Best Solar Installers

East Bay

Affordable Home Solar

Affordable Home Solar consistently delivers the lowest quote without cutting corners on the install. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found zero complaints about workmanship, missed deadlines, or surprise costs. One homeowner saved $8,000 compared to a competitor's bid for the identical system. Another avoided a $2,000 electrical panel replacement because owner Meo redesigned the layout to work with existing infrastructure. Reviews show 62 mentions of straightforward sales conduct, no high-pressure tactics or bait-and-switch pricing. The installation crew finishes most jobs in a single day, passes city inspection within the week, and doesn't ask for payment until after sign-off. Meo answers technical questions himself (reviewers repeatedly note he's not a sales rep reading a script), and 26 customers specifically praised his responsiveness months or years after install. One customer from 2016 called him back in 2021 to expand their system rather than shop around again.

Solar Harmonics

Solar Harmonics will respond to your 31st email with the same patience they brought to your first. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and couldn't find a single complaint about follow-through, a pattern so consistent it borders on unbelievable until you see the specifics. Owner Jamie Duran once emailed a customer to report their inverter had failed before the customer even knew, then scheduled a replacement crew the same day. Another homeowner watched their August bill drop from $454 to $72 after installation. What sets this company apart is twofold: Jamie walks customers through system sizing without upselling (47 reviewers noted he helped them buy the right system, not the biggest one), and his crew treats aesthetics like it matters, routing conduit across an entire roof to avoid visible runs or painting it to match multi-tone siding. The company also takes on rescue work other installers won't touch, replacing failed components from long-dead competitors when no one else will return a call.

Rising Sun Electrify

We found an electrician who shows up on holiday weekends to diagnose failed breakers and get your power back on before the food spoils. Rising Sun Electrify has been handling Orange County homes for years, and across dozens of reviews we couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship, project management, or follow-through. What sets them apart is owner Peter's willingness to troubleshoot orphaned solar projects that other installers won't touch. One homeowner called around to multiple top-rated solar companies after their original installer (Sunnova) went bankrupt and left panels sitting dark on the roof. Every shop either refused to service another company's work or was booked out for months. Rising Sun answered the same day, sent a proposal that afternoon, and had the system commissioned two days later. Beyond rescues, they handle standard electrical upgrades (panel swaps, outlet repairs, new circuits) with the same speed and care, often finishing permitted work in a single day and cleaning up so thoroughly you'd think the new panel had been there for years.

Sunlight Electri-Cal Solutions

Sunlight Electri-Cal Solutions earned a gold award for post-sale support in the East Bay, and after analyzing their work, we understand why. We watched one customer chase down help for a solar system whose original installer had gone bankrupt: no one would take the job until Sunlight came out next day, filed the warranty claim on the customer's behalf, and installed a replacement inverter for just the labor cost. Another homeowner called about a firmware glitch weeks after their battery install was paid for, and the owner spent days coordinating directly with the manufacturer so the customer didn't have to. Seventy-four reviewers singled out follow-up support, and we couldn't find a single complaint about it. The team also moves fast: installations regularly wrap in under two months from signing to PG&E activation, with one reviewer noting their entire project finished in six weeks despite city inspections. If you want an installer who treats post-sale problems like they're still trying to earn your business, not like you're interrupting their schedule, Sunlight is worth the call.

Corda Solar

Corda Solar earns one of the clearest recommendations we've written. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found zero complaints about workmanship, follow-up, or installation quality. One homeowner paid $900 to PG&E for an entire year of electricity after Corda installed an 11.47 kW system, despite running two EVs and dual AC units in a climate where neighbors were posting $1,000 monthly bills. Another customer saw their install completed in under a month, metal roof and all, after Tesla quoted $45,000 to rip out the existing roof. Reviews show 23 mentions of project management excellence and 18 of post-sale support, often detailing same-day service calls years after installation. We noticed one thing that sets Corda apart: continuity. Multiple reviewers mentioned working with the same staff members across years and separate projects (pool solar, panels, batteries), which explains why 20 reviews praised sales conduct without a single mention of pressure or upselling. If you want a solar company that'll still answer the phone when your inverter stops reporting data eight years later, Corda is worth the call.

Besty Solar

Besty Solar's project manager Cindy turns the ordinarily messy permitting and installation process into something that actually runs on schedule. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found one pattern repeated more than any other: Cindy coordinated roofers to repair broken tiles after panel installation, chased down inspectors when subcontractors failed three times, and walked customers through composite tile insertions for light-colored roofs. That level of follow-through is rare. The installation teams show up early and work efficiently, but what sets this company apart is the coordination before and after the crew leaves. In one case, a customer started planning on October 4 and had a completed, inspected system by November 6. Another reviewer noted that Cindy stayed available throughout the entire approval process, answering questions at every stage and pushing permits forward when delays threatened the timeline. If you've heard horror stories about solar projects dragging on for months while contractors ghost you between milestones, Cindy's hands-on project management is the antidote.

Save a Lot Solar

Save a Lot Solar treats your install like the owner lives next door. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found owner John Orfali shows up in person for initial inspections, supervises city code compliance himself, and answers follow-up questions years after your system goes live. One engineer interviewed several national installers and walked away frustrated by sales pitches that dodged technical questions. John walked him through wiring diagrams and panel specs until every detail made sense, then quoted lower than the vague competitors. That pattern repeated across 169 reviews praising project management: the company sizes systems to your actual usage instead of upselling capacity you won't use, completes installs in two days with zero permit callbacks, and proactively monitors performance data to catch glitches before you notice them. We found 105 mentions of post-install support, including one homeowner whose Enphase gateway failed sixteen months after installation. Save a Lot replaced the part in three days at no charge, handling the manufacturer coordination most installers would shrug off as "not our problem." If a competitor quotes you $2,000 less, ask whether their CEO will meet the city inspector on-site or fix a broken monitoring unit a year later.

North Valley Solar Power

North Valley Solar Power delivers what most installers just promise: a fast, drama-free installation with a team that actually answers your questions. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found one homeowner who shopped for an entire year before choosing North Valley, then watched the company finish the job in under a month, from signed contract to live system. Another had the install crew walk them through every component on the wall and roof before leaving, explaining exactly how the panels, battery, and electrical panel work together. The standout pattern is post-sale support. We couldn't find a single negative comment about their follow-up service, and 95 reviewers went out of their way to praise it. The second distinctive strength is project management: 82 reviewers mentioned seamless coordination from quote to permission to operate, with timelines that beat the industry average. One customer was told by competitors to expect three to five months for PTO, but North Valley hit it in four weeks. (The install crew also apparently doesn't leave a single piece of trash behind, which is rarer than you'd think.)

Super Solar

Super Solar does the work themselves, and that matters more than it sounds. We analyzed dozens of reviews and couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship. One customer had his shutoff panel vandalized months after install. Szilard repaired it at no charge. Another reached out in 2022 but had to delay a year for drainage work. The team waited without hassle, then completed the job on time. We found 18 reviews describing complex coordination, often involving torch-down roofs or split arrays, that other companies balked at. Szilard climbs on your roof during the estimate (most send salespeople who never do), designs around obstacles like random conduit runs, and finishes installs in 48-hour windows. Reviews show he's still troubleshooting inverter glitches and sourcing replacement panels under warranty seven years later. If you want a contractor who'll repair vandalism damage for free because it's the right thing to do, this is your company.

Smart Home Security Control

We found a contractor whose installers solve problems most companies would walk away from. Greg and his team wired a 16-camera system across a three-story condo complex, taping unused infrastructure and hiding wires inside walls, then spent days tidying up each evening and checking in with the project lead. In a 50-year-old brick home, one installer creatively rerouted an old keyboard power source and set up remote control apps on a customer's iPhone and iPad so an 84-year-old could arm the system from anywhere. We analyzed reviews spanning security cameras, solar panels, TV mounting, and smart home integration. Two patterns stood out: 21 reviewers mentioned follow-up support without a single complaint, and 24 praised sales conduct, highlighting Greg's willingness to check in monthly during a months-long HOA approval delay while other vendors got impatient or ghosted. One reviewer noted the quote wasn't the lowest but was reasonable given the equipment specs and thorough communication. If you need an installer who'll route conduit through complex spaces or teach you the system after install, this is the team.

Solar Bill Review

Solar Bill Review earned a recommendation we give without hesitation. We found 137 reviews praising their sales process, 121 applauding post-install support, and not a single pattern of abandoning customers after the check clears. One homeowner watched Bill, the owner, spend 80 minutes on the phone with PG&E fighting a surprise $250 fee, then offer to pay it himself when the utility refused to budge. Another discovered a dead panel during a routine bill review three years post-install, something they never would have caught on their own. The company's defining trait is obsessive follow-through. They schedule annual bill reviews with every customer, catch rate-plan mistakes that cost hundreds per year, and stay involved long after competing installers ghost you. We tracked 47 mentions of workmanship quality and 50 of pricing fairness, both rooted in their model of vetting installation crews rather than employing their own. The only consistent criticism appears in 6 reviews about project timelines stretching longer than quoted, a trade-off for the hands-on oversight that prevents the panel-wiring disasters we see elsewhere.

East Bay Power Systems

We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews for East Bay Power Systems, and we found a contractor who shows up when things break. One homeowner had a new Powerwall go silent after one day, Jeff sent his installer back out immediately, diagnosed a failed part, and had the system running again within 24 hours. Another called about wonky panels on their roofline, and Jeff came to the house himself to fix it. The data backs this up: 50 reviews mention responsive follow-up support, and we couldn't find a single negative comment about their post-install service. The workmanship scores are equally strong. 59 reviews praise the quality of their installs, from solar arrays to EV chargers, and only 2 mention any concerns. What sets them apart is how they handle the unexpected. One reviewer needed a main panel upgrade mid-project, the team coordinated it with PG&E start to finish and even touched up gutter paint from install dings. If you want an installer who treats troubleshooting like part of the job instead of an inconvenience, this is your crew.

Pacific Solar Energy

Pacific Solar Energy earns our unreserved recommendation for residential solar. We analyzed dozens of customer accounts spanning photovoltaic systems and pool heating, and we couldn't find a single complaint about owner David Pascualy's workmanship or follow-through. One homeowner watched him call the metal-roof installer mid-project to verify the waterproofing technique for panel mounts, then return on a Saturday just to confirm the system was operating correctly. Another saw him rewire an entire array in a single day after discovering neighbor trees were casting shadows, even though the contract was already complete (the fix didn't improve output, but the effort stands). Reviews show he handles the entire rebate process himself, tracking approvals and keeping customers updated without prompting. If you want the cheapest quote in town, you'll likely find it elsewhere. But if you value a contractor who explains technical decisions in plain terms and stays engaged after install day, Pacific Solar delivers that rare combination of expertise and accountability.

Sol R Us Electrical Engineering

Sol R Us delivered a full solar install in 31 days from first contact, including permits, city inspection, and net-metering approval. One customer who compared nine quotes hired them for their competitive pricing and top-tier equipment (Panasonic panels, premium roof mounts), then watched his system produce 609 more kilowatt-hours than projected despite a rainy winter. We found 102 reviews praising the quality of their installations, with zero negative comments about workmanship. The owner, Chris, personally inspects every roof before you sign a contract so there are no surprises later, and the sales team (led by Daniel) sizes systems accurately enough that multiple customers report owing zero dollars on their annual PG&E true-up bills. When one homeowner spotted a roof leak three and a half years after installation, the crew showed up the same day in the rain, climbed onto his concrete tile roof, diagnosed clogged valleys (his own maintenance lapse, not their fault), and fixed it before they left. The company stocks their own parts and handles every step internally, so you are not waiting on subcontractors or dealing with a call center. One quirk: they only install Panasonic or LG panels, which cost more upfront but outlast cheaper alternatives (and apparently survive Bay Area winters without a single complaint in our sample).

Albion Power

Albion Power earned our unreserved recommendation. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a company that treats rooftop solar like the engineering project it is, not a commodity sale. One homeowner watched six other installers hand over quotes based on outdated satellite photos; Albion's estimator climbed the roof with a tape measure, then brought in an architect to certify the structure could handle 24 panels. Another signed in August 2024 for a combined roof-and-solar job and watched Albion navigate a year of permit delays without a single change order or price hike. The pattern held across 56 comments about project management: they say a date, they hit it, and if your city's inspector is difficult, you never hear about it. We found 53 mentions of workmanship quality and only one complaint. The most telling detail: after a full year, one system produced 106% of its rated capacity and the owner received a check from the utility for surplus power. If you want the cheapest quote, keep shopping. But if you want an installer who'll send their owner to supervise your install and an in-house electrician who can upgrade your panel to 200 amps mid-project, Albion's precision is worth the premium.

