Solar Installer Reviews

Next Solar

Next Solar Review

5.00

535 Reviews

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Company Information

Headquarters:
170 Glenn Way Unit 1 San Carlos, CA 94070 United States

All Reviews


sf415ftw | USA
Aug 10, 2023

It's about about 1 year since I went with Next Solar for my Solar needs. After speaking to Dosie @ Next Solar and a few other solar providers, I decided to go with Next Solar as their quote was one of the best and I liked that Dosie was not pushy. After I signed the contract, they had someone out to do the in person consultation pretty quick. The in person consultation was smooth and efficient. They hopped on the roof and took some photos and that was it. Within a week or two, they had a crew come out with everything to do the install. Install was done in a day and that was impressive. What happened next was really the fault of the CITY OF SF, as they just love to hire people with no brain cells... a story for another day. I had to do some leg work between the city approving the permit/plan and Next Solar as the city was dragging their feet. Once the city finally approved, it was then PG&E to do their approval, which took another 2 weeks. All in all, Next Solar did their party quick and efficiently but the City permit is what took the longest. It was about 3.5-4 months from beginning to end and since then, the system has been working great with no issues. If I was to do it all over again, I would not hesitate to go with Next Solar again especially after learning that the big guys such as Tesla, Sunrun, Sunpower, etc sometimes use Next Solar as a subcontractor and charge more so they get a piece of the pie. Please keep up the good work Next Solar!

nakarin29 | USA
Apr 15, 2023

Luis explained to me clearly the process, cost, product comparison, and timeline. With the NEM 2.0 frenzies, he still managed to schedule the work in a timely manner. He was a bit slow in answering the emails. I'm sure that he's just busy running around and couldn't just monitor his email. That's why I dented the "responsiveness" star a bit. Though, he always picked up the calls. The craftsmanship was quite good. The original installer that came in did something wrong and Luis noticed that by himself and he actively contacted me that his new crews would come over to correct the mistake. My bathroom vent turned out to impact the yield of one of the panels and he also came over to move that panel. All in all, super happy with the Next Solar. Highly recommended!

dcdirector | USA
Feb 03, 2023

Next Solar was one of the first to send me a quote. But then I had an issue because I accidentally pushed "select" on Next Solar inc. I got a call from Alex, the engineer asking me if I had made an honest mistake since I had never spoken to anyone from Next Solar inc. nor have I had even requested a meeting. I said yes and thanked him for his honesty. I have not made a decision on which solar company to hire but even though, Next Solar is not the cheapest, I am probably going to use them. I will write another review when I do. But so far, they are real honest. I was also very impressed with Energysage and Ben in particular. I had a 15 minute meeting with him and he answered all of my questions with great answers and was very patient with me. I really am enjoying this experience with Energysage because previously, I dealt with the Better Business Bureau and the companies that paid to be on their website. Yes, companies have to pay to get on BBB. I didn't know that. So that's why many companies have A+ ratings on BBB and yet on yelp and other ratings sites, they have very low ratings. Dealing with Solar companies has definitely put me on the defensive when dealing with any of them. Also, do not use Lumio or their financing company, Goodleap. They had a door to door salesman come and got my dad to sign a contract. My dad is 78 years old and his english is not very good. Obviously it was his fault for signing. However, he then tried to cancel the contract that night by calling the salesman and asking for a cancellation. The salesperson told him twice that it was cancelled. My dad then told me about the contract and then I read the contract. It said that you need to cancel within 3 days of the signing date. I called the national number and asked if the contract was cancelled. They said that it was not. The salesman had lied to my father, hoping that the contract would be legalized when the 3 days were up (you have 3 days to SIGN THE CANCELLATION contract and MAIL THE PAPERWORK to Utah). Luckily, I sent it overnight and it got there in time but it was a close call. I then went online and found so many other horror stories about being pressured into a sale and then not being able to cancel. Please do your research and don't sign anything until you are 100% sure.

hosskoch | USA
Dec 14, 2022

Next Solar did an exceptional job!!! Dosie and Luis were very helpful. They both went out of their way to ensure the process was smooth and efficient. Dosie was always available and very helpful. Luis made a number of home visits and was able to answer all of my questions. Truly appreciate everything they did. I highly recommend going with Next Solar!!!

groovus72 | USA
Oct 25, 2022

Can't say enough about my great experience with Next. Dosie, Luis and crew we're engaging, communicative and collaborative every step of the way. One of my main concerns was dealing with the San Francisco/PG&E permitting process, which tends to be lengthy, bureaucratic, and painful. They had my install done within a month of signing the contract, and SF signed off 3 days after the install! It only took another week for PGE and I was producing energy into the grid. I was also very happy with their competitive pricing. Great team to work with!

rhiann | USA
phillips

Next Solar Inc did an incredible job installing our system. Luis was always attentive to our needs, going way above and beyond in every way. Whether it was the level of absolute integrity with the intent on the most minor details during installation, coming out in sub-zero wind chill for hours to personally deal with inspection details, or driving an hour just to come by and show us how to use the monitoring system, Next Solar, and particularly Luis, impressed us during the entire project and I would most certainly recommend them to ANYONE! Anyone is welcome to come by and see the awesome project that Next Solar did for us. Reach out to Luis and tell him I sent ya!

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 Next Solar consider:

Experience and