The Big Deal Solar reviews
• last updated FEB 26, 2026Loading map...
The Verdict
The Big Deal Solar delivers meticulous, personalized work at a scale most big installers won't touch. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a company that treats pool solar repairs and small retrofits with the same care others reserve for 50-panel megaprojects. One homeowner needed two panels added after a broker's system underperformed, and owner Desiree negotiated with the original seller, then installed the fix herself at a fair price. Another customer watched San Diego County approve their permit 45 minutes after submission because the roof measurements and electrical design were that precise. The team explains technical decisions in plain language (what a failing pool heating manifold looks like, why a battery matters during blackouts, how your meter will spin backward), works around your schedule, and cleans up aesthetic details most crews ignore. We did notice communication gaps when the team is stretched thin. Four reviewers mentioned missed appointments or slow follow-up during busy periods, and one customer waited three months for a battery install after an owner's illness. If you need a quick-turn commodity install with 24/7 call-center support, a national franchise may suit you better. But if you want an installer who'll troubleshoot your underperforming gateway on Day 1 and explain the fix before charging you, the occasional scheduling hiccup is a reasonable trade-off.
If you value technical precision and want a team that treats add-ons and repairs as seriously as new installs, The Big Deal Solar is worth the wait. Just confirm availability upfront if your timeline is tight.
Reviews That Shaped Our Verdict
This homeowner bought a rooftop solar system through a broker and discovered the array wasn’t meeting the promised production. Desiree at Big Deal Solar stepped in: she dug into panel-level performance, checked panel cleanliness, and walked the homeowner through what the data meant and what could be done. When the broker wouldn’t accept responsibility, Desiree went to bat on the homeowner’s behalf and then — taking ownership as the installer — added two more panels at a fair price to bring the system’s output up to expectations. What stands out is Desiree’s hands-on follow-through: she didn’t stop at analysis or advice, she negotiated and physically expanded the system so the homeowner ended up with improved performance and a clear fix rather than an unresolved complaint.
Trey G. wanted to give six stars. He began with a remote audit where the team analyzed his energy bills and scoped his roof from Google Maps, then Larry visited to take exact roof measurements, inspect the attic and circuit panel, and assemble a system plan tailored to the house. The design proved so precise that San Diego County issued the permit just 45 minutes after submission. Installers completed the job in about two and a half days, it passed inspection immediately, and he ended up with a top‑of‑the‑line solar setup with battery backup. Dave, Desiree, and Larry handled every step with knowledge and professionalism, and Trey found the pricing reasonable and customer service outstanding — they did the heavy lifting and he simply watched the process unfold. The standout detail that stuck with him: a permit approved in 45 minutes and a finished system that now makes his meter run backwards.
Marie bought an Enphase starter system for her home, planning to expand it later in phases after claiming tax credits. She ran into friction early: the installer made it clear they don’t prefer small systems, communication was inconsistent, crews missed appointments, and scheduling around the promised cleanings fell apart even though she offered to pay for one. The installation itself went well and she likes the Enphase equipment, but follow-up disappeared. Her Gateway stopped reporting and measured production plunged from roughly 590 to about 147 on clear, sunny days; the year also included four PSPS events that complicated performance. She was ready to move forward with a whole‑house battery, but progress stalled for three months when one of the company owners became ill; that owner has returned and other jobs are being serviced, yet her project hasn’t advanced. The company’s warning that any third‑party cleaning or service would void the warranty left her feeling forced to seek another provider just to get the Gateway working and restore her system’s output.
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How We Got To Trust Score 93
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Serving customers for 6 years
BBB Rating: A+
Excellent BBB standing. Strong complaint resolution.
Natural Review Patterns
Reviews were posted naturally over time.
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A valid contractor license is on record.
What You Can Expect
Patrice Gremeau had just bought a house with a pool and reached out to The Big Deal Solar early last year to get panels, battery storage and a solar pool heater installed. They received an immediate, detailed plan with a couple of configuration options, and the team carefully walked through the technology, the installation timeline and how they would handle city permits. The crew completed the job on schedule, and during the work they uncovered a fault in the existing pool system and fixed it as part of the project. In short order Patrice ended up with a fully operational solar setup, electric bills roughly 50% lower, and the added benefit of a 30% income-tax credit. Office and onsite staff stayed knowledgeable and efficient throughout. The lasting impression: a turnkey, problem-solving installation that handled permits and unexpected issues so Patrice didn’t have to chase anyone.
Bonnie R. went solar with TBD Solar in December 2022, putting panels on her family’s roof. With no prior experience, she relied on Desiree from the first consultation through project close; Desiree and her partner Larry patiently guided the family at every step, explaining what would happen next whenever anything felt unclear. They even added trim around the modules, a finishing touch that made the installation look intentionally neat on the roof. The financial result showed up fast: the household utility bill dropped to about $5 every other month. Desiree and Larry stayed responsive after the install, routinely going out of their way to help, and treated the family like part of a larger household — a combination of hands-on guidance, tidy aesthetics, and the tiny bi-monthly bill she still tells neighbors about when they ask about switching to solar.
Eileen hired Larry C to handle a residential solar installation and discovered someone who combined deep technical know-how with real elbow grease. She watched him walk through each step, taking time to explain how the system would work and what to expect, and felt his genuine passion for the job. The project finished with a clean, professionally executed installation, and what stuck with her most was the clear, patient explanation that left her confident in the system's performance and upkeep.