Solar Optimum Reviews

To be fair, Solar Optimum had just recently started doing business in Northern California in Summer 2019 when I contracted with them for a home rooftop solar installation. At the time they had very good reviews from customers in Southern California but none in the Bay Area. After my initial review here on Best Company, Alexander R, Operations and Maintenance Manager, contacted me to reassure me that Solar Optimum is responsive to my concerns and is there for after installation support, and indeed they have come out a couple of times in the last year to address fairly minor issues with the final install. It is this commitment to after-sale service that motivated me to update my review. My original review follows... Solar Optimum was unable to complete the job in the promised timeframe due to numerous errors and avoidable delays. Initial plans did not include all panels specified in the contract. This caused a delay in submitting plans to the city for permits while they were being corrected. The wrong panels were delivered to the job site. Again I as the customer was the one who had to check their work. Subcontractors ordered a main electrical panel for underground utilities whereas this is a home built in 1940 and all utilities are on a pole. This caused additional weeks delay. Solar Optimum scheduled building inspection for a day they were not ready and were not present on site when the inspector arrived, causing further delay. The final installation was completed in a good workman like manner and passed inspection by the city. I only wish the process was smoother and that there would have been no delays.

Great company overall, had some issues with sales communication and post-install service. However, their management corrected any issues once alerted. I understand that residential solar is of less importance than commercial installation and maintenance--and I'm happy to queue up behind the squeaky wheels--however, the company has poor at responding to emails. In my business, I respond to all customers--big and small--quickly, even just to say that email was received and that a follow up would ensue. Other than communication issues, I would still recommend Solar Optimum with that caveat, and would ask them to improve by simply acknowledging emails even if just to say that a requests may take time to get to.

The design process didn't go the best. They had to make three site visit to confirm the roof layout. After two site visits they sent me a layout. I pointed out that roof vents from the bathroom where in the way. They had to make a the third visit and re-design the layout. The installation process went well and smooth though and the system produces as designed. The permitting process went well too. Communication during design was 50/50. They responded to calls but not emails very well.

I had Solar Optimum put 26 panels on my roof and install a Tesla battery. The Panasonic panels were higher quality than those offered by a competitor. My electric bill has gone down to around $10/mo vs $400-600/mo last summer. The install went smoothly. I had a problem with a trench being left open at the end of the job that I filled in myself. The company refunded half of the bill for the trench which seemed fair. The solar system has been working fine and I have had no issues with the product at all. I would recommend this company.

They got job done, but outside of promised time frame, with no acknowledgement for the miss. I was pushing things to move faster (to be expected from a customer), and sales rep emailed someone internally that I am 'tired of hearing,' (read: that I am not capable of understanding what they have explained before). He inadvertently sent me that email (smart move).

Solar Optimum did a great job with the solar panels for a good price. The best part of the process was Ashley who was my contact person and was very responsive. She would look in to any issues I had and was also very friendly and helpful when talking with her on the phone.

The Panasonic panels work great, and the Enphase system is especially good, providing a web site with all the information you could want on how the system is performing. My only issue was with the installation, which is not done by Solar Optimum employees, but by contractors. Better quality control is needed.

The whole process was smooth. I did run into a hiccup where despite calling out location of panels on new roof. Somehow SolarOptimum tried to place some panels on old roof and upsell re-roof. I had to call in a few times to get it sorted

They did excellent work and placement of the solar panels. They required more time than predicted. too, it was difficult to determine, when calling the company, to whom I should be asking my question. I would definitely recommend them to anyone interested in a solar electric system.

They used third party contractor to dig a trench and repair access. The guy did a poor job and it took about two months to get that done right, despite prompt from me and Solar Optimum. Weather had a hand in it. But third party guy was 85% and the company 15% got hiring someone who takes no pride in his workmanship. .

They saved me lots of money both by their competitive rates and on my monthly electric bill. They also were excellent at customer service.

Great installers and streamlined process. Lost one star because communication towards the end of the installation was not very good.

Sales process was good, they were friendly in service and responsive to my questions or concern, but the design process and apply permit were slow

They were great except for time needed to get approval from county. Seem to move ahead only hen called

Great installation crew. Scheduling and permits need help and bad communication from saled.

Great installation and pricing but poor communication during the project planning

Did a good job bsomeb8nstallation was c arried on in the dark this was dangerous

They were very good, but a few times it took a little long before they would reply to my questions

Price and engineering were great. Drawings and permitting a bit less so, but still fine.

I recommend Solar Optimum for fast installation.

Did a fine job, took push because they fumbled permitting

Good service and products at a fair price.