Sun Badger Solar
4.4
6.2
Overall Score
Author: Rebecca Graham
Headquartered in Wisconsin since 2018, Sun Badger Solar is a full-service company providing both commercial and residential solar installation services to home and business owners in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Despite being in business for a relatively short amount of time, the company has already made a name for itself, making Solar Power World Magazine’s “Top 500 Solar Contractor” list every year since its founding (2018–2020 to date).
The Good
- Tier-One Equipment
- NABCEP Certified
- Habitat for Humanity Partner
Tier-One Equipment
Sun Badger Solar only installs equipment with a 25-year equipment warranty or better. As an LG Platinum Partner, the solar provider installs some of the most durable and energy-efficient solar panel modules on the market. LG solar panels clock an impressive 22 percent efficiency (second only to industry leader SunPower), and sport a sleek, black on black aesthetic designed to withstand extreme temperatures, rain, snow, or shine. Sun Badger Solar also carries inverters from Enphase, which supplies a proprietary consumption monitoring system that syncs with the Sun Badger Solar mobile app.
Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer
On top of its impressive array of solar panel and inverter selections, Sun Badger Solar also installs solar backup battery solutions through its partnership with Tesla Solar. The Tesla Powerwall is one of the most efficient solar batteries available today, and can harness and store enough energy to keep the lights on at night or in the event of a power outage or other grid mishap.
NABCEP Certified
Sun Badger Solar employs electricians and technicians who have been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The NABCEP is an industry-recognized organization that has authored numerous and rigorous certification programs aimed at raising the standard in solar. The organization actively educates companies on best installation standards and solar technology. Companies with this certification distinguish themselves and experts in their field, so Sun Badger Solar customers can rest easy knowing their installation will be done right.
Habitat for Humanity Partner
Sun Badger Solar has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to promote sustainable communities throughout the country. For every solar panel installation Sun Badge Solar builds, the company will donate $250 to Habitat for Humanity that goes directly toward building strong and stable homes for strong and stable communities. Sun Badger Solar is donating, at minimum, $100,000 to the charitable organization through 2021 — an impressive number that demonstrates the company’s true commitment to sustainability.
The Bad
- Utilizies Electrical Partnerships for FL and MN
- No Lease or PPA Options
Utilizies Electrical Partnerships for FL and MN
Sun Badger Solar’s team of certified solar technicians are present at every solar panel installation in Illinois and Wisconsin; however, the company does contract out its installation services to qualified partners in Florida and Minnesota. While the difference in quality may be negligible, Sun Badger Solar customers living in these locales should be aware of these partnerships that may or may not maintain NABCEP-certified status the way that Sun Badger Solar does.
No Lease or PPA Options
Like many companies in the solar industry, Sun Badger Solar readily offers customers direct purchase of its solar energy systems, or financing through a third-party lender in the form of low interest, long term loans, zero-down, zero-interest for up to 12 months solar loans or home-equity lines of credit (HELOC). However, the company does not appear to offer customers the option to lease its solar energy systems, or pay for solar power through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
Both of these options can be incredibly cost-effective for customers on a fixed income who want to get involved with solar power. They both charge monthly fees that are often lower than utility bill payments, and place the burden of ownership (along with installation and maintenance fees) solely on the company.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Sun Badger Solar checks several boxes for what a competent, quality solar installation company should have. Its technicians are NABCEP certified, and are authorized to install some of the best and most energy-efficient solar equipment on the market. Through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the company also gives back and actively works toward establishing healthy, sustainable communities.
Florida and Minnesota customers should note that the company contracts its solar project installations to partners local to those states, and Sun Badger Solar customers everywhere will have to choose between purchase and loan financing. With all that in mind, customers are encouraged to obtain a free quote with the company to see if Sun Badger Solar is the best solar company for their needs.
