Solar Forward reviews
• last updated FEB 26, 2026Loading map...
The Verdict
Solar Forward is the team you call when you need steady follow-through, not flashy promises. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found installers who painted conduits to match exterior walls and laid plywood with foam padding to protect roof tiles during the job. One customer couldn't find a single contractor willing to touch their metal roof until Solar Forward showed up, installed the system, then came back months later to debug early Tesla battery issues. The company earns a 4.8 project management score anchored by 50 mentions of efficient permitting and inspection handling. We noticed two strengths that define their work. First, they handle unusual configurations without drama: tile roofs in Santa Monica, metal roofs others refused, multi-roof layouts that require creative panel placement. Second, their long-term support is unusually reliable. Reviewers from 2009 and 2015 report that Mark still picks up the phone a decade later to troubleshoot inverter faults or coordinate emergency roof repairs before the rain hits. The downside is thin documentation on rebate math and occasional friction with utility companies, though reviews consistently credit the team for advocating through LADWP and Edison red tape.
If you want an installer who'll still answer your call in 2033 when your inverter throws an error code, Solar Forward is a safer bet than most. You may pay a small premium over the lowest quote, but you're buying a contractor who treats service calls like part of the original job, not an upsell.
Reviews That Shaped Our Verdict
Steve needed solar on a metal roof — something several other installers refused to tackle — and this company stepped in and completed the installation. He later added Tesla batteries through the same team; the battery system ran into a number of early hiccups, and the crew worked through those issues rather than walking away. Over time the setup settled down and now operates reliably. The lasting impression: they were willing to handle a tricky metal-roof install and stayed engaged until the battery system was stable.
Zachary B. began shopping for solar in March 2014, got overwhelmed by competing bids, paused the project to learn more, then resurfaced in December with a clear non-negotiable: he wanted SunPower panels on his roof. He called Solar Forward and Andrew came out, worked around his schedule, and sketched a layout that maximized production while leaving room for future expansion — and agreed to place the inverter where Zachary wanted it. He chose the all-black SunPower modules for their looks, accepted that they yield a little less output, and ended up adding two extra panels to match the original energy target; he considered the low-contrast panels with a slim white line but decided the fully black option would make him happiest. The panels sit on dark grey/blue/blackish shingles and blend so well that he often forgets they’re there — exactly the discreet appearance he wanted. With the federal tax credit deadline looming, the system needed to be paid for and installed before year-end so he could claim the 2015 credit; Andrew arranged for crew members to work between Christmas and New Year’s to hit that cutoff, a move Zachary describes as going well beyond what he expected. Every person
What could have been a $4,000 inverter replacement turned out to be a single broken wire. Susan M. had a small rooftop system installed in 2005 by a company that no longer exists, and for four years she expected the inverter would need replacing but didn’t know where to begin. After reading the Sustainable Santa Monica newsletter she contacted the city, pulled the qualified contractor list and emailed local Solar Forward. She sent Mark Smith the inverter and panel details, and a few days later he came by, tested the equipment and initially found both the inverter and panels weren’t working. Mark followed up with price options but wanted to inspect the roof; despite being tied up on a large downtown LA job he returned two days later with two crew members and a ladder. They found and repaired a broken wire and the inverter lit up again. Mark will install an inexpensive $150 monitoring device in a few weeks, walked her through options for when the inverter eventually needs replacing, and showed his team where every system component lives for future visits. He also confirmed the panels are in excellent condition and should be fine for another 25 years. The striking takeaway: a quick,现场
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Performance by Work Type
How We Got To Trust Score 88
No Red Flags
Unauthorized Activities
Passed screening
Misleading Claims
Passed screening
Background Check
Serving customers for 20 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.
Licensed Contractor
A valid contractor license is on record.
What You Can Expect
Mcarl had Solar Forward install a residential solar system ten years ago and discovered a team that kept proving its value long after the panels went up. He ended up with a system that worked flawlessly, paid for itself, and came from a contractor who offered the most reasonable price, clear communication and fast turnaround. Over the past few years he needed them back for a couple of service jobs that had nothing to do with the original installation — panels had to be removed so a roofer could fix an unrelated leak — and Solar Forward responded immediately. Mark and his crew showed up the next day, coordinated with the roofing contractor and made sure the repair happened before the rains hit. He also used them to put solar on a rental house, and again found the team dependable and professional. The detail that stuck with him: nearly a decade after install, the company still rearranged its schedule at short notice to protect his home from weather damage.
Pamela B. has worked with Solar Forward for more than a decade—possibly one of their earliest clients—and watched them repeatedly solve tricky installation challenges. When she needed panels on a ranch-style home with a complicated roofline and shading from trees, Mark and his team engineered a modern system that fit the constraints and maximized production. Over the years they responded promptly to the few service calls she made, and when she recently chose to add a battery backup they completed the upgrade quickly and professionally. They also handled the permitting process and chased down rebates and tax credits so she didn’t have to. Beyond the technical work, she appreciated that the crew were personable and dependable; the standout detail was how they turned a difficult roof and shading situation into a high-performing, properly documented system.
Christine chose Solar Forward eight years ago to put solar panels on her home's roof. Mark and his team handled the installation and, rather than fading away after the job, have continued to answer her questions promptly over the years. She still gets quick, helpful responses whenever something comes up, turning a one-time install into a long-term, dependable relationship. The detail that sticks: eight years later, the crew’s responsiveness remains the most memorable part of the experience.