval. The detail that stands out is Luke’s combination of clear communication and reliable scheduling; homeowners with tight municipal deadlines will want to ask for him and his team.

03

1. Steven M.
Yelp | Jun 29, 2016 |

Steven M. installed a solar system four years ago and has watched it run trouble-free ever since. Element Power Systems sized the array to match his usage, so his PG&E bill has dropped to a noticeably low level. After four years with no issues and consistently reduced utility costs, he remains happy he went with Element Power Systems—what stands out most is the precise sizing that keeps his bills minimal.

2. Dave B.
Yelp | Dec 10, 2024 |

Dave B. discovered a garage roof leak that traced back to a mediocre solar installation by a now-defunct company. With stormy weather on the way, he phoned Element; technicians arrived within a few hours, diagnosed the problem, and repaired the leak on the spot. He walked away relieved that the issue was fixed the same day, just in time to avoid further weather damage.

3. Jenna W.
Yelp | Aug 11, 2021 |

Jenna W. had rooftop solar installed during the pandemic and entered the process uneasy about letting a crew into her home. She watched Luke, Gavin, and Garrett dissolve that barrier with professional, personable service — Luke in particular kept her informed about timing and each step of the job so she always knew what to expect. When one panel arrived damaged through no fault of the crew, he walked her through the fix and moved quickly to replace it with a new panel. She appreciated how attentive and responsive the team was throughout the project, especially their clear communication and the prompt handling of the broken panel, which made the whole experience feel safe and reliable.

Long-term Satisfaction

Long-term satisfaction for Element Power Systems drops to 3.3 ★ compared to early reviews. This decline is worse than 75% of installers we looked at.

Long-term reviews carry the most weight in our methodology because they are most representative of what you should be paying for: a system that will perform for years.

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