Stellar Solar
4.6
5.7
Overall Score
Author: Rebecca Graham
Stellar Solar is one of the top rooftop-solar companies in Southern California. With almost two decades of installing residential and commercial solar panels, Stellar Solar is also one of the most experienced. The solar company has a 25-year limited warranty on its panels.
Stellar Solar has online monitoring options once you install your panels and the company gives you several financing options. Even if you live in the state of California, you do have to be in the southern part to take advantage of its services.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Warranty
- Contracts
Warranty
It's no secret that Stellar Solar has one of the best warranties in the industry. Its 25-year warranty covers both power and product. This warranty is 15 to 20 years longer than the conventional industry warranty. Its panels are highly efficient and built on a copper foundation. It's resistant to weather and other pressure put on it, but if something does go wrong, the panels are simply replaced or refunded.
Breaking down the warranty, this means that the panels have a 95% power guarantee for the first five years. Panels should only see a rate of .4 percent decrease of power each year afterward. Doing the math, the panels have a chance to still have 87% power output at the end of the 25-year warranty. It's outstanding.
Contracts
The loaning option has almost no cost up front, allows you to take advantage of a federal tax credit, and gives you the chance to own the panels in as little as 12 years rather than leasing them for the 20-year contract. Contracts range anywhere from 5 to 20 years, depending on your financing options.
The Bad
- Availability
- Website
Availability
When initially looking at Stellar Solar, the biggest drawback for the company is its small service radius. If you are outside of San Diego County, Riverside County, or Orange County, then you are plain out of luck. This small service area also lends to a lower number of total installs, given how long the company has been in business.
Website
One unfortunate omission for the company has to do with its website. Many of the sites that we have visited have the option for live chats with customer service representatives to answer any questions that potential buyers may have. While it may be a symptom of a smaller operation, it is a shame that option is not available with Stellar Solar. Shopping for solar energy can be a very complex process for the uninitiated, and not having someone just a click away to help you try to understand policies and tax credits can make the task seem daunting.
The Bottom Line
Numerous recognitions from both customers and industry experts alike speak volumes for this Southern California solar company. With a well-above-average warranty on both power and product, Stellar Solar stands behind its panels more than just about any of the competition. It's unfortunate that you need to be within a small Southern California area to take advantage of what Stellar Solar has to offer, but if you are fortunate enough, this company is ready to bring an energy alternative to a roof near you.