Illuminate Solar

Illuminate Solar is the rare installer that answers the phone the same day and shows up on Monday to fix your problem. We analyzed reviews spanning eight years and found a pattern that repeats over and over: Mark (the owner) reviews your energy bills to size the system you actually need, not the one that maximizes his margin, then coordinates directly with roofers or city inspectors so you aren't stuck playing project manager. One engineer who compared multiple quotes said every panel mount was installed with visible care, no corner-cutting. Another homeowner watched a 10-panel system that barely produced 1.6 kilowatts get replaced with 22 panels generating 55 kilowatt-hours per day, all while Mark filed the paperwork to preserve their original net-metering agreement. Fourteen reviews mention flawless project management. Twelve call out fair pricing. We couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship, sales pressure, or follow-up. (If you're wondering whether a small shop can handle permitting and utility red tape, one replacement install went from roof work to final city inspection in seven days.)

Kingdom Solar

Kingdom Solar installs solar systems the way a roofer would, because owner Chris Paredes is a roofer by trade. A city inspector in Tracy told one homeowner he wasn't just being polite when he called their install the cleanest roof work he'd seen. The homeowner had watched the crew route wiring through the attic so no conduit showed on the roof, then paint the exposed runs to match the house. Another customer, a contractor himself, was surprised the crew cleaned up after themselves and finished in the promised three days. We found this pattern in install after install: competitive pricing, fast timelines (often under a week from removal to reconnection), and crews who accommodate requests mid-job without complaint. Chris answers his own phone, designs systems while you're on the call, and climbs on your roof to verify measurements before quoting. When things go wrong, he stays until they're fixed. A dentist whose original installer botched the job watched Chris troubleshoot inverter errors directly with the manufacturer until a system that had limped along for years finally worked at full capacity. One homeowner needed an emergency inverter replacement on a Saturday. Chris had a technician there the next morning.

HomePro Solutions

HomePro Solutions gets the basics right that most solar installers fumble. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found the same pattern repeating: Tim Lunsford answers his phone, shows up on time, and doesn't vanish after he gets your signature. One homeowner contacted ten installers racing the NEM 2.0 deadline and said Tim stood out completely, providing detail in his proposal that no other installer matched. Another noted he recommended against adding a battery because it didn't make financial sense, even though he could have made more money on the sale. Reviews consistently highlight fair pricing (though not the absolute cheapest), one-day installations by friendly crews, and proactive follow-up calls weeks after the system goes live. Twenty-five reviewers specifically praised the company's honesty and transparency, and we couldn't find a single complaint about workmanship quality. Two reviews mention poor communication and delayed callbacks, so if you need hand-holding through every step, you may want a larger operation with dedicated project managers. But if you want an installer who'll tell you what you don't need and then actually show up when promised, HomePro delivers.

Wholly Solar

Wholly Solar earned our trust through dozens of reviews with perfect scores across every category we track. One homeowner met Charlie Anwar in an auto shop waiting room, spent months comparing quotes and reading reviews, then circled back because no other installer matched the confidence he inspired. We saw this pattern everywhere: competitors lost on price, but customers chose Anwar anyway. Why? He showed up daily during installations to supervise and answered questions at all hours. A business owner in Fresno was paying $50,000 a year for electricity. Wholly Solar cut that to $22 per month, and the owner still calls it a blessing three years later. One customer spent four years vetting every Bay Area installer before landing on Wholly Solar for an 18 kW custom trellis system over a backyard bocce court. Eight reviewers singled out the after-sales support as exceptional, which matters more than fast talk when your roof is involved.

Ideal Solar

We found Ideal Solar stands apart for doing what most contractors promise but rarely deliver: staying involved after installation. One homeowner discovered this when a falling tree limb damaged a panel. The owner coordinated an arborist referral and had a replacement American-made panel installed within a week. Another family lived in an RV for five months during a sewage crisis, their older home's electrical system unable to handle the load in 100-degree heat. Ideal Solar replaced the main panel, added circuits to fix overloaded wiring, and finished on budget while the family could actually use their temporary home. Across dozens of reviews, we noticed two defining patterns: zero complaints about workmanship quality (14 reviews specifically praised installation precision), and a diagnostic speed that saves you both time and money. One reviewer watched their electrical problem get diagnosed in ten minutes and fixed within the hour. The one mildly absurd detail? One customer waited two full years to write a review, just to confirm the panels still worked. They did.

Sun's Free Solar

Sun's Free Solar delivers uncommonly clean work for a fair price. We analyzed dozens of reviews spanning EV charger and solar installations and couldn't find a single complaint about follow-up support. Thirty reviewers specifically praised the crew's workmanship, including one competing installer who showed up after Sun's Free finished the electrical portion and said, 'I'd hire them again.' Kevin and his team handle tricky jobs others won't bid on, like routing charger wiring through basements to avoid exterior eyesores or upgrading 1955 electrical panels to support custom battery setups with Sol-Ark inverters. Fifteen reviews mentioned speed and professionalism during installs that included all permits and inspections. Fourteen emphasized responsive communication and quotes that came in $500 to $1,000 below competitors. Seven praised Kevin's troubleshooting expertise, fixing improper prior installs and optimizing charging setups that passed inspection on the first try. One homeowner ran completely off-grid for three weeks while waiting for PG&E approval, batteries rarely dipping below 30 percent overnight and recharging by mid-morning.

Enact Solar

Enact Solar delivers what most solar shoppers say they want but rarely find: a local crew who explains everything in plain English and actually answers the phone. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found zero complaints about post-installation support. Eleven reviewers specifically praised how quickly the team responded when questions came up months after the panels went live. One customer noted they'd been running solar since 2017 and just added battery backup, still happy enough to write a review five years in (a rarity in this industry). What sets Enact apart is their proprietary app, which tracks your daily dollar savings and calculates payback timelines in real time. No hunting through utility PDFs or guessing whether the system is performing. One reviewer even piped the telemetry into a home-automation setup, which tells you the data feeds are robust enough for nerds to play with. The company uses in-house installers rather than subcontracting the roof work, so the electrician who designed your system is often the one tightening the bolts.

Got Watts Electric handles complex solar projects without leaving you stranded mid-install. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found the company delivers on ambitious home electrification plans, from panel upgrades to battery systems, even when timelines stretch due to utility delays or supply-chain hiccups. In one detailed account, a homeowner described an eight-month wait for PG&E to upgrade underground service for a full solar-plus-electrification setup, and Got Watts monitored progress weekly, kept the customer informed, and completed the roof installation in a single day once approvals cleared. Communication stood out across 309 mentions of sales conduct and 380 mentions of project management. Reviews specifically praised Samantha for flagging outdated electrical panels that competitors missed, and Jeremy for responding personally when customers raised concerns. The crew's approach to protecting your home also came through in the data: 94 reviews described electricians wearing boot covers over finished floors, straightening crooked switch plates for better aesthetics, and cleaning up so thoroughly you wouldn't know they'd been there. We did find a cautionary tale about permitting delays on a solar add-on that cost the customer access to favorable net-metering rates, so if you're planning phased solar expansion, confirm filing timelines in writing.

Greenlink Solar earned a perfect rating from every customer we analyzed. Seven reviewers specifically mentioned the company's sales rep, Kyb, for walking them through decisions without pressure or jargon. One customer inherited a messy old solar system and Kyb redesigned it with five new panels, now she pays zero for electricity. Installation crews showed up and finished in two days flat. The pattern we noticed most: Kyb explains how the math works (payback periods, bill offsets) using plain language, then the install team executes without drama. One reviewer joked that working with Kyb made choosing solar "a simple decision," which sounds like marketing copy until you read the details, he apparently covered financing options competitors never mentioned. No one complained about follow-up or post-install support, which is rare enough to note. If you want to understand exactly what you're buying before signing, and you value a fast, clean installation, Greenlink delivers on both.

SolarGuru Energy delivered exactly what they promised. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found two homeowners who signed on for value and speed, got it, then came back a year later to say the system still performed flawlessly. The company quoted below competitors while spec'ing better equipment (10 reviewers called out pricing, 11 mentioned high-quality workmanship), and 21 people said project management was smooth from design through activation. One install team spotted a racking mistake during final walk-through and returned the next morning to fix it without being asked. The owner, Miguel, stayed reachable throughout, and a coordinator named Gabriela sent proactive updates so customers never had to chase status. One buyer did warn that Miguel sold his contract to a third-party outfit called Powur mid-project, which led to measurement errors and a seven-month permitting nightmare. That handoff risk is the trade-off for SolarGuru's low overhead model. (We did not find a single complaint about systems going dark post-install, so if you survive permitting, the panels apparently work.)

We recommend Golden State Solar without reservation. In 35 reviews praising workmanship, we couldn't find a single complaint about installation quality or shortcuts. One homeowner watched Tim coordinate with their roofer to replace a 100-amp panel during a solar install for just the cost of materials and permits, a job that normally runs $2,500. Reviews show 33 mentions of project management discipline: Tim showed up daily during construction, posted permits within three days of signing, and turned one system on just 16 days after the initial meeting. When other installers told a homeowner they couldn't integrate new panels with a builder-grade starter system, Tim added panels and a battery in a few days, then came back twice to replace a faulty microinverter and panel until output matched projections. That follow-through showed up in 19 reviews about post-sale support. The only quirk we noticed: Tim apparently inspired enough loyalty that one customer's dog ate his work gloves, and he didn't mind.

Synergy Power runs one of the tightest operations we've seen. We analyzed reviews spanning years of installations and couldn't find a pattern of broken promises or botched follow-through. The company handles everything in-house, from sales through permitting to installation and post-sale support, and 106 reviews cite the quality of their workmanship. One homeowner described his inverter failing again a month after replacement; the owner never called back, and the customer switched it on himself after calling the manufacturer. That's the harshest complaint we found. Meanwhile, 79 reviews praise post-installation support, often noting same-day responses and next-day site visits. Sixteen customers mentioned feared roof leaks that never materialized, and install crews routinely photographed their flashing work unprompted. In one case, the team noticed two panels underperforming weeks after final payment, diagnosed neighbor shading, and relocated the panels the next day without the homeowner asking. Sales reps let customers choose specific panel models instead of pushing inventory, and the owner once interrupted a call to talk a buyer out of an inefficient pool heat pump. If you want an installer who'll fix problems you didn't know existed and skip upsells that don't pencil out, Synergy is worth the premium.

Del Sol Energy will chase down a faulty inverter manufacturer for months and then replace the entire system at their own expense. We found an industry engineer who researched dozens of installers for his own home, chose Del Sol for their technical honesty, and watched them swap out a problematic inverter when the manufacturer dragged its feet. They also stepped in to honor another company's abandoned warranty, fixing a system they didn't originally install. Fourteen reviewers praised their workmanship without a single complaint, and thirteen called out their straightforward sales process. The install crew runs conduit to match your house paint, leaves spare roof tiles for future repairs, and preps systems for batteries you haven't bought yet. One customer changed her panel count three times during quoting and the advisor responded to every revision without complaint. Communication around scheduling can lag (one installer arrived to replace a panel without warning, another rescheduled without notice), but the equipment choices hold up and the crew cleans up after itself.

Nabu Energy excels at the technical consultation that most installers rush. We found 87 reviews praising transparent, no-pressure sales, nearly all singling out engineer-level explanations of panel specs, inverter trade-offs, and permit timelines without the hard sell. One homeowner noted the team spent hours on the phone diagnosing a monitoring issue for free, trying to avoid a costly site visit. Another described receiving three system-sizing options tailored to current and future needs, with color-matched conduit and zero fastening issues on a 36-year-old tile roof. Workmanship earned a 4.8 score, driven by 73 positive mentions of neat installs, quality hardware, and attention to finish details like painting roof attachments to blend with exteriors. The main trade-off is responsiveness. We noticed 17 complaints about project-management gaps: missed appointments, weeks-long silences, and one install that stretched to six months instead of the promised three. If you want an installer who'll explain why a specific inverter model suits your roof angle and won't upsell you on oversized systems, the occasional communication lag is the price of working with a small, technically focused crew.

Shade Power specializes in solar pergolas, an ideal solution if you want panels but dread the thought of dealing with roof penetrations or future reroofing costs. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found the same story repeated: initial skepticism about whether solar could work without mounting on a roof, followed by relief after meeting with their team. One homeowner had maxed out their south-facing roof space and wasn't sure what to do next; Shade Power designed an attached pergola that added both shade and generation capacity without touching the existing array. The company handles permitting end-to-end (reviewers mention zero friction with inspectors or utilities), and six customers specifically praised installations finishing on or ahead of schedule despite triple-digit heat. The construction crews bring their own porta-potties and leave sites clean. We noticed 20 mentions of workmanship quality and not one complaint about structural integrity or leaks. If you're comparing rooftop installers, this won't be your cheapest option. But if you value outdoor living space and want to avoid roof work entirely, the premium buys you a dual-purpose structure built by people who've been doing this exact thing for years.

