Solar Installer Reviews

Brighten Solar Co.

Brighten Solar Co. Review

4.62

13 Reviews

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Pre-vetted installers

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Company Information

Headquarters:
5380 Overpass Rd, Suite B Santa Barbara, CA 93111 United States

All Reviews


Mike M | Santa Barbara, California
03/12/2021

Great Company . The Community Environmental Council's Solarize Santa Barbara vetted them and chose them and only two other companies. They were always accessible, answered all my questions quickly, were fast and efficient in the installation and met all deadlines. The personnel on the job were not only friendly but were a fun bunch and I enjoyed my contacts with them. I don't think you can do better than Brighten Solar.

Happy Customer | Solvang, California
02/20/2021

Brighten Solar was a pleasure to work with! From beginning to completion they have been professional, kind, considerate, efficient, and so easy to work with. They went over board to make us happy. We are contractors and was so impressed with their attention to detail in every way. It was refreshing to work with such a together company! I know they will be here for us if ever we need anything. We interviewed 5 different solar companies and knew that they were the company that was going to get it right! And they did! They recommended a great product! Feels so good to be off the grid!

SBLinda | Santa Barbara, California
04/17/2020

We just used Brighten to install solar for our home and we were very pleased. They were great from start to finish. At the first meeting, Cash was great at explaining the process and options. Then we received a detailed, clear proposal. They were cheaper (cost per watt) than another installer's quote and they did a better job sizing our system for our needs. They were recommended to us by a friend, and we had researched solar costs in our area, so at this point we decided to skip getting a third quote. The installation went smoothly under Kyle's supervision and our system was up and running sooner than we expected. We are happy we chose to go solar and very pleased with Brighten.

Paul Costales | Santa Barbara, California
12/20/2016

Even though I'm not a tree hugger, the math has really started to work in favor of rooftop solar and electric vehicles, so I made the jump into both before the end of the tax year. I got proposals from four local solar installers for our house. Most of them were some sales dog-and-pony shows with pretty pictures showing you that installing your system will take 1.2 cars off the road for 25 years, but glossing over the hard facts you really should know before plunking down cash on PV install.<br /><br />I'm an engineer and like to nerd out on price per kilowatt installed, kWh per year, breakeven time, and return on investment, among other things. I had a TON of questions and back and forth with every company for close to a month. I also did a lot of research on forums such as Solar Panel Talk.<br /><br />I went with Brighten Solar for these reason:<br /><br />1) Price. Brighten had the best proposal in dollars per kilowatt. I normally wouldn't just go with the lowest bid without everything else looking good, which is why the points below are important too.<br /><br />2) Communication. Jeremy was very easy to get hold of over phone, text or email. He also answered all of my questions fully and without bother. Don't let his French accent throw you off at first!<br /><br />3) Knowledge. Since Jeremy is an engineer he was able to answer in technical terms instead of sales talk. He warned against a few things other installers wanted to do, like installing in a location that would have shadows during part of the year. He also was one of the only installers to find a way to use our existing 100A panel without a costly upgrade to a new panel. <br /><br />4) Materials. Brighten proposed top of the line LG panels with Enphase microinverters, whereas other proposals were going with cheaper panels and inverters.<br /><br />5) Craftsmanship. I spoke to three of the referrals Brighten listed, and looked at some photos and the installs were fairly clean. I made it known I wanted a clean install because I've seen some fugly installs. Sure enough it was a clean install with very little conduit.<br /><br />We had our system permitted, installed, signed off by SCE, and fully producing power in less than 4 weeks. I was pretty happy about that and would fully recommend Brighten to anyone considering rooftop solar.

sblocal | Santa Barbara, California
07/11/2016

Brighten Solar Co. was a pleasure to work with and did an amazing job. Marine and Jeremy work with you to find the right system at the best price possible. From beginning to end they take the time to walk you through all the steps in creating a beautiful design that optimizes the solar production potential. I Highly recommend them to anyone looking to install solar panels!

States Served

CA

What To Look For In A Solar Installer?

When looking for a solar installer, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose a reputable and competent company that meets your needs.

When selecting an installer like Brighten Solar Co. consider:

Experience and Reputation:

Look for a company with a solid track record and years of experience in the solar industry. Read the latest Brighten Solar Co. solar reviews from past customers to gauge their reputation.

Certifications and Licenses:

Ensure the installer holds the necessary licenses and certifications required in your area. Look for certifications from organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) to verify their expertise.

Quality Products and Technology:

Inquire about the types and brands of solar panels, inverters, and other equipment they use. Quality matters for long-term performance. Ask if they offer the latest solar technologies, such as high-efficiency panels or energy storage solutions.

Learn more: Best Solar Panels for Homes | Top Solar Batteries

Warranty Information:

Understand the warranties they offer for equipment and workmanship. A reputable installer should provide comprehensive warranties. The majority of modern solar panels are equipped with a warranty spanning 20 to 30 years, encompassing both the product's integrity and its energy output. An ordinary workmanship warranty offered by a certified company typically provides coverage for solar panels for an average period of 10 years.

Transparent Pricing and Contracts:

Get detailed solar quotes that include all costs, from equipment and labor to permits and inspections. Review the contract carefully to ensure it's clear and transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises.

Local Knowledge:

Choose a company familiar with local building codes, regulations, and permitting processes. This can expedite the installation and ensure compliance.

Customized Design:

Look for companies who provide custom solar system designs tailored to your specific energy needs and property characteristics.

Energy Production Estimates:

The installer should provide accurate estimates of how much energy the system will generate, factoring in local climate conditions and other key influences. If your estimated solar savings are much higher with one solar company, you'll want to inquire further to ensure their savings projections aren't skewed to close the sale. Connect with us for a free estimate.

Financing Options:

Inquire about solar financing options, including purchase, lease, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Ensure you know the pros and cons of each option.

Customer Service:

Assess their responsiveness and willingness to answer your questions and concerns and consider the installer's commitment to your project satisfaction. Throughout your solar process we’ll advocate for you, ensuring your solar project is done right.

References and Recommendations:

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have installed solar panels. Ask the installer for references from past clients who can share their experiences. You can also read the latest reviews on Brighten Solar Co..

Multiple Quotes:

Don't hesitate to obtain quotes from multiple installers to compare pricing, services, and warranties. Hint: We can help!

Financing and Incentive Knowledge:

Ensure the installer is knowledgeable about available incentives, tax credits, rebates and financing options. At EnergyPal, we’ll help maximize your savings.

Safety Practices:

Confirm that the installer adheres to safety protocols during installation to protect both workers and your property.

By researching and considering these factors, you can select a reputable solar installer who will provide a quality solar energy system and a positive experience throughout the installation process. Connect with us to learn more about the best solar installers in your area.

How Do I Compare Solar Installation Options?

To make an informed decision when comparing solar installation options, start by determining your energy needs and seeking multiple quotes from reputable installers. Examine the quality of equipment, evaluate proposed system designs, and consider financing options, factoring in total costs and long-term savings. Assess warranties, support, and the installer's experience while also checking for customer feedback and references. Gauge their responsiveness and customer service, ensuring they educate you about the process. Consider an installer's licensing, and certifications. Request accurate energy production estimates and review contracts for transparency. By evaluating these factors, you can confidently choose the solar installation option that aligns with your energy goals and budget. Connect with us for a free quote.

Steps for Installing Solar Panels

  • Qualification: Contact solar companies through web forms, referrals, or flyers. Answer questions to determine eligibility.
  • System Design: Receive initial solar system design in a proposal. Review the design and consider panel placement, avoiding “under-sizing“ or “oversizing.“
  • Compare Quotes: Evaluate quotes, considering factors like monthly payments, power output, and system details. Seek guidance to simplify the comparison.
  • Contract Signing: Select a company and panel design, understand and sign the contract.
  • Site Survey: Technician assesses the site for solar panel installation, checking roof orientation and structural integrity.
  • Engineering: Behind-the-scenes process finalizes system layout, electrical configuration, and structural safety for permit submission.
  • Permitting: The company obtains necessary permits and approvals, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Installation: Expert team mounts panels, installs wiring and inverters, connects the system to the grid.
  • System Activation: Request final inspections, obtain permission to operate (PTO) from the utility, and turn on the system. Monitoring apps track power generation. From a signed contract to installation and system activation this process can take two to six months to complete. Check out our article for a more indepth look into the solar installation process.

Local Installers, Tax Credits, And Rebates In Your State

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Brighten Solar Co. Solar Review Conclusion

Prior to making a decision to work with Brighten Solar Co., homeowners should thoroughly review multiple solar installation providers and quotes. This ensures they can secure the most suitable choices, advantages, and cost-effectiveness that align with their specific requirements.

Our impartial advisors are here with your best interests in mind. We listen, educate, and guide you to ensure you find the energy solution that's the perfect fit for your home.

We provide free custom designs tailored precisely to your home's unique requirements, allowing you to compare programs side by side.

Get a free custom quote on your solar system

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