As a homeowner considering solar energy, you likely have many questions and deserve clear, honest answers.
Going solar is a major decision for any homeowner. It’s more than just a financial investment—it’s a long-term commitment to your home’s future. You’re committing to 25 to 30 years of energy generation right from your roof, which can significantly impact your energy bills and add value to your home.
This can be a lot to consider. You might be thinking about the upfront costs, the potential savings, and how this decision fits into your long-term plans. That’s why selecting the right installer is so important. While it might be tempting to go with the lowest bid, recent problems in the industry show why it’s worth investing in a trustworthy, experienced installer. Making an informed choice now can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Unfortunately, there are installers in the solar industry who have abused homeowner trust and lowered the public’s faith in the industry as a whole.
At Exact Solar, we are committed to transparency and providing homeowners with the most accurate information for their unique needs. We maintain high standards and invest in our community to ensure the best outcomes.
With over 19 years of experience, more than 400 five-star reviews, and a strong track record of servicing the systems we’ve installed, we believe it’s crucial for reputable solar installers to address these issues and advocate for consumers. Whether or not you choose us as your installer, our goal is to ensure that no one falls victim to these problematic practices.
At Exact Solar, we prefer to focus on our own work and avoid disparaging our competitors. However, for the purpose of this article, we will reference two national installers: Titan Solar, which recently ceased operations, and SunPower, which has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since these companies are no longer in business, we believe addressing their stories is appropriate and relevant.
Local Installers vs. National Companies
Before diving into the details, we want to address a common concern: hearing about large solar companies going out of business can be unsettling. While it’s natural to be concerned, it’s important to understand that many of these companies faced issues with transparency and put rapid growth ahead of honest practices. This approach often led to unethical behavior that eroded trust among homeowners
However, this doesn’t mean you should be wary of all solar companies. Many reputable, mid-sized solar installers across the country are doing exceptional work. These companies focus on providing high-quality service without resorting to the aggressive tactics sometimes seen in larger, publicly traded firms. They build their reputation through years of experience and a commitment to ethical practices, not just flashy marketing or high-pressure sales.
To find a trustworthy solar installer, consider these steps:
- Research and Reviews: Start by researching local and mid-sized solar companies. Look for installers with a long track record of successful projects and positive customer feedback. There are many websites to research a company’s reviews, such as Google, Yelp, Angi, EnergySage, and more.
- Check Certifications and Affiliations: Verify that the company is properly licensed, insured, and has relevant certifications and affiliations with reputable industry organizations. Certifications from organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) can be a good indicator of a company’s professionalism and expertise.
- Request References: Ask potential installers for references from previous customers. Speaking directly with other homeowners who have used the company’s services can give you a better understanding of their reliability and customer service. Reputable installers will never decline to provide references.
- Compare Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Compare offers from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Be wary of extremely low bids, as they may indicate lower-quality materials or hidden costs down the road.
- Understand the Contract: Carefully read and understand the contract before signing. Make sure there are no hidden fees or unclear terms. A reputable company will be transparent about the costs and the scope of work.
- Ask About Warranties and Support: Inquire about the warranties offered and the company’s process for handling any issues that may arise after installation. Reliable companies will stand by their work and offer their support.
National headlines may focus on issues with larger companies, but many local and mid-sized solar installers provide trustworthy, high-quality installations. By doing thorough research and choosing an installer that values transparency and customer satisfaction, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your needs and values.
Understanding the Current Solar Industry Landscape
If you’ve been exploring solar options for your home, you might have come across headlines about industry giants like SunPower or Titan Solar going out of business, or encountered Alana Semuels’s excellent four-part series on the solar industry in Time magazine.
Following a difficult experience with a leased solar system that couldn’t be serviced, Mrs. Semuels wrote a series highlighting some of the less reputable practices within the industry. We’ve included a few of these articles below and would like to address some of the issues they raise.
These articles feature attention-grabbing headlines, which can be very misleading. It’s important to remember that the solar industry is not on the brink of collapse. Reputable solar companies, especially those not pursuing growth at any cost, are not going out of business frequently. We’ll provide additional context on this below.
Another Solar Company Goes Bust
The Rooftop Solar Industry Could Be On the Verge of Collapse
Rooftop Solar Power Has a Dark Side
How Solar Sales Bros Threaten the Green Energy Transition
SunPower files for bankruptcy plans to sell off assets — stock drops more than 30%
While these articles may paint a concerning picture, it’s important to keep things in perspective. The solar industry as a whole is not collapsing. Many reputable solar companies are thriving and continue to offer excellent service without engaging in unethical practices. The key is distinguishing these trustworthy businesses from those driven by aggressive growth strategies and short-term gains.
At Exact Solar, we understand how disheartening it can be to encounter these issues. We are committed to transparency and integrity, and have worked hard to build a solid reputation based on trust and reliability over our 19 years in the industry.
If you’re in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware and have been affected by problematic practices or are dealing with a company that has suddenly closed, we’re here to support you. Our Solar Orphan Service® is designed to assist homeowners who need help with their solar systems after other companies have failed them.
Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you and ensure your solar investment remains a positive and beneficial part of your home.
What Sets Exact Solar Apart
Exact Solar has been proudly locally owned and operated in Newtown, PA, for 19 years, during which we’ve installed over 2,000 systems in the area. Our reputation is built on delivering high-performing systems that save homeowners thousands and providing ongoing service to ensure optimal performance.
With over 400 five-star reviews, we have a track record of satisfied homeowners and commercial property owners. Here’s how we maintain and build upon our reputation:
Shortest Possible Payback Periods: Unlike companies that promote long-term loans of up to 30 years, we focus on achieving the shortest payback periods. We strive to make financing manageable so you can pay off your system as quickly as possible.
Education: At Exact Solar, we ensure every homeowner understands exactly what they’re getting. Our team provides detailed information about your system, its payback period, and its long-term benefits. We educate our customers on tracking their system’s progress on the included app and monitor their system remotely to ensure it’s performing as expected.
Controlled and Sustainable Growth: We believe in growing our business responsibly and sustainably. In the last three years, we’ve expanded from 15 to 50 employees and grown our business considerably. We’ve worked hard to ensure that our sales practices, customer service, and installation quality stay at a high standard as we expand.
No Subcontractors: At Exact Solar, all work is performed in-house by full-time, local employees. Our dedicated team handles system design, permitting, site visits, installations, monitoring, and service. You’ll always have direct access to our local team.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the industry follows these high standards. You might be reading this article outside of Exact Solar’s service area. If so, we’d like to give you a few “red flags” to watch out for.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Choosing a reputable, mid-sized solar company is one of the best ways to ensure a successful solar installation experience. These companies offer the benefits of extensive experience and a track record of providing reliable local service. However, filtering out the bad actors can be challenging if you aren’t familiar with the solar industry.
The last thing we’d ever want to do is scare you away from going solar. It’s a fantastic technology that offers an incredible return on investment. However, as you begin your search for an installer, you should be aware of a few “red flags” to watch out for.
Here are a few of the most common misleading statements you might encounter from aggressive sales tactics:
“The Government Will Pay for You to Go Solar”
This claim is often used to mislead homeowners into believing they’ll receive a free solar system funded by the government. In reality, the government doesn’t directly cover the cost of your solar installation. Instead, those who invest in solar systems are eligible for a 30% tax credit, which you can claim in the year after your system is installed and receives permission to operate. While this credit can significantly reduce the overall cost of going solar, it doesn’t mean the system itself will be free.
“I’m From the Power Company”
This is untrue. Be cautious of anyone claiming to represent your power company and offering solar installations. Power companies do not solicit individual homeowners with solar offers. Some use this tactic to create a sense of urgency or legitimacy.
Pricing that is Too Good to Be True
If you receive a solar estimate that’s significantly lower than others, it could be a red flag. Some companies may offer an attractive initial price but then increase the total cost significantly with change orders once you’re committed. Often, these lower quotes come from companies that may lack experience or stability, leading to potential issues down the line.
Before making any decisions, it’s essential to thoroughly research and vet any solar company you’re considering. Look for reviews, ask detailed questions, and ensure the company provides transparent pricing and high-quality technology. Choosing a reputable installer who offers dependable service and clear, honest communication is crucial to making a sound investment in your home’s energy future.
Our Final Thoughts
Our intention in spreading awareness of these issues is not to discourage anyone from considering solar energy. We fully support solar technology for its potential to save money, combat climate change, and reduce the impact on the electrical grid.
While some companies may have exploited the rush for renewable energy, this doesn’t mean solar isn’t worth considering. It simply means that thorough research is essential before making a decision.
The key to making a sound decision is understanding both the opportunities and challenges associated with solar energy. We’re committed to providing you with clear, honest information tailored to your unique situation. Our goal is to help you explore the potential savings and benefits of solar for your home without any pressure. We’re here to provide you with the best information tailored to your home and demonstrate the savings solar energy can offer. When you’re ready, we’d be happy to provide a free, no-pressure estimate to show you how much you could save on your power bills.