Solar Installer Reviews

Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy)

Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy) Review

2.30

51 Reviews

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Cathy Raley | Littleton, Colorado
06/10/2021

We chose Brio after a rep stopped at our door. We signed the paperwork on 12/12/2020 and were ready to go. Fast forward 5 months and finally got the installation done. Now we are waiting on the inspection. We were told on 5/27 that the inspection would be the week of June 7th. We heard nothing about a date/time from Brio. I called and spoke with Joshua on June 10th. He gave me a name of Luke Chavez and told me he would be my main contact person from now on. I spoke with Luke and got a run around about all the "moving parts" in the company and how difficult it was to schedule a inspection because the city inspectors don't show up, etc. I told him that was not the case and that I had scheduled an inspection and the city inspector was at my house within 24 hours as promised. Luke then told me that he would reach out to the scheduler, who couldn't be contacted because she was working from home and was pregnant. I asked for someone above him in the company to speak with and he told me no one was available because they were all in a meeting. So, in a nutshell, today I was told that the inspection will happen within "two weeks." I still don't have anyone higher than Luke to speak with and who knows when this will actually take place. I feel a call to my attorney will be in order if I don't hear from them in two weeks. If you want solar, do your homework and find a company that prides itself on customer service. Brio Solar wants the money but doesn't want to finish the job.

Tarvin Oliver | Charlotte, North Carolina
09/22/2021

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. We have had these panels for three years and I am just finding out today they never setup the site access. My power bill never changed. They have costed me thousands of dollars. I am seriously considering pursuing legal action against this company!!!

Bad Customer support | Arvada, Colorado
09/14/2021

Panels installed. Power boxes incorrectly installed. Dead in the water for 4 months. Can't get through or anyone to come out and finish the install

Candace | High Point, North Carolina
09/09/2021

I have been waiting for over a year to finally leave a review! The only reason I am leaving one now is because we are selling our house and they are paid off and I don't have to worry about repercussions from telling my honest opinion. This was the worst decision we could have made (to go with Brio). Our neighbors went with a different company and love theirs! We had nothing but trouble since the beginning. It took MONTHS, I mean MONTHS to get folks to come out and install/do anything at any point in time. I remember several occasions my husband or myself asked off work bc we were told someone would be there on a certain day and no one showed, no call, no answer, nothing! Then they would randomly come a different day....one time they left a trail of muddy footprints and a note that was written on the back of a McDonald's food wrapper saying they came. Then once we finally got them installed, the inspection process failed several times due to them messing up the installation. Again, MONTHS later , we finally got someone to come out and fix what they needed to to finally pass. We made the mistake of just jumping into it without actually taking the time to research different companies, so don't be us haha....do you research and find a quality company! The panels themselves haven't saved us anything...literally we have saved $0...in fact, we have paid more. Anyways, just don't use Brio please! Again, our neighbors love theirs... everything went smoothly for them and they even get a stipend to pay for Duke Energy, so there are some good ones out there, but not Brio!

Enjijiya | Minneapolis, Minnesota
09/08/2021

I’ve been trying to get solar set up since early April and guess what? Still nothing. It has been months since anyone followed up with me and I have been tossed between 3 different reps and now none of them will respond to my emails . The company came out, did all inspections, left a massive hole in my closet that took forever to get fixed and that in itself was a whole other mess. I was told I would have solar by the end of July on the LATE end and now it’s mid September and no one will get back to me on what is going on. This company sure seems like a scam so beware. Really glad my full credit was pulled for NOTHING. You’d think they would want to actually give some customer service for over $30,000 of profit but apparently this company doesn’t value it’s customers enough to even give them an update or respond to calls or emails. I thought that getting solar was a good idea but I guess I should just stick with Xcel since they are at least reliable. I don’t even know how to cancel my loan since they never actually sent me paperwork after adding this to my credit load. This whole thing is a mess and I can’t even get anyone to talk to me to hope. Decided to leave a review to make sure others are saved the headache. Go with a different company if you can.

Alan | Salt Lake City, Utah
08/13/2021

I signed up with Brio in March 2021, it took 4 months to get the panels on the house. As of this day I am still waiting for them to connect the panels to the house and I am getting no response from Brio as to when they will connect the panels. I have decide to cancel the panel system and I have not been contacted about how to cancel. I am working with the BBB on this and I would like to get this issue resolved. This company has poor poor customer service and can not be trusted. Do not use Brio for solar system.

FFH | Albany, Minnesota
07/22/2021

Brio Solar was a 12 month nightmare. They had no clue about how to work with our local utility. Their staff turned over constantly and new staff just made things up to appease us. They told us our system was operational in early May, but when our bill came in late June it was not. After it was operating they stopped responding to our emails. Find a company in your home state. No matter what they say they are very dishonest and incompetent.

Colleen G | Colorado Springs, Colorado
06/28/2021

I would NOT recommend going with this company. I was told a 1-day install. They began the install on 2/9, which started the clock for payment on the loan. But the install wasn't completed. Over the next few months I made over a dozen phone calls to the company and was scheduled 3 different dates for the install completion. But each date no one showed and the installed wasn't complete. I would have to call the company, they would apologize & set up a new install date each time. I had to begin payments on the loan on 4/12 for a system that wasn't installed. I was told they would reimburse for loan payments made until the system was fully installed if I just submitted a claim. After weeks of no reimbursement I was told that I would receive the reimbursement after the install was complete. The install was finally completed on 5/21 - 3.5 months for a "1-day" install. I had already made 2 payments on the loan for which I am supposed to be reimbursed. I called the company today as it has been 5 weeks since the install to ask about my reimbursement. They couldn't tell me. All I was told is that it has been passed off to a reimbursement team, who they had no way to contact and that I was not allowed to contact. I do not regret getting solar. I absolutely regret using this company as they seem understaffed and unable to deliver on any promises.

States Served

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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 Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy) consider:

Experience and Reputation:

Look for a company with a solid track record and years of experience in the solar industry. Read the latest Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy) 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 Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy).

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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Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy) Solar Review Conclusion

Prior to making a decision to work with Brighter Solar Energy (formerly Brio Solar Energy), 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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