A1 Sun handled our half-finished mess after the original installer went bankrupt, and they didn't just patch it. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a pattern: customers keep returning to this installer for second systems, third jobs, decade-later upgrades. That loyalty rests on 45 mentions of workmanship quality with zero negative comments. A1 Sun climbs on your roof to measure rather than quoting from Google Street View, a detail 7 reviewers noted when comparing bids. They coordinated permits for exterior battery mounts with county fire departments and timed panel bracket installs so a roofer could work around them, the kind of sequencing most companies won't touch. One commercial client cycled through a dozen solar firms before finding A1 Sun willing to repair a 10-year-old 206-panel array instead of pushing a full replacement. The company did ghost two callers who left messages in 2023, and one family waited years for a service callback until a Yelp review forced action. If you want an installer who'll swap out heat-damaged panels under warranty a decade after install, those occasional communication lapses are the trade-off for a crew that actually answers for their work long-term.

Lundy Solar and Roofing handles the messy coordination that makes solar installations drag on for months, and customers notice. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found 18 mentions of workmanship quality without a single complaint about installation errors or follow-up neglect. Reviews show the owner walks jobsites to catch cosmetic details (painting roof conduit to match shingles, touching up siding that wasn't part of the contract) and returns to fix minor issues without pushback, which one reviewer called "unheard of" in contracting. Crews averaged under four days for combined reroofs and solar installs, then left sites clean enough that homeowners singled it out in reviews. Lundy also took on an inverter repair for a system it didn't originally install after multiple competitors turned the customer away, a level of service flexibility rare among solar contractors. One gutter-cleaning customer groused about tile dust on neighbors' cars after requesting a blower instead of a vacuum, so if you hire Lundy for ancillary work, specify your cleanup preference upfront.

We found an installer who'll reinstall your entire solar array a decade later when the manufacturer goes bust. Century Roof and Solar quotes run higher than competitors, but reviews show why. In one case, defective panels forced a complete reinstall years after the original job—Tony negotiated the warranty claim, coordinated the class-action settlement against the manufacturer, and handled the second installation at no additional cost to the homeowner. We tracked 164 mentions of workmanship quality across hundreds of reviews, with crews photographing damage before repairs and fixing trim paint that wasn't even in the contract. The owner teaches county inspectors how to evaluate solar installations, which explains why one inspector photographed their work as a training example for other contractors. Daily cleanup is standard, and the office monitors weather forecasts to adjust schedules (one crew worked past 8pm on a Friday to beat an incoming storm). The catch: quotes land on the premium end, and job-site communication from crews can be sparse if you prefer real-time updates. One reviewer waited six years to replace their roof because Tony told them during the first consultation it didn't need work yet.

GoSimpleSolar delivered exactly what we look for in a contractor: conservative estimates that the system beats, and owners who answer the phone years later. We analyzed dozens of reviews spanning a decade and found zero complaints about workmanship or long-term performance. One Danville homeowner was promised a 50% usage reduction and got better results (a $220 annual bill instead of $1,320), while a reviewer in Noe Valley came home from spring break to find a 7.2kW system installed a day early and under budget. The company's owner, Mark, personally handles post-installation questions and paperwork, and 19 reviewers singled out the energy analysis software that tracks tree shadows month by month. We did notice three reviews describing curt responses to quote requests, including one homeowner who received a brief "we can't assist" email with no explanation (the owner later clarified the project involved relocating pool solar heating, which the company doesn't handle). If you want an installer who'll still take your call five years in and quotes conservatively enough that your summer bills stay under $20, the occasional brusque screening email is worth overlooking.

Mother Nature Solar is the company you call when you want the same top-tier equipment the big names use, but at a price 30% lower. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a consistent pattern: customers report paying roughly the same *before* rebates as national installers charge *after* rebates. One homeowner compared bids for an identical REC-and-Enphase system and paid thousands less upfront, then pocketed the full 30% federal credit. Another reviewer switched from Sunrun after discovering Mother Nature quoted a fraction of the price for the same materials. The trade-off is straightforward. Mark, the owner, runs a lean one-person operation with subcontracted install crews. That keeps overhead low, but it also means appointments can slip if crews face conflicts or bad weather. One customer waited months for installation due to scheduling hiccups and a combiner box that needed rework. Once the system is up, though, post-install support is fast. Mark diagnosed a mystery production drop over the phone within an hour, coordinated directly with the panel manufacturer, and walked the customer's general contractor through the fix, all in a single afternoon. If you can tolerate some calendar uncertainty and want to avoid paying a 30% markup for a corporate logo, the savings here are real and the workmanship holds up.

NorthStar delivers the trifecta that most solar shoppers struggle to find: competitive pricing, in-house crews, and follow-through that lasts long after installation. One homeowner watched the team return hours after quitting time, unprompted, to weatherproof the job site before a forecasted storm. Another had a string failure a year later and got a tech onsite within days, no runaround with a warranty call center. We found 122 mentions of seamless project execution, and 114 reviewers singled out installation quality, including roof-to-solar coordination that prevents the hand-off disasters common when separate contractors pass the buck. The crew color-matched all conduit runs to siding, replaced cracked roof tiles mid-job at no charge, and left worksites clean enough that one architect now recommends them to clients. Communication does lag between contract signing and project kickoff (one buyer waited three months for a start date after winter backlog), but once work begins, responsiveness is tight. If you want an installer who'll chase down an inverter fault a year later instead of ghosting you, NorthStar earns the slight wait.

Liberty Bay Solar is who you call when you want someone who'll actually fix your system years later. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a pattern that sets this contractor apart: Chad, the owner and a licensed electrician and roofer, still answers the phone and shows up himself for troubleshooting calls long after installation. In one case, he opened a warranty case with SolarEdge, spent two hours on hold stepping through their diagnostics, then returned a week later to install the replacement inverter and clean the panels. We found 25 reviewers praising workmanship quality with zero complaints, and 8 separate stories of same-day or next-day service calls where Chad diagnosed inverter failures, navigated manufacturer warranties, and restored systems within hours. His consultations lean technical: he'll spend an hour explaining battery backup trade-offs or why a metal roof install costs more, and 19 reviewers specifically noted his low-pressure, engineering-focused approach. The installation process itself earned high marks for coordination, especially when roofing work ran parallel to solar, though permitting delays and one multi-building project that required extra attention show this isn't a volume installer churning through cookie-cutter jobs.

We recommend Wired Into The Future without reservation. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found zero criticism of their workmanship, a pattern that held across solar installs, inverter repairs, generator fixes, and EV charger setups. One customer inherited a broken solar system from a defunct contractor and called nine companies; eight refused to service equipment they hadn't installed, but Dean (the owner) showed up within 15 minutes, fixed it on the spot, then emailed step-by-step instructions so the homeowner could handle it next time. Another reviewer's panels have produced 75% of their electricity for over a year despite a quote estimating only 68%, and a third saw their first annual utility bill come in "much less than expected" after friends warned them about cheap systems that underperform. The company handles all permitting and PG&E coordination, shows up exactly when promised, and charges what they quote. (One reviewer noted Dean actually climbed on the roof with a safety harness during the site visit, which apparently impressed them enough to mention it years later.) If you want an installer who'll inherit someone else's mess and fix it anyway, this is the rare company that will.

We recommend E-Waste & Solar Recycling Center without reservation. One reviewer called them after striking out with every waste disposal service in Santa Clara County, and Eddie had a crew at their door the next morning to haul away old solar panels. Another watched their tech Jesse show up early, stay late to help with extras, and power through a roomful of unsorted electronics in 15 minutes. We found zero complaints about the crew's workmanship, and 54 reviews praised their follow-up support with specific stories about quick scheduling, helpful reminders, and courteous drivers who brought their own boxes. Reviewers mention Eddie by name 34 times, always in the context of fast replies and fair pricing. One homeowner dumped two ancient TVs in their after-hours bin for free, thrilled to avoid storing a 40-inch relic in the garage. The one pricing surprise we spotted involved a $20 drop-off fee when the listing said free, but that lone review stands against dozens praising their transparency and lower quotes than competitors.

Ally Electric & Solar is one of those rare contractors you can trust to clean up someone else's mess. We found story after story of the Berkeley-based team stepping in to diagnose exactly what another electrician botched, then fixing it without upselling. In one case, they pinpointed a power-loss issue in under an hour, saving the homeowner from rewiring entire rooms. Their solar work follows the same pattern: 44 reviews mention careful workmanship, and in the decade-plus they've been installing panels, we couldn't find a single complaint about shoddy roof attachments or mislabeled wiring (a rarity for any contractor operating this long). The family-run setup means Metin and Nur show up for city inspections themselves, walk you through the monitoring app, and still answer calls years later when your inverter acts up. If you want the cheapest quote in the Bay Area, you'll probably find it elsewhere. But if you want an installer who treats your 1920s bungalow like it's their own and doesn't disappear after permit sign-off, the modest premium buys you a decade of accountability.

Evo Energy handles the basics well but stumbles on follow-through. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a clear pattern: the actual installations (both solar and EV chargers) consistently earn praise, with 17 reviewers highlighting workmanship and zero complaints about the final product. One Oakland homeowner mentioned the installer stayed late to help hunt down the right adapter on Amazon when their Chevy Bolt arrived without a Level 2 cable. But the company subcontracts through QMerit on some jobs, and that handoff creates communication gaps. Three reviewers described waiting weeks for updates or never hearing back at all after leaving voicemails. When the project manager does engage (one reviewer singled out Esgar for being

United Solar Electric delivers solid installations and will stay in touch if something goes wrong. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found no pattern of abandoned customers or shoddy workmanship. In one case, a new homeowner inherited a defunct monitoring system from 2020. United Solar's staff walked her through the ownership transfer over the phone, reconnected the monitoring, and never charged a service fee. Ninety-seven reviews mention sales conduct, and only seven had complaints. The rest describe reps who price-match competing quotes, explain microinverter trade-offs in plain language, and don't bad-mouth rivals. Installation crews finish most jobs in two days, and 88 reviewers highlight proactive project updates. What you won't find here is cutting-edge tech or rock-bottom pricing. United Solar matches competitors when you push them, but they don't lead the market on cost. If you want a regional installer who'll answer the phone three years later and fix a wiring mistake at no charge (one review mentions a mis-wired battery that the crew corrected), this is a safe bet.

Solabrite delivers solid work, but not without occasional stumbles. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found workmanship scores of 4.8, with 203 positive mentions and only 10 negatives. One homeowner watched an installer lean a ladder on his gutter without protection, leaving scratches and bends, then found fingerprints all over the reflective tubes because the protective film came off too early. Another discovered the crew never reinstalled the attic insulation they'd pushed aside, leaving thermal gaps visible on camera. These aren't project-ending mistakes, but they reveal inconsistent attention to detail. On the flip side, 163 reviewers praised project management, and Miguel's name appears in dozens of reviews for punctual, courteous installs. One customer called their solar tube "the best $780 we've spent," turning a dungy windowless bathroom into the brightest room in the house. If you're willing to verify the crew restores insulation and protects finishes, you'll likely get a professional install. If you need an installer who never requires that kind of oversight, keep looking.

JD Energy Solutions is a solid local installer with a strong track record, but one glaring flaw keeps us from recommending them outright. We found 13 reviews praising the team's workmanship, and reviewers consistently describe Jose as knowledgeable, responsive, and fair on price. One homeowner upgraded an electrical panel and installed an EV charger for $200 less than competing quotes, and the job passed inspection the same day. Another hired JD for a charger install and was so impressed by Jose's explanations during the walkthrough that they added a full solar system a week later. The team handles permitting, completes installs in under a day, and cleans up thoroughly. But we spotted one four-month-old review describing an unfinished system where the homeowner is still paying dual electric and solar bills. That's a red flag we can't ignore, especially since the review shows no public response or resolution. (At least they won't ghost you before the contract is signed; 12 reviewers confirm Jose answers every text during the sales process.) If you're betting on fast turnaround and strong communication from start to finish, ask pointed questions about their close-out timeline and what happens if permits or inspections stall.

Solar Technologies gets the fundamentals right. We analyzed reviews spanning nearly a decade and found a company that delivers SunPower installs without drama, hits promised production numbers, and fields a team that actually answers the phone. One homeowner routed all wiring through the attic to avoid visible conduit on the roof, a cosmetic request Solar Technologies accommodated after inspecting the space. Another saw their year-one true-up come in at negative $26, matching the installer's 101% production estimate perfectly. The workmanship holds up. We found 205 mentions of clean, professional installations with only 13 complaints, and 129 reviewers cited competitive pricing without caveats. Project management runs smooth: 215 reviews mention timely coordination, clear milestone communication, and crews that adapt to weather delays or last-minute layout changes. The weak spot is post-sale support. While 146 reviewers praised responsive follow-up, 25 describe slow warranty claims, unresolved panel failures, and techs who vanish after acquisition transitions. One customer waited eight months for LG warranty replacements that Solar Technologies never chased down. If your system works flawlessly, you'll never notice. If it doesn't, you may be making a lot of phone calls.

Redwood Electric is consistently excellent at the actual electrical work, but you may wait longer than you'd like for an estimate. We found nearly a hundred reviews praising owner Jothi Param's craftsmanship, and 84 specifically mentioned his workmanship quality without a single negative comment. Two stood out: one homeowner inherited a 1940s house with dangerous knob-and-tube wiring, and Jothi's crew rewired the whole system for two-thirds of the estimated cost while passing inspection on the first try. Another customer's kitchen renovation turned into a disaster when their original contractor left exposed gas lines, but Jothi's electrical work was so clean the inspector said it likely prevented an explosion. Pricing consistently comes in below estimates. Reviewers mention ceiling fans balanced so perfectly they run silent, outlets installed level enough that cover plates sit flush, and protective coverings laid over every surface they work near. The one recurring complaint: slow callbacks and delayed estimates, with three customers waiting a week or more to hear back (though all issues were eventually resolved).

Western Sierra delivers clean work and runs jobs on time, but we found enough rough edges to keep this from being an enthusiastic recommendation. One reviewer called off work for a gutter installation only to have the crew leave five minutes after arrival because the owner suddenly discovered the job required an extra $1,500 in materials he'd missed during the estimate. We tracked down 64 mentions of solid workmanship and 60 comments praising how well the company stays on schedule, and those numbers hold up in the details. Three workers installed leaf filters and cleaned gutters in under an hour. A crew realigned gutters and installed screens in one extra day beyond the estimate. Western Sierra makes their own seamless gutters in-house, which means fewer gaps and faster turnarounds than installers who outsource fabrication. The frustration shows up in follow-through. We noticed 9 reviews documenting damage or incomplete repairs, including one gutter cleaning where the worker never ran water through the system to confirm the downspouts were actually clear. If you want a mid-tier installer who'll finish on the day they promise and leave your yard tidy, Western Sierra fits. If you need someone who'll catch expensive scope changes before showing up with a ladder, keep looking.

Moctezuma Roofing is a safe bet if you want a crew that shows up on time and cleans up after themselves. We found zero complaints about workmanship across the reviews we analyzed, and 143 reviewers explicitly praised the quality of the install. One homeowner literally closed on their house because Jacob wrote a roof report that satisfied the lender, then came back after closing to replace the entire roof. Emmanuel climbed onto a squishy second-story roof (instead of relying on drone photos like other bidders) and found dry rot everywhere, then his crew tore it out and torched down a new roof in two and a half days. The company handles the full spectrum: emergency leak patches, tile replacements after fumigation, and complete reroof projects with permit filing and carpentry repairs bundled in. What we didn't see is cutting-edge solar integration or premium warranty packages that top-tier installers offer. The brothers Jacob, Emmanuel, and Billy all run crews under the same banner, so you'll get consistent communication but not necessarily a dedicated project manager tracking every detail. If you want a straightforward roof replacement without handholding, Moctezuma delivers solid workmanship at competitive pricing.

Del Sol Energy is a safe choice if you want a local installer who won't ghost you after the sale. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found a company that handles the basics well, installs panels without obvious mistakes, and shows up years later when something breaks. One homeowner noticed an inverter failure in 2019, and Del Sol swapped the entire unit at their own expense rather than pointing him toward the manufacturer's warranty department. Another customer went four years without a true-up bill because the company right-sized the system from the start. The most distinctive pattern we noticed is how often reviewers mentioned painted conduit, a detail that sounds trivial until you realize it means the crew didn't treat your roof like a construction site. We also saw 80 mentions of workmanship quality with zero complaints about leaks or damage. The downside? A handful of customers reported waiting months for help when their systems went offline. One couple paid PG&E for four months before Del Sol diagnosed a faulty communication board. If you need hand-holding through monitoring dashboards or immediate callbacks, you may feel neglected. But if you want a straightforward install and are willing to chase them down when issues arise, Del Sol delivers on the fundamentals.

Thriving Solar does the fundamentals well but stumbles on follow-through. We analyzed their installation record and found 13 reviewers specifically praised workmanship quality, with zero complaints about how panels were mounted or wired. One homeowner described watching the crew handle all PG&E interconnection paperwork without a single follow-up call required, navigating utility coordination that typically drives customers to despair. Another saw their $700 monthly bill drop to zero after a combined roof-and-solar project priced below competing bids. The company clearly knows how to size systems, explain technical choices in plain terms, and execute clean installs. But we found one detailed account of catastrophic project management: incorrect PG&E paperwork that delayed activation for months, eight-day response gaps after full payment, and a promised refund check that never arrived despite repeated requests over five months. If you value hands-on customer service after the panels go live, ask pointed questions about their post-installation support process before signing.

Solarit is a solid mid-tier installer that nails the basics without breaking new ground. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found two standout advantages: an instant online proposal tool that spares you the sales-pitch gauntlet, and a 30-year warranty that covers roof penetration, panels, inverters, and labor (five years longer than the industry standard). One engineer and his detail-oriented wife compared multiple quotes and picked Solarit because the financing saved them $8,000 over competitors with identical cash pricing. We found 10 reviews praising post-sale support with zero complaints, and 9 reviewers called out project management by name. The installation crew shows up on time, answers technical questions on the roof, and leaves the site clean. One reviewer did allege a salesman took payment without completing the work, but we saw no follow-up or corroboration. If you want transparent upfront pricing and a warranty that outlasts most marriages, Solarit delivers without the upsell theatrics.

Your Energy Solutions is a safe bet if you're willing to wait a little longer for a smaller company that actually picks up the phone. We found 94 reviewers who praised the hands-on attention from co-owner Jim and engineer Lou, who walk customers through equipment trade-offs without the sales pitch common at national chains. One homeowner spent three years with zero contact, then called about a mysteriously offline system and had a technician at the door within days tightening breaker connections. The follow-through is where YES separates itself: 71 reviews mentioned post-install support, and we couldn't find a single complaint about them ghosting a service call. Franki in the service department appears in dozens of reviews for solving inverter bugs, chasing down manufacturer warranties, and returning calls from his kid's soccer game. The downside is project management. Sixteen customers noted inefficient handoffs between departments, permitting delays that require you to stay on top of the timeline, and monitoring tools that don't always catch system downtime before you do. If you want the cheapest quote or the fastest permitting, you'll find it elsewhere. But if you'd rather pay a bit more to work with people who'll still troubleshoot your system three years later without an appointment runaround, YES delivers where it counts.

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.

Source Energy is a safe bet if you want a hands-on broker who'll stick around after the sale. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found one name popping up in nearly every story: Andres, the broker who apparently answers calls months after installation and explains your system performance without corporate jargon. One retiree on a fixed income went from skeptical to signed in three months, crediting Andres with breaking down options until the numbers made sense. Another homeowner slashed a $700 monthly electric bill to $50 and noted Andres checked in unprompted to confirm everything worked. We did spot one frustration with the Enphase monitoring system, where a customer couldn't track which appliances drained power and felt ghosted post-install, but that's an outlier in a sea of praise for responsiveness. The workmanship scores sit at a perfect 5.0 across six mentions, and 23 reviews specifically call out how the broker made solar feel less like a gamble and more like a plan.

Fidelity Roof delivers solid work with unusually strong follow-up. We found 14 reviews praising their post-installation support, including one homeowner who's called them back multiple times over three years for free gutter checks and minor roof inspections, always getting same-day or next-day service. That kind of ongoing care is rare in this industry. The work itself holds up. A commercial property manager who's hired them since 1993 for everything from warehouse TPO to residential tile roofs told us he's tried other companies but keeps returning because nobody else matches their attention to detail. On solar specifically, reviews show clean installs with no roof penetration issues. The weak spot is communication before you're a customer. We saw 9 reviews about delayed or missing estimates, including one multifamily building owner who never received the quote they were promised despite multiple follow-ups. Once you're in the system, though, responsiveness jumps dramatically. If you can tolerate a slow sales process, the payoff is an installer who'll still show up years later when your downspouts clog.

Bene Electric is a solid, straightforward choice for homeowners who want an electrician they can trust. We analyzed customer feedback and found Cole Bene stands out for two reasons: his diagnostic skill and his willingness to solve your problem over the phone if he can. One homeowner described a five-week power outage after a tree root destroyed their panel. Cole identified the exact panel brand from a photo, navigated the utility bureaucracy on their behalf, and finished the replacement in two hours instead of the expected full day. In another case, a tenant's daily Tesla supercharging was tripping breakers. Cole diagnosed it remotely, explained the battery fire risk, and saved the customer a service call. We found 38 mentions of reliable follow-through and 36 citing clear project management, but nothing about after-hours emergencies or complex commercial work. His pricing sits in the middle of the pack. If you value an owner who answers his own phone and won't upsell you on work you don't need, that transparency is worth the drive time if you're outside Pleasanton.

Green Air does solid work when things go smoothly, but communication stumbles can leave you waiting. We analyzed reviews spanning eight years and found a clear split: customers who stay within the company's wheelhouse praise the technical execution and owner Nick's hands-on approach, while a vocal minority report being ghosted after initial contact or hitting walls during warranty claims. Forty-four reviewers mentioned good value, and 80 praised workmanship quality, but 17 flagged post-sale support issues. One homeowner watched Nick replace an off-spec refrigerant line at no charge and later front thousands of dollars for a new system while waiting months for a manufacturer refund. Another described seamless Powerwall switchovers during five separate outages. Yet we also found multiple accounts of unanswered quote requests and one detailed story of a solar inverter failure that spiraled into a dispute over who should pay for fuse replacements. The technical crew earns consistent praise. technicians like Ben and Tom show up, explain what they're testing in plain language, and leave systems running. But if you need a revised quote or have to chase down a warranty repair, expect friction.

GRID Alternatives isn't your typical solar installer. They're a nonprofit that trains volunteers and job seekers to install panels on low-income homes at no cost to the homeowner. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found the model delivers real results. One homeowner in San Diego paid zero out of pocket, owns the system outright (no lease), and now produces more electricity than she uses. Another waited eight months from approval to activation and couldn't get return calls during the delays. The work quality scores high: 19 reviews mention solid workmanship, and installations routinely pass inspection on the first try. But post-installation support lags behind commercial installers. We found 11 reviews citing unreturned calls and multi-month waits to get systems turned on. If you're comparing speed and white-glove service, a conventional installer will move faster. But if you qualify for their program and can tolerate some communication gaps, you'll get a professionally installed system that costs you nothing and cuts your electric bill to nearly zero.

Williams Electric solves the problems other electricians can't. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found the same pattern over and over: customers tried one or two contractors first, got nowhere, then called Geoff Williams and had power restored within hours. In one case, two warranty-approved electricians spent 30 days failing to fix daily outages before Geoff diagnosed the issue on arrival and resolved it in four days. We couldn't find a single complaint about his technical knowledge. He diagnosed a 600-degree wire inside a defective breaker box at 7 a.m., replaced the panel that day, and explained why Stab-Lok boxes are fire hazards. In 169 reviews praising workmanship, customers described him spotting wrong-thread ground screws in junction boxes and double-lugged panels that inspectors missed. He troubleshoots over FaceTime to save you a service call (one customer restored fridge power on a holiday weekend via video chat), and when he does panel work, he returns two years later to fix a tripped breaker for zero dollars. The communication style is direct, not chatty, which some reviewers mistook for roughness until they saw the finished work.

Sky Power Solar is a safe bet if you want a local installer who'll still be answering your emails in five years. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found two recurring patterns: crews who complete installations on schedule without drama, and a monitoring system that catches panel failures before you notice a spike in your electric bill. One customer discovered their system wasn't working only when PG&E sent a $2,800 bill months later. Sky Power's CEO responded to the complaint but didn't offer a refund for the lost production. Another reviewer praised the opposite experience: the company noticed underperforming panels remotely, dispatched a technician without being asked, and boosted efficiency by 25 percent through restringing. That proactive monitoring showed up in 16 reviews. Installation quality is solid. Thirty reviews mention professional crews, competitive pricing, and layouts that maximize roof space. The main gap is onboarding: several customers report no training on inverter switches, monitoring apps, or how to read post-solar utility bills. You'll get a system that works as predicted. You won't get white-glove handholding unless you ask for it.

Suntrek Solar has been around long enough to build a loyal base, especially for pool heating. One homeowner came back to them after 13 years because the first install never leaked; another said their pool finally became usable after three summers of sitting empty. We noticed 196 reviewers praised their workmanship, and more than 220 commented on solid post-installation support. But we also found a cluster of angry customers facing roof leaks years after install, denied warranty claims, and repair quotes that felt like upsells. One homeowner said the owner blamed "poor installation" for failed panels, then admitted his own crew did the work. (The cognitive dissonance is impressive.) If you're weighing Suntrek, know that their long-term service exists, but whether it's responsive or evasive seems to depend on which side of the warranty line you fall.

American Array delivers dependable solar installations at competitive prices. We analyzed their portfolio and found consistent execution on the fundamentals: installations that meet city and utility approvals on the first try, systems producing at or above estimates years later, and warranty repairs handled within days rather than weeks. One customer reported an Enphase communication board failure two years in; American Array scheduled the fix within 48 hours and had parts on-site while the system kept generating power. Reviews show 338 mentions of solid workmanship, often tied to clean conduit runs, properly grounded electrical, and painted hardware that blends with the roofline. Their project manager Adam appears in dozens of reviews for remembering panel-level details months after install and troubleshooting shading issues over Zoom rather than dispatching a truck. (If you enjoy monitoring your system obsessively, you'll appreciate that level of hand-holding.) What's missing: the premium financing options and battery-integration expertise we see from top-tier installers. You're paying for quality hardware and reliable follow-up, not cutting-edge energy management.

Sierra Roofing and Solar is a reliable pick for combined roof and solar work. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found the company excels at managing complicated dual projects, the kind where a crew tears off your old roof, installs new shingles, and then puts your solar array back on without damaging a single panel. One meticulous project manager praised their dedicated solar team for discovering that his original installer had skipped the roof joists entirely and mounted panels straight to the deck, then fixing it properly with code-compliant hardware. Reviews consistently highlight responsive estimators who explain problems without upselling, crews who clean up debris daily, and project managers who chase down unexpected issues like unplanned sheathing needs. We found 111 mentions of solid workmanship and 98 positive comments about post-sale support. The company's strength is execution: they show up on time, finish on schedule, and leave your driveway spotless. What you won't find is cutting-edge solar tech or the cheapest quote in town. (One homeowner noted Sierra's bid came in higher than low-ball roofers but matched top contractors, which tracks with their multi-decade warranties.) If you want a one-stop shop that handles both trades competently and backs the work for decades, Sierra is a safe choice.

We found serious red flags at All On Electric that should make any homeowner pause. One customer discovered their inverter had been offline for four months (racking up $849 in extra utility bills) because the company never explained how to monitor their system, and when the owner finally responded, his answer was

HCI Solar has a serious telemarketing problem. Two reviewers allege the company uses shell names like Solar America and ZeroDownSolar to repeatedly call people on the federal Do Not Call list, even after being asked to stop. One reviewer dug into the company's business filings and found inconsistencies and a contractor license that declares zero employees, raising red flags about how they structure work. Meanwhile, dozens of installation customers describe a very different experience. Anthony and Jose earned praise in 26 reviews for patient explanations and courteous on-site work, and installations routinely finished in one or two days. In one case, a homeowner who switched internet providers lost their monitoring connection and had it fixed with a single call. Three families report getting connected to the utility grid in under a month, far faster than the three-to-five-month estimates from competitors. The work quality scores hover near perfect, with only a handful of negative mentions across value, workmanship, and follow-up. But the telemarketing allegations are hard to ignore, especially when they come with specific business-entity numbers and claims of deceptive naming practices.

Lamorinda Solar divides customers into two camps. We found 13 reviewers praising Mark's installation workmanship, citing crisp coordination with roofers and systems still running strong after 10 or even 18 years. One homeowner had a leak fixed within 48 hours of calling, another watched their pool jump from 75 to 90 degrees in under two weeks. But we also found 7 complaints about repair refusals and premature failures. One HOA reported Mark flat-out refusing service calls because he hadn't been out in a couple years, even though they were planning a full system replacement. Another customer's panels started leaking after just 7 years (Mark has since retired, leaving them scrambling for warranty coverage). A third paid $20 for six O-rings Mark sold them, then found a 50-pack online for under $9. The installation reviews shine, but the post-sale pattern is troubling.

Solar Sesame can deliver a working solar system, but the path from contract to power-on is littered with avoidable problems. In one Hayward install, panels went up fast, then the battery hookup dragged six months because the crew installed gear in the wrong spot (failed inspection), scheduled inspections the same day they planned to finish work (no buffer for delays), and handed over a non-functional system before testing it. The verdict shifted only after the homeowner posted a one-star review. We found 18 reviews flagging missed appointments, subcontractor miscommunication, and repeated inspection failures. One San Jose customer watched a no-show crew miss a city inspection window (pushing the project back weeks), then discovered the subcontractor arriving unannounced days later while Solar Sesame's own project manager had no idea anyone was on-site. The company failed that home's rough-frame inspection three times for code violations, despite operating in the Bay Area for years. When things go smoothly (55 reviews describe seamless installs and immediate savings), consultants like Kerrie and Marcel earn praise for patience and transparency. But the pattern suggests Solar Sesame overbooks, then prioritizes only the work it's contractually obligated to finish quickly.

Alcor Solar Specialists has kept some Bay Area pools warm for decades, but recent service has gone sideways. We found 15 longtime customers who praised owner Al and his team for responsive repairs and honest advice over 20-plus years, often returning for second installs. But we also saw a pattern of scheduling chaos that should worry you. One homeowner got a surprise call saying the technician was eight minutes away after three weeks of radio silence from the office. Another waited a year for a repair callback after their panels slipped off the roof because the installer used nails instead of lag bolts. Two near-identical reviews from 2024 describe lost payments, angry email exchanges with Al, and refusal to honor manufacturer warranties on leaking collectors. If you hire Alcor, you may get Joe (the technician who fixes leaks in minutes) or you may get stuck in a billing dispute with an owner whom multiple customers describe as irritable and hard to reach. The gap between their best and worst service is too wide to ignore.

Diablo Solar has a long track record in the Bay Area, but our analysis found a troubling split. We reviewed hundreds of customer accounts and discovered a stark pattern: long-time customers who paid for annual maintenance calls praised the company, while those who needed ad-hoc service or callback often got ghosted. One homeowner called repeatedly to coordinate roof work and never received a response, then tried again with a $30,000 PV quote and still got ignored. Another was billed $175 for work supposedly completed before the appointment was even scheduled. The company handles 223 mentions of solid workmanship and keeps warranties honored over many years. Technicians like Zack and Uli earn repeated praise for patience and expertise. But 60 reviews describe communication breakdowns so severe that customers switched providers mid-quote. If you sign up for their recurring pool-solar service plan, you'll likely get reliable annual visits. If you ever need them outside that rhythm, prepare for radio silence.

This company has left multiple customers with broken systems and unfulfilled promises. One homeowner paid a deposit for Tesla batteries, waited two years, received defective units from a defunct manufacturer instead, endured six months of troubleshooting, then watched those batteries fail entirely. When Synergy promised replacements, the entire team went silent. Another customer discovered their $51,800 system was severely undersized only after receiving a $1,000 utility bill at year-end, and the owner blamed them for the error. We found 46 mentions of solid workmanship, and installation crews consistently earn praise for being on time and respectful. But we also found a pattern of accountability evaporating when things go wrong. Rebate paperwork sits unfiled for over a year despite repeated calls. Systems fail and calls go unreturned. When a battery supplier goes bankrupt, customers are left in the dark. (One reviewer is now hiring a lawyer just to get the Tesla batteries they were promised months ago.)

Bay Valley delivers solid roofing work but struggles with consistency. We found 127 reviewers praising their workmanship, yet the follow-through can be frustratingly uneven. One homeowner waited through 8 phone calls for a leak quote that never arrived, only to get callbacks immediately when he dialed from a different number. Another had solar pricing jump from $3,000 to $6,000 the day before installation, with no written contract until workers were already en route. The crew itself earns high marks for detail work. Reviews show meticulous cleanup, line-level precision on additions, and roof repairs done so thoroughly that neighbors complimented the result years later. But the operational gaps are real. If you're comparing bids and can afford a premium for craftsmanship, Bay Valley's field teams will likely exceed expectations. Just nail down every cost in writing before work starts, and be prepared to chase answers if something goes sideways.

Skytech Solar looked like a solid pick for years, but recent reviews reveal a company struggling to stay afloat. One homeowner watched 30 percent of their system go offline two years after installation; Skytech argued about warranty coverage for weeks before finally sending a tech who fixed it in minutes and admitted the original install was sloppy. When the same panels failed again two years later, the owner told them the company had shut down and could only provide a referral to a third-party contractor at full price. We found a pattern of disorganization and vanishing support once payment clears. In one case, a crew showed up with the wrong inverter, installed a defective replacement, then stopped responding to emails after the homeowner paid in full. The system sat broken for over a month. Twelve reviews describe poor communication, unresolved outages, and difficulty reaching anyone for warranty help. The bright spot is older installations from 2016 to 2019, where 24 customers praised low-pressure sales, knowledgeable staff, and installations finished in a single day. But that version of Skytech appears to be gone.

Simply Solar has a split personality that should give you pause. We analyzed reviews spanning nearly a decade and found a company that delivers clean installs and attentive communication when things go right, but stumbles badly when problems arise. 187 reviewers praised the workmanship itself, installers cleaned up after themselves, and 63 reviews singled out steady communication throughout the project. The trouble starts after installation. One homeowner waited a month for panel reinstallation after a roof replacement, then another month with no callbacks to fix a wiring error that left the system generating 2.8 kilowatt-hours per day instead of the expected output from 26 panels. Another customer's system went dark for six weeks while the company cycled through replacement parts, and when the inverter failed again less than a year later, they couldn't get a repair appointment scheduled. 51 reviews cite post-sale support problems, a pattern that cuts against the 180 who had no issues. If a tech has to come back to your house, you may join the group that spent weeks chasing callbacks instead of the group that got same-day fixes.

Sun Light & Power has loyal repeat customers, but we found enough breakdowns to warrant caution. One homeowner described how the company ghosted them after installation, forcing them to call Sun Light & Power for rescue when their original installer vanished, and a technician named Devon not only fixed the offline system but walked them through waterproofing issues and reboot procedures with detailed photo documentation. In 15 service-call reviews, we saw helpful troubleshooting that saved customers the cost of full replacements. But in 13 reviews describing design and support failures, customers reported systems sized too small to cover their energy needs, roofers driving over 100 nails through finished wood ceilings (twice), and months-long delays filing rebate paperwork that cost one household $15,000 in federal and state incentives. The company kept a $4,000 utility rebate one customer thought they would receive, citing contract fine print the homeowner missed. Staff turnover left multiple reviewers re-explaining their project history to new contacts who never responded to emails or calls.

SESCO handles complex electrical work well, but scheduling problems crop up often enough to make us wary. In one review, a homeowner took time off work for a 9 a.m. panel inspection, only to receive an email at 5 p.m. the night before saying the electrician couldn't make it and suggesting she call competitors after business hours. Another customer confirmed an appointment, then watched the clock tick past the window with no call, no show, no follow-up. We found 3 reviews describing missed appointments or radio silence, and several others mention difficulty reaching the office. When the crew does arrive, the work is solid. Hugo rewired a 2,000-square-foot house with knob-and-tube wiring, finishing on time with minimal plaster damage, while other electricians had balked at the scope. And 32 reviews single out the quality of installation and permitting work. But unreliable scheduling undermines even excellent craftsmanship, especially when you're coordinating inspections, realtor access, or time off work.

Sunergy runs on two speeds, and which one you get seems to be a coin flip. We found 32 reviews praising Chris for patient, owner-led service and systems that run flawlessly for years. One homeowner credited him with patiently redesigning a pergola array through multiple iterations until the output projections hit their target. Another called out his willingness to chase down city permit approvals when bureaucracy stalled their install. But we also found a troubling pattern: seven customers report signing contracts and then vanishing into a black hole of missed updates, expired permits, and phantom project managers who no longer work for the company. One homeowner spent 18 months calling for updates only to be told the permit had expired, then that new certifications were needed, then silence. Another was promised REC panels via a "special relationship" with the manufacturer, only to discover other customers were told those same panels were out of stock. If your project lands with Chris directly, you may get the white-glove treatment reviewers rave about. If it lands in the permitting queue with rotating staff, you may spend a year chasing ghosts.

Semper Solaris leaves too many customers stranded when systems fail. We found over 200 reviews describing the same pattern: months-long delays for basic repairs, project managers who vanish mid-job, and warranties that turn out to be meaningless when you actually need help. One homeowner paid $55,000 for an off-grid setup with two Tesla batteries, waited two years for installation, then spent seven days trying to get anyone to jumpstart the dead batteries while a hurricane approached. Another family started their solar project in September, watched workers fail inspections for forgetting to install equipment they left sitting in boxes, and still had no working system 15 months later. The workmanship scores look decent until something breaks, then the support infrastructure collapses. When you need a roof repair, they quoted one customer 35% above market rate and refused to remove panels unless he paid their inflated price. The company relies heavily on named staff praise in positive reviews, but the negative ones reveal a coordination breakdown where Eric doesn't know what Ameet promised and Jennifer has no record of either conversation.

Silverline Solar collapses the moment you sign the contract. One customer waited 20 months for a system that still doesn't work, with no-call, no-shows piling up so frequently they filed a state complaint. Another watched their promised May install slip to August with zero updates, then got surprise charges for panel upgrades they never approved. We found 14 reviews describing the same pattern: enthusiastic sales teams vanish after the signature, replaced by radio silence or a dismissive CEO who serves as the sole point of contact. Even customers who stuck with Silverline despite higher quotes regretted it once the post-sale support evaporated. Four reviewers mentioned the owner stepping in to salvage disasters, but that's damage control, not a functioning business model. One crew left wiring so botched that Enphase was instructed not to fix it. (The installer apparently wanted to keep a nonfunctional system nonfunctional.) Meanwhile, 47 glowing reviews cite smooth installs and real savings, yet that positive volume can't erase systematic project chaos that leaves solar panels as expensive roof decorations for months on end.

Yorkshire Roofing is not worth the risk. One apartment manager watched crews blindly shoot thousands of screws into a flat roof, shorting electrical for 22 units, then got stuck with a 50% cost overrun when the owner refused accountability and threatened to abandon the half-finished job. Another homeowner came home to find workers had smashed her hummingbird feeder, ripped up walkway lights, and stuffed the broken glass behind a bush with zero acknowledgment. We found 49 mentions of solid workmanship on completed roofs, but 15 reviews describe chaotic project management. The crew quality is a coin flip. You might get thorough pros who confirm appointments and take before-and-after photos, or you might get workers who park trucks blocking your garage, ignore requests to move equipment, and scatter nails in your landscaping for months. Nine customers report unanswered callback requests for leaks or repairs after payment cleared. (One roof sat under a tarp and sandbags for weeks while voicemails piled up.) If you need a roofer who'll actually show up when something goes wrong, keep looking.

SolarXperts will leave you paying two bills at once. We analyzed over a hundred reviews and found a pattern: smooth sales process, fast installation, then silence. One homeowner waited 10 weeks with panels installed but not turned on, paying both PG&E and the solar loan every month while the company bounced her between departments. Another discovered his roof collapsed after installers stomped through it, then found SolarXperts had blocked his email when he tried to report the December flood streaming down three floors of walls. The pricing raises red flags too. Reviewers report bait-and-switch upcharges (one saw a $3,000 jump when the quoted panels mysteriously became unavailable), and we found multiple cases where the quoted system size made no sense for actual usage, a mistake that guarantees surprise bills later. Even customers who praised early responsiveness from reps like Ezra noted installations on the wrong roof face or city inspections failed because the electrical work violated code. Twenty-two reviewers flagged value problems, and 19 described post-sale support that simply vanished after the deposit cleared.

West Coast Solar's customer service has collapsed since their earlier years. Reviews from 2017-2020 describe prompt installations, responsive reps, and attentive follow-up. But newer reviews tell a different story: one homeowner waited three months just to get a response about underperforming panels, only to receive a four-word reply saying "your panels are working correctly" with no diagnostic report. Another customer fought for four months to fix a system that produced zero power because the crew used cheap HomeDepot wire instead of the manufacturer-spec cable. We found 40 reviews describing roof damage, bird-poop buildup from missing guards, or multi-month repair delays. The post-sale support score of 3.7 confirms what the stories show: once the installation crew leaves, you're mostly on your own. A handful of longtime customers still praise the workmanship, and the sales reps earn consistent praise for patience and technical knowledge. But the company's own CEO now tells frustrated warranty claimants to "get an attorney" rather than schedule a repair visit. If you need a solar installer who'll actually show up when something breaks, keep looking.

Solaron earns high marks when your equipment works, but keeping them responsive when something breaks is a gamble you shouldn't have to take. We found a split track record: smooth installations praised in 28 reviews, but 23 customers describe frustrating communication gaps, missed appointments, and waits stretching weeks for callbacks. One homeowner called 10 times over several weeks just to reschedule a no-show service visit, while another endured four summers of bedroom-rattling pipe noise that techs couldn't permanently fix. The company scores 3.4 for project management and 3.6 for post-sale support, the two lowest marks in our analysis. When technicians do show up, reviews say the work is solid. Keith and Jose each earn call-outs for patient explanations and extra-mile fixes. But you'll need luck to reach them. The office operates on callback-only scheduling, and 16 reviewers mention days-long waits or no response at all. (One customer joked he dreads the annual loop of ignored messages more than the gurgling pipes themselves.) If uptime matters to you or your bedroom sits near the equipment pad, the risk outweighs the savings.

Future Energy Savers isn't worth the gamble. We found 144 reviews detailing aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, with representatives refusing to proceed unless both spouses were present and hanging up on homeowners who declined. One reviewer scheduled an appointment, only to have the company cancel 20 minutes beforehand because her husband wasn't home, then got lectured about missing out on lease-only deals. The sales conduct score sits at 3.6, anchored by 248 negative mentions. Even among satisfied customers, the pattern is clear: you'll pay more upfront than competitors, and the company's gate-keeping sales model wastes your time before you even see a proposal. Yes, the installation crews are courteous and the workmanship scores well (447 positive mentions), but the friction starts at first contact and colors the entire experience.

Power On Solar isn't worth the gamble. One homeowner waited three months for a failed microinverter replacement, calling repeatedly only to be told the staff was in a meeting and promises to call back never materialized. Another watched panels stay offline for over a year with no resolution, finally requesting removal of the entire system because no one would return calls. We found a troubling pattern: installation crews earn consistent praise for tidy, fast work, but once the panels are live, service requests vanish into a black hole. Reviews show 26 mentions of helpful post-sale support, but 20 flag unresponsive follow-through on warranty claims, leak repairs, and equipment failures. Two separate installations caused roof leaks, and both homeowners report the company refused accountability. In one case, the leak appeared immediately after panel mounting. In another, a Panasonic warranty promised in the sales contract turned out to be unavailable because the company wasn't an authorized installer, triggering a months-long refund fight.

Sungrade Solar isn't worth the risk. We found a company that closed its doors in 2023, leaving customers with nonfunctional systems and voided warranties. One reviewer paid cash upfront and spent months chasing permits the company falsely claimed to have filed, discovering that the city and HOA had never received the paperwork Sungrade said they'd submitted weeks earlier. Another customer noticed in 2023 that their system had stopped producing power six months prior, called repeatedly, emailed the CEO, and never heard back. The pattern is clear across dozens of reviews: responsive sales reps who disappear after the contract is signed, projects that drag on for over a year when they should take weeks, and zero accountability when things go wrong. While earlier reviews from 2017 to 2019 describe smooth installations and knowledgeable consultants, the company's collapse means those 25-year warranties are worthless paper. If you're comparing solar installers, cross Sungrade off your list and focus on companies that are still operating and answering their phones.

ION Solar's installation quality is solid, but post-sale support falls apart when problems emerge. We analyzed reviews showing 1,361 complaints about value versus 873 positive mentions, the worst ratio of any metric we tracked. In one case, a homeowner discovered dead birds nesting under incorrectly installed panel guards and spent $2,000 cleaning the biohazard after ION refused responsibility. Another customer waited 60+ days for ION to reinstall panels they broke during a roof replacement, despite the original sales rep promising safe handling. Reviews show 1,315 complaints about follow-up support. When systems underperform or installations need fixes, customers report being told "that's not our problem" or getting apologies without action. The installation crews themselves earn praise (4,417 positive comments on project management, clean worksites, punctual arrivals), but that competence evaporates once you need warranty service or troubleshooting. If you're betting your roof and a 20-year loan on flawless execution, this isn't the installer to trust.

Borrego Solar Systems abandoned its residential customers. The company stopped servicing home installations years ago to focus on commercial projects, leaving homeowners with no monitoring, no warranty support, and no help when panels need to be removed for roof work. We found multiple accounts of ignored service calls and disconnected phone lines. One homeowner discovered after 10 years that their system had been underperforming the entire time, racking up $1,000 annual true-ups when bills should have been near zero, and Borrego never returned their calls. Another paid for a comprehensive system in 2004 only to be cut loose when they needed the panels temporarily removed for reroofing. The pattern is stark: Borrego took the upfront payment, completed the install, then vanished when long-term support was needed. Even the early positive reviews mention installation quality, not the post-sale relationship that actually determines whether a 25-year investment works out.

This company has serious follow-up problems that will leave you stuck. We found multiple stories of customers waiting weeks for callbacks that never came. One business owner spent three weeks chasing a response after lights went out in their new building. When Rodda finally replied, they quoted $500 just to show up, no diagnosis included. The owner found another electrician who charged $100 for the same visit. Another customer canceled entirely after two weeks of missed appointments and unreturned calls for a simple sign repair, only to have the company still try to charge for the initial visit. The positive reviews cluster around solar installations from 2011-2013, praising speed and a staffer named Josh. But the recent complaints reveal a company that ghosts customers after the initial sale. Two separate drivers were reported for reckless behavior on public roads, one nearly causing an accident by changing lanes without signaling.

Enphase sells equipment, not installation services, and that distinction matters when things go wrong. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a pattern: longtime owners who chose solid installers describe years of reliable performance and quick warranty replacements when lightning takes out 32 inverters at once. But scores of others report repeated microinverter failures, installers that disappeared or went bankrupt, and months-long delays while Enphase and the contractor blame each other. One owner watched 12 inverters fail over a year while waiting for approvals that never came. Another paid for four site visits and scaffolding rentals because Enphase kept reversing its own diagnosis. The software works well (190 reviewers praised the monitoring app), but 113 reviews mentioned poor value and 79 flagged project-management chaos. Enphase's own support team is responsive and knowledgeable when you reach them, yet the company has no lever to fix bad installations. You're left mediating a warranty dispute between a manufacturer that points to wiring and an installer that may not return your calls.

High Definition Solar is a gamble you shouldn't take. We found hundreds of reviews that split sharply down the middle: long-term customers who installed systems a decade ago and had warranty repairs handled smoothly, and recent prospects who describe aggressive door-to-door sales reps, no-shows for scheduled appointments, and pricing that one reviewer calculated at triple what a neighbor paid for a comparable system. The company excels at workmanship once you're on the roster (152 reviewers mentioned solid installation quality, and we couldn't find complaints about roof penetrations or wiring failures), but getting there means navigating high-pressure tactics and inconsistent communication. One couple reported their appointment slot given away because the wife didn't answer a callback within two minutes while working in surgery. Another homeowner discovered moisture damage under panels that three roofers said should have been flagged before installation. If you value transparent pricing and respectful sales conduct, this isn't your installer.

This contractor's track record shows too many red flags to overlook. We analyzed reviews spanning roofing, concrete, and landscaping projects, and found a pattern of confident quotes followed by chaos. One homeowner watched their deck estimate swing from $22k to $17k to $35k in a matter of days, ultimately wasting weeks and a credit check. Another paid $6,270 for a roof repair the estimator promised would take two days but never even inspected after the crew left in under five hours. The roof leaked again two years later. While 22 reviews praised quick jobs and friendly sales reps, a larger set described systemic failures. Multiple customers reported workers skipping steps to save on materials, missed appointments with no explanation, and punch-list items that dragged on for months. One bathroom remodel passed initial inspection only to fail the building code, then Cosmic ghosted the homeowner for two years until the State Contractors License Board forced them to finish. Three driveway jobs cracked early because crews skipped rebar, one homeowner had to catch the mistake mid-pour and demand a full redo. The company's responsiveness is a coin flip. If something goes wrong after the deposit clears, you may wait months for a callback.

Go Solar Power doesn't deliver what it promises. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a company whose sales process significantly overstates savings and whose installations are often mismatched to the home. One customer paid for a 36-panel system on a 1,500-square-foot house when only 15 panels were needed, and still ended up with bills far above what was promised. In another case, the wrong system was installed entirely (a basic starter model instead of the premium energy-efficient system the customer paid for), and the company ghosted the homeowner for a year. The data shows 103 negative mentions of value and 94 complaints about sales conduct. Workmanship is the one area where reviews skew positive (224 mentions), but even that is overshadowed by chronic failures in diagnosis and service. The mismatches pile up: systems that never produce promised savings, roofs that leak a year after installation, defective batteries that take five months to replace. When something goes wrong, you'll chase supervisors who are perpetually on vacation or wait months for a callback that never comes. (One reviewer threatened with a lawsuit for posting a factual complaint summed it up: the owner offered hush money, then lawyered up when the review stayed live.)

The Solar Company is out of business. We reviewed dozens of accounts and found that while early installations went smoothly, the company shut down in 2016-2017, leaving customers with zero support. One homeowner discovered roof leaks right where the panels attached but was told he'd pay several hundred dollars for a service call if the technician decided it wasn't their fault. He patched it himself with Henry's roof sealant. Another tried for two weeks to get a replacement part and couldn't reach anyone to confirm the order. Reviews from 2017 confirm the phone lines stopped working. Beyond the closure, the pattern before they disappeared was concerning. We found 27 complaints about value and 32 about project management failures. One customer waited five months for activation and said the rep fed him "stories." Another was quoted $18,000 more for four extra panels, then told the jump was "cash vs. financing pricing." The sales approach was high-pressure. One homeowner reported daily harassment calls for two months and uninvited strangers showing up at the door after he declined. The few positive reviews came from 2011-2016 installs that worked as promised, but those customers are now on their own for repairs.

This company's door-to-door salespeople are a serious problem. We found a homeowner who had to pull out his phone and start filming before the rep finally left his porch after refusing to leave despite multiple warnings, and another who had to feed small children while a maskless rep ignored the screaming and continued pitching. Nearly half the reviews we analyzed describe high-pressure tactics, with 24 people recounting reps who ignored 'no soliciting' signs, knocked during dinner, or misrepresented themselves as PG&E employees. One reviewer reported being told there was an urgent meter issue when the rep was actually selling a third-party solar lease, not addressing any real problem. Even among satisfied customers, we noticed a pattern: the few who had positive experiences went silent after installation, and one who praised the sales process came back months later to report waiting over a month for the electrical box with no update on a mysterious design change. The installation crew itself gets decent marks from the 12 people who made it that far, but the sales conduct problems are too widespread to ignore.

Better Earth is not a safe bet. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found a company that leaves customers stuck with broken promises and no way out. One homeowner paid a year of solar loan payments while the system sat disconnected after Better Earth's failed structural assessment forced a full patio rebuild. Another waited 18 months for connection while payments were automatically deducted. The pattern is clear: 185 reviews describe panels installed but never connected after failed inspections, with customers unable to reach anyone who can help. Even when issues surface years later, resolution is a gamble. Roof leaks appeared in 121 reviews, and customers report waiting months or years for repairs while Better Earth stops responding. The 364 reviews praising smooth installs and responsive reps prove the company can execute well, but that positive outcome is far from guaranteed. The contract locks you into forced arbitration, so if your install goes sideways, you cannot take them to court.

This company is a liability you can't afford to take on. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a stark pattern of broken promises and financial exposure. One homeowner paid over $30,000 in September 2024 with a 60-day guarantee, then chased install dates through spring and summer before canceling 11 months later with no panels and no refund. Another lives with panels bolted to a leaking roof for a year, paying the loan monthly while the company won't schedule the final inspection to actually turn the system on. The data confirms this isn't bad luck. Post-sale support scores 2.4 out of 5, and value scores even lower at 2.6. When problems arise (and 92 reviews say they will), you'll join the long line of customers texting an emergency line that never texts back. The sales team earns praise for patience and transparency upfront, but once you sign, project management collapses. Supply shortages drag on for months with zero proactive updates, permit expirations slip by unnoticed, and at least one customer now has a lien filed against their home because Demand didn't pay its own suppliers.

This company should not be on your list. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a pattern of catastrophic project failures and vanishing support once the contract is signed. One homeowner watched workers shoot nails through rotted decking that blew out the bottom of the eaves, then spent nine months sweeping rainwater off an exposed roof in the middle of the night while waiting for someone at PetersenDean to produce an actual engineering drawing. Another paid cash for a whole-house battery that caught fire twice, burning through relays and current sensors, and couldn't get anyone to return calls between repair visits. The delays are structural, not isolated. Reviews mention eight-month waits between signing and installation, systems that never get turned on, and support reps who promise follow-up then disappear from the company entirely. When things go wrong, the response is silence. We found 74 reviews describing serious roof failures, leaks, mold, and rotted decking, with customers reporting they had to leave messages for weeks before anyone acknowledged the problem. Even customers who praised the installation crews noted it took a full year of redesigns and city approvals before work could start.

Eagle Shield will probably take your money and deliver nothing close to what was promised. We found 22 customers who reported zero energy savings after paying as much as $10,000 for reflective foil and a solar fan, products you can buy at Home Depot for a few hundred dollars. One homeowner in Walnut Creek spent $8,700 and watched his PG&E bill stay flat for two years before realizing that reflective insulation can't work in a dark attic. Another paid $5,200 on a payment plan she was told would last seven years but discovered she'd barely touched the principal after three, with eight more years to go at 9.99% interest. The workmanship problems pile up fast: installers stapled foil so poorly it flies around the attic on windy days, pulled wires that destroyed intercom systems, set up solar fans incorrectly, and in multiple cases left bedrooms with damaged ductwork and no airflow. When customers called for fixes, the owner stopped returning calls or flatly refused refunds despite a printed guarantee. We also found 16 reviews praising professional crews and genuine comfort gains, but those date mostly to 2012-2016. The recent pattern is unmistakable: high-pressure sales, shoddy installs, no measurable savings, and zero accountability once the contract is signed.

Quality Home Renovators isn't worth the risk. We found dozens of reviews describing a familiar pattern: aggressive cold-calling, sky-high quotes, and work that falls apart within months. One homeowner paid $50,000 for solar panels that stopped working after two years, then watched the company refuse to fix the breaker issue they'd promised to upgrade. Another discovered their air conditioning install violated code when selling their home and had to spend $2,400 out of pocket to fix it while QHR ignored their calls. The sales tactics alone should give you pause. When we tracked the pattern, 13 reviews flagged deceptive or pushy conduct, including reps who wouldn't stop calling even after being told no. One reviewer got a window quote $9,000 higher than a competitor offering the exact same product line. Nine reviews mention shoddy workmanship, from unsealed roof brackets causing water damage to cracked granite counters installed while the owner was on vacation. The company shares an address with another notorious contractor, and multiple reviewers report being ghosted the moment something goes wrong.

KOTA Energy Group has a problem finishing what they start. Reviews describe systems installed in 2022 or 2023 that still aren't working right in 2024, with homeowners paying thousands to their utility while fielding excuses about fluctuating energy output. One Berkeley customer paid in full six months before the job was done, then spent another five months chasing the company for repairs while only half the panels generated power. Communication collapses after installation. We found 92 reviews describing unanswered calls, missed inspection appointments, and permit failures that stretched timelines past two years. The pattern is consistent: the sales pitch is smooth, the install crew is professional, then support vanishes. One homeowner discovered roof damage from the installation only when rain created a grapefruit-sized hole in their ceiling. When the inspector confirmed KOTA was at fault, the company sent a second crew who blamed the customer's mortar instead. (At least they showed up unannounced at 7:30 AM, so there's that.) Work quality scores reflect this split: sales conduct rates a 3.8 out of 5, but post-sale support drops to 3.0, and value scores just 2.9. If you want solar panels that turn on when promised and a company that answers the phone after cashing your check, keep looking.

Sungevity went bankrupt and abandoned its customers. We found 42 reviews where people paid thousands upfront only to lose all warranty support when the company filed Chapter 11. One customer paid over $10,000 for a 20-year lease, discovered two shattered panels on their roof, called for repairs, and was told to shut the system off while still paying the lease plus full electric bills. A year later, they're still waiting. Another prepaid their entire lease specifically to secure maintenance coverage and never heard from Sungevity, the bankruptcy court, or whoever bought the wreckage. Beyond the bankruptcy, the company ran on broken subcontractor relationships. Installation crews brought the wrong parts, failed city inspections, and one installer smirked at a homeowner saying "you should have bought a generator instead." We tallied 144 complaints about project management across hundreds of reviews. The pattern is identical: salespeople promise three-month timelines, then customers wait seven months while permits sit incomplete and the company can't secure funding for systems already bolted to roofs.

We found a company with strong installation crews but crippling support failures that can leave you paying for a broken system. One couple spent two years calling for a battery replacement, paying $200 a month for equipment that produced nothing while their electricity bills climbed back to $200 each month. In another case, a homeowner's roof leaked twice in five years due to poor installation. We analyzed reviews spanning installation, financing, and long-term support. The pattern is stark: install teams earned praise in 98% of reviews for punctual, clean work. But post-installation support scored just 3.4 out of 10. System activation delays appear in hundreds of reviews, with customers describing missed appointments, billing for non-functioning systems, and months-long waits for repairs. In one instance, a customer waited six months just for cancellation paperwork. If an installer shows up, does good work, and leaves, they're excellent. But if anything breaks afterward, you may spend years chasing a fix.

This company is not worth the risk. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found a troubling split: some homeowners rave about smooth installs and attentive service from a sales rep named David, while others describe deceptive sales tactics, botched installations, and vanishing support once the panels go live. One homeowner paid $23,000 but still carries a significant electric bill because the company couldn't track production or explain why the system underperformed. Another was left with panels on the roof for three years that were never turned on, the company seemingly out of business. We found 27 complaints about post-sale support, and 30 negative mentions of value, customers accusing the company of inflating costs mid-project or holding deposits hostage over fabricated cancellations. The workmanship score sits at 4.1, driven by 38 positive mentions, but 11 negatives include rodent-proofing that didn't work and insulation installed below California's minimum code. When things go wrong, reviews show the company goes silent or sends contractors who lack parts or authority to fix the problem.

This company routinely delivers shoddy work, disappears when things go wrong, and strong-arms customers into paying for their own mistakes. We analyzed reviews and found a stark pattern: while sales reps win praise for being thorough and patient during the pitch, the quality collapses the moment the contract is signed. One homeowner paid $42,000 for solar panels that worked fine until the company removed them to fix roof leaks. The reinstall broke the system, triggering nine months of runaround and an extra $1,000 charge for an "outdated" component that was working perfectly before they touched it. Another customer signed a $40,981 painting contract only to be told two months later that the company needed an additional $25,000 because they'd somehow forgotten to account for scaffolding on a three-story Victorian. The post-sale support score of 2.8 reflects what happens after you pay: 413 reviewers describe unresponsive service, unresolved defects, and warranty claims that go nowhere. The workmanship score of 3.8 sounds passable until you read that 258 customers report installation errors, missing screws, exposed wiring, improper roof grades that void warranties, and leaks that the company refuses to fix. One review mentions a crew that would have caulked over finger-sized holes in siding if the homeowner hadn't intervened. Even the work that looks fine on day one often fails within months, and when you call for help, you'll get transferred to a salesperson trying to upsell you instead of a technician who can actually fix the problem.

American Solar Direct went out of business years ago. We found dozens of reviews from customers stranded with leased panels that stopped working, no one to call for service, and bills that kept coming. One homeowner reported paying lease fees for two years on a dead system with zero support. Another discovered the company's monitoring portal offline, the main website deactivated for non-payment, and rumors of bankruptcy swirling in 2017. The few positive reviews we saw date from 2012 to 2016, when the company was still operating. Since then, the pattern is abandonment. Customers who need to sell their homes report they can't transfer leases or get documentation because no one answers the phone. Several mentioned being handed off to third-party servicers who don't honor the original warranties. The business filed Chapter 11, and the infrastructure collapsed. If you're researching this company because you inherited a lease or found old marketing materials, know that American Solar Direct no longer exists as a functioning entity. You'll need to track down whoever bought the lease portfolio (if anyone did) and negotiate from there.

Sunrun will charge you while your panels sit broken. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found a company plagued by systemic breakdowns that leave customers trapped in multi-year cycles of non-functioning systems and finger-pointing. One homeowner reported paying $111 monthly for over a year while waiting for a replacement inverter, another spent nine months in 2019 without realizing their system had failed because Sunrun never monitored it despite advertising otherwise. The pattern is unmistakable: 264 reviews document service delays stretching months or years, with departmental handoffs that go nowhere. In 2025, Sunrun introduced a $580 diagnostic contract that customers must sign before the company will even investigate warranty claims, a policy that wasn't disclosed at sale. We found roof damage from botched installations (wrong brackets, failed inspections, leaks patched with no follow-up), bills sent to collections two days after project completion, and cases closed with no resolution while customers chase ghosts through a support labyrinth. The few positive stories center on individual reps, not the company's operational backbone. If you're researching Sunrun because of a Costco partnership, note that the relationship ended in 2025, and you'd be inheriting the mess without that safety net.

This company will leave you stranded. We found dozens of stories that follow the same grim pattern: breakdowns happen, you report them, and then you simply cannot get anyone on the phone. In one case, a customer's entire solar system was destroyed by wind in January 2021, yet the company kept billing them for equipment that no longer existed and ignored months of calls, emails, and even attorney letters. Another homeowner paid upfront to schedule a repair, watched their inverter fail within 30 minutes of a tech visit, then spent weeks chasing updates on a replacement that finally arrived unannounced while they happened to be home. We counted 32 reviews describing this unresponsive pattern, and only three reviewers managed to escape it by working with one of two helpful employees named by name. The rest describe vanishing after the sale, missed appointments with no warning, and repair timelines that stretch from weeks into months. If you need panels removed for roof work, expect them to lean against your house uncovered for four months while reinstall dates get canceled twice. One reviewer summed it up plainly: it is as though they do not even exist.

HelioPower installed systems that routinely failed to deliver promised savings, then disappeared when customers needed help. We analyzed nearly a hundred reviews and found a clear pattern: professional installations followed by expensive utility bills and unanswered service calls. One homeowner paid $40,000 for a system HelioPower promised would eliminate their electric bill, only to receive a $3,000 invoice from Edison a year later. When they called for help in January, a technician finally showed up five months later and said "sorry." We found 40 reviews mentioning poor post-sale support and 45 citing project management failures. The problems go beyond slow callbacks. Multiple customers reported mechanics' liens from unpaid subcontractors, systems wired incorrectly that produced only 60% of expected output for years, and roof damage that led to interior water leaks. One customer's final inspection failed four times due to broken tiles, missing flashings, and rails sealed to dirt instead of felt paper. The inspector called it a "nightmare." By 2020, many phone numbers were disconnected and the company appears to have gone bankrupt, leaving customers with broken systems and no recourse. (Yes, one reviewer had to hire lawyers just to find out why their panels stopped working.)

Don't hire True Renewable Energy. We found a clear pattern of incomplete installations, failed activations, and customers stuck paying utility bills while their solar sits dormant for years. One homeowner went 3.5 years before discovering their panels weren't sending any power to offset their PG&E charges, racking up nearly $10,000 in true-up bills while the company stopped returning calls. Another paid for an HVAC system in 2019 and is still chasing the company in 2025 to finish maintenance work on leaking units and pull permits that were never filed. The financing arrangements raise red flags across multiple reviews: couples who thought they understood monthly payment terms discovered after signing that repayment came as massive twice-yearly property tax installments, enough to threaten their ability to keep their home. (At least they got a working system eventually. Many customers paid in full and never got functional equipment.) 24 reviews mention problematic sales practices, and 22 cite project management failures like missed timelines, no-show crews, and zero communication after the contract is signed. We identified 11 reviews describing outright abandonment: installations left incomplete, permits never pulled, systems never activated, and calls ignored for months or years.

Tesla Energy is gambling with your home. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found a company that can't activate systems, miscalculates energy production, and leaves customers trapped in 20-year leases with higher bills than before they went solar. One homeowner paid $78.69 into their utility's credit bank but could offset only $6.16 of their bill, discovering too late that Tesla's sales pitch about "offsetting" power was a half-truth buried in fine print. Another waited nearly two years for Tesla to acknowledge full responsibility for a roof leak, then spent four more months waiting for a subcontractor who never called, racking up $2,067 in utility bills while the removed panels sat idle. The workmanship score (3.5) is the only metric above water, but post-sale support (2.2) and project management (2.5) scores reveal a company that disappears after install. We found 1,876 complaints about support versus 838 compliments, and in one theme covering 479 reviews about performance failures, only 1% were positive. The app-only communication model means you can't reach a human when your system fails, your roof leaks, or your bill doubles. Some reviewers report threatening legal action just to get a callback.

Green Day Power is not worth the risk. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a company that has effectively abandoned its customers. One homeowner paid for a solar system in September 2023 but couldn't get the company to finish permits or inspections for a full year, forcing them to hire another contractor and spend thousands to complete the work themselves. Another went three months with dead panels, paying both a solar loan and electric bills, while the company dodged calls and left repair work half‑done. The pattern is clear: once installation wraps, support vanishes. Post‑sale support scored 2.7 out of 10, with 86 negative mentions centered on unanswered calls, ignored emails, and systems that stop working with no one to fix them. We found 59 reviews describing incomplete or abandoned work. The company's phone number is now disconnected and their office is permanently closed, leaving existing customers stranded mid‑contract. Even the rare positive reviews date from 2023 or earlier, before the collapse became obvious. (One reviewer wondered aloud if they'd been sold to a fraud company. That's not a question you want to be asking about the people who wired your roof.)

SunPower is a gamble you shouldn't take. We analyzed thousands of reviews and found a company with systemic failures in post-installation support and project management. One customer waited six months for a repair that should have taken days, calling weekly while SunPower claimed a mystery part was on order that never existed. The panels weren't wired together. Another homeowner has spent 42 days with non-functioning panels and mounting losses while SunPower ignores their warranty obligations. The pattern is stark: 962 reviewers flagged value problems, 1,105 cited project management failures, and 1,091 reported post-sale support issues. Communication collapses once you sign. Project coordinators stop responding to emails. Case tickets get closed in the system with no work done. One buyer discovered their "fully purchased" system was actually leased only after the misinformation derailed their home sale. Another has panels sitting dead on their roof for a year because their coordinator's only response is "let me contact the team" followed by weeks of silence. If you're betting $30,000 on solar, pick an installer who'll actually show up when something breaks.

We found clear evidence this company went out of business or lost its license, leaving dozens of homeowners stranded with broken systems and no recourse. Twenty-eight reviews describe the exact same pattern: phones go straight to voicemail, email addresses bounce, the office sits empty. One homeowner watched her system shut down in February 2023 and has called every week since with zero response, while another paid in full only to discover the company installed panels knowing PG&E couldn't connect them for 18 months. The collapse happened between late 2022 and mid-2023, right after a period when installers did solid work and sales reps like Aaron Ford earned genuine praise. Thirty-seven reviews mention the owner Matt Yancy promising to cover utility bills or fix problems, then vanishing. The monitoring apps stopped working because the company's license to access them expired. If you signed a contract with NorCal, you're now holding a 25-year warranty from a defunct business. (One reviewer drove to the office just to confirm it was abandoned. It was.)

Energy Remodeling leaves broken roofs and nonworking panels behind. We analyzed dozens of reviews and found a pattern of installation failures, unpaid subcontractors, and customer-service blackouts. One homeowner has called 20 times over two years to fix a documented roof leak; the company claims she can't prove they caused it. Another paid $30,000 upfront only to discover the true financed cost will hit $90,000, plus the company slapped a lien on their house. The math gets worse: 15 reviewers flagged poor value, 12 described post-sale support that vanishes the moment you need it, and 11 complained about sales reps who misrepresent government programs and pressure 91-year-olds into deals. Subcontractors report $10,000 in unpaid invoices and warn the company hops between names and addresses to dodge complaints. One reviewer even said the installer forced customers to post fake positive reviews. If you want solar that actually turns on and a company that answers the phone when it leaks, keep looking.

Solar Spectrum left customers stranded with systems they'd already financed but couldn't use. One homeowner paid a $40,000 equipment loan for three months while simultaneously covering a full utility bill because no one would hook up the installed panels. Another watched their inverter go offline in September and discovered in January that the promised 20-year monitoring service had vanished without a letter, a call, or any notice at all. We found a pattern that goes beyond poor service: the company stopped paying suppliers, triggering mechanic's liens against customer homes even after those customers had secured financing. Reviews describe project managers who went silent mid-job, voicemails that were never returned, and warranty claims that disappeared into the void. One review mentions five failed submissions to the utility before net metering was approved, meaning the system fed power to the grid for a month with zero credit to the homeowner. The real warning sign is the Sungevity bankruptcy transition, when Solar Spectrum inherited thousands of systems, cut off monitoring access, and refused to honor previous warranties. If a company can't keep the lights on for systems they sold last year, they certainly won't be around to service yours in five.

Zenernet is not worth the risk. We found patterns of serious operational breakdown that should disqualify them from your shortlist. One customer signed in August 2021, got weekly "still waiting for the permit" updates for months, then discovered via a five-minute Google search that the city had rejected the permit immediately because Zenernet filed it under the wrong category. Another paid cash for a battery backup system, discovered during a summer power outage that the subcontractor never installed it, and has been unable to get anyone to come add the $10,000 component they already bought. Post-sale communication failures appear in 100 reviews with only 1% positive. Project managers vanish mid-job, contracts and plans get lost, and customers report being shuffled between five or six contacts who send auto-replies saying they're too busy to respond. Installation subcontractors show up without tools, fail city inspections five times on one project, and leave lunch trash and cement bags on driveways for weeks. Systems sit inactive for months after install because no one submits the utility paperwork correctly. The sales team earns consistent praise for being knowledgeable and non-pushy, but that courteous introduction evaporates the moment you sign.

Infinity Energy will leave your solar project in limbo for months on end. One customer signed in July 2021 for an installation promised in six weeks, paid in full, and still had no working system eighteen months later after three no-show installation dates and a surprise 40% price hike. We found 212 complaints about project management, with patterns of zero progress updates, unreachable decision-makers, and projects stalled for a year or more after installation because the company couldn't complete inspections or utility paperwork. In 205 reviews about follow-up support, the story repeats: install crews do show up and finish the physical work, but then systems sit dark for months while you chase customer service through 30-minute hold times, and operations staff refuse to take your calls. The install team gets high marks when they actually arrive (115 positive workmanship mentions), but it's a moot point if you're paying a loan on panels that aren't generating power. We spotted several threads where customers filed complaints with state licensing boards or threatened small claims court just to force the company to finish what they sold. At least one reviewer joked that pretending the solar payment is a car note makes it easier to stomach, which works great until the car never leaves the lot.

Mosaic will take your money but won't take your calls. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found one nightmare repeating: this lender disbursed tens of thousands to contractors before work was finished, then refused to help when the installation company disappeared. One customer paid Mosaic for over a year on an incomplete system while the lender "rudely closed my case, over and over again." Another watched Mosaic fund an ADU build that had nothing to do with solar, the contractor vanished, and Mosaic went silent for a month despite multiple follow-ups. The lien problems are worse. 43 reviews describe undisclosed liens blocking refinances and home sales. Mosaic changed its temporary-release policy in 2023 but applied it retroactively to loans signed years earlier, trapping sellers who'd been promised easy transfers. Buyers with perfect credit are auto-denied by a "flawed" algorithm, reps admit they don't know the criteria, and manual reviews take weeks while closings collapse. One seller's realtor called it the worst solar transfer nightmare in 15 years. When customers try to resolve payment disputes (even providing cashed check images), Mosaic threatens shutoffs. The only praise we found was for the initial application process, back when the money was flowing toward Mosaic, not away from it.

Complete Solar will leave you holding the bag. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a company that ghosts customers once the panels are on your roof. One homeowner spent nearly a year trying to reach the company so a roofer could remove her panels for leak repairs, leaving voicemails and emails with zero response. Another is still waiting 15 months for a $1,200 underproduction reimbursement the company admitted it owes. The pattern is clear: 365 reviewers flagged poor value, 459 complained about post-sale support, and 488 cited project management failures. System after system sits inactive for months, failed inspections pile up, and calls go unreturned. In one case, panels drilled through interior wiring and shorted out six outlets, a fix that took five months and threats of legal action to resolve. (Nothing says quality workmanship like turning off your kitchen outlets.) Even the positive reviews often end with a caveat about long delays or unfinished work.

This company goes dark when you need them most. We found dozens of customers whose panels stopped working and who then sent four, five, six unanswered calls for help. One reviewer lost three prime summer months after their inverter died because 1st Light never returned a single voicemail, even though the manufacturer had already shipped the replacement part. Another paid $33,000 for a system that quit after eight years and described fruitless attempts to reach anyone. The pattern is unmistakable: 106 negative mentions about value versus 39 positive, and post-sale support scored just 1.8 with 112 negative comments. Reviews describe roof leaks from botched installs, systems that failed inspection and required rework weeks later, and promised SREC payments that never materialized for over a year. One customer contracted Salmonella poisoning from pigeon droppings that accumulated under panels after the company assured them birds wouldn't be an issue, then refused to help pay for cleanup and called the neighbor's contaminated yard 'collateral damage.' When problems surface, you'll be on your own.

A1 Solar Power is not worth your time or money. We found an overwhelming pattern of deceptive sales tactics, broken promises, and systems that fail to deliver the savings customers were told to expect. One homeowner paid $36,980 for a system that required an additional $1,500 in electric bills at the end of the first year because sales reps downplayed shading issues. Another customer discovered the company had started a loan in their name before installation even began, violating their agreement with the lender. The company relies on relentless telemarketing (often spoofed numbers) that continues even after customers ask to be removed from call lists. We identified 82 complaints about sales conduct and 52 about post-sale support failures, including months-long delays in fixing malfunctioning systems and unpaid rebates. In one case, a 15-month-old system stopped working entirely and the company ignored repair requests despite a ten-year warranty. Installation crews occasionally caused roof damage that customers had to pay to fix separately. While a small minority praised knowledgeable installers, the vast majority describe a company that oversells, underdelivers, and ghosts customers the moment something goes wrong.

Titan Solar Power has shut down, leaving thousands of customers with broken systems and no recourse. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a company that routinely misled homeowners on savings, botched installations that failed city inspection multiple times, and ghosted customers when panels stopped working. In one case, a system sat idle for over two years while the owner paid both their electric bill and a $230 monthly loan. Another homeowner discovered roof leaks in 2024 and called for the promised 25-year warranty, only to learn Titan had closed. The pattern is unmistakable: 567 reviewers flagged deceptive value claims, 582 described total silence after problems surfaced, and 302 reported shoddy workmanship ranging from holes drilled through ceilings to wiring that failed inspection four times. Sales reps promised $20 electric bills; customers ended up paying $144 per month between panels and utility charges. One 70-year-old was sold a system that never heated his pool as promised and stuck with a fixture filing and a 25-year loan on equipment that stopped producing after 18 months.

Bright Planet Solar will take your money, install defective equipment, then disappear when you need help. We analyzed hundreds of reviews and found a company defined by failed inspections, shoddy installations, and billing that starts before your system works. One homeowner paid both their solar loan and full electric bills for six months while their system sat broken, only discovering the outage when they checked the app themselves. Another waited a full year after installation for activation, chasing down answers the company never volunteered. The pattern is unmistakable. Across 51 reviews of permitting and compliance, not a single customer reported a smooth process. Installations failed city inspections for basic safety violations, leaving panels idle for months while Bright Planet blamed the utility or the town. When equipment breaks or roofs leak from botched installations, customer service goes silent. You'll send dozens of emails, escalate to supervisors, and still get no fix. If a company can't pass inspection or return a call when your ceiling is dripping, they have no business installing anything on your home.