Mechanical Energy Systems reviews

This homeowner first visited the company's showroom to look over a residential solar system and left impressed by how prepared the team was. They discovered a working display model and received hard‑copy specification packets that answered technical questions on the spot. The staff proved deeply knowledgeable, patiently walking through details so nothing felt left unclear. During the roof install the crew worked quietly, kept the site tidy, and treated the home and family with professional, respectful behavior. What stuck with them most was the combination of tangible documentation to take away and installers who behaved like considerate house guests. Their lasting image: a binder of specs in hand and a jobsite left cleaner than it started.

Justin L. had his pool’s solar heater shredded in the brutal winter of 2014; only the end panels and some PVC piping showed visible damage, so he called the local company that dominates that market. They required a $180 inspection fee up front, which they said would be credited toward any repair — an annoying but seemingly unavoidable cost. When the technician arrived, he asked if they wanted him to climb a ladder to inspect the rooftop array and then slapped on an extra $75 for the climb. The tech also insisted the drive alone accounted for the original $180 charge and quickly concluded the entire system needed replacing, promising to “talk to his manager” to get the best deal and to apply the inspection credit. Two days later a salesperson called back with a so-called great offer: the final figure landed at $3,800 — a number that left Justin stunned. He didn’t write the review because of the expense alone but because the whole sequence felt like an insult to his intelligence: surprise fees, an immediate up-sell to a full replacement, and a sticker shock “discount.” His takeaway: skip the inspection fee, consider a pool cover, and save the $180.

This homeowner hired the company to install solar with the explicit goal of going off‑grid. After the installation finished they discovered communication dried up — emails went unanswered and they had to call and leave messages to get a response. The worst moment came when power failed in the middle of a sunny day and the system provided no backup, so they had to run a generator because no battery storage had been included. That gap in the design left them unhappy with the options they were given, yet they remain willing to work with the contractor to explore adding battery backup and other changes to truly achieve off‑grid power.

This homeowner partnered with Daren and the MES crew to convert their house into what they believe is the oldest net-zero house in America and the first in Michigan — a decision they didn’t make lightly. They searched for the best installer and discovered MES’s professionalism and hands-on skill; Daren and his team delivered the kind of contractor experience they wanted. Worried about the parade of cheap, poorly designed solar outfits popping up, they found reassurance in MES’s 25-year track record and decades of technical knowledge and commitment to solar. They walked away thrilled with the system and confident they’d chosen a team with deep experience rather than a flash-in-the-pan seller.

Hal discovered Mechanical Energy Systems, Inc. delivered a smooth, highly competent installation of a solar thermal hot water system on his home. As a Sierra Club member who serves on the Michigan Chapter’s Energy Committee, he pursued this upgrade after one of the chapter’s top experts recommended solar hot-water as one of the most effective homeowner actions to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. The team handled design and installation cleanly and professionally, and he enjoyed every step of the process. The detail that stayed with him was the confirmation that the expert advice — choosing a solar thermal hot water system — translated into a trouble-free, high-impact upgrade.

After getting an Enphase-equipped solar system installed on their home, this homeowner wanted a clearer, hands-on handoff — specifically how to read the meters and how the Enphase meter and internet connection would be set up. They expected the installer to do a "final inspection" together, walk through system operation, and answer practical questions, but that side-by-side walkthrough never happened. They found Deren a delight to work with, though he could be slow to return phone calls and emails. The lasting impression: competent and personable staff, but future buyers should schedule and insist on a final, in-person walkthrough for meter reading and internet configuration before the crew leaves.

Lynda B. has relied on the installer for years, originally hiring them to put solar panels on her roof to heat an in-ground pool. She’s had crews return several times for repairs and routine maintenance, and values that they arrive on schedule and follow through. Because she’s seldom home during service calls and handles payment by phone, technicians often complete the work without anyone needing to wait around — a convenience that became a deciding factor. The installation itself turned out neat and effective, and overall she’s very pleased with how the system performs. Her one sticking point is the service-call fee, which she finds steep and likely reflects limited competition in the area. Still, the team’s professionalism and dependable, timely service have kept her coming back.

This homeowner discovered after installation that a nearby tree casts significant afternoon shade across the west-side panels in winter because the sun sits much lower on the horizon. They ended up wishing they'd chosen a different layout — the shading in those winter afternoons was enough to change how they'd have arranged the array. They acknowledged the sun rises higher in summer and performance will improve, but they felt a seasonal sun-angle and tree-shade study should have been done beforehand. Takeaway: ask for a winter-angle or seasonal shading assessment and layout mock-ups so afternoon shade from trees doesn’t come as a surprise.

Michael R. booked the company for a combined furnace and air-conditioning inspection at his home. The technician, Mike, arrived polite, courteous and professional, and the bundled inspection price felt reasonable — a sentiment a couple of family members had experienced as well. What soured the visit was an AC relay replacement: the company charged $170 while presenting installation as free under the inspection and applying the $170 to the part. He discovered the identical relay (same brand and part number) is available locally for $20–$40. Michael would have paid about $100 for labor and $70 for the part without complaint, but seeing the part billed at $170 felt like an insult to his intelligence and crossed a line into dishonesty. He appreciated the technician’s professionalism and the inspection value, but the perceived overcharge on that relay is the detail that stuck — he’ll now check part prices before authorizing any repairs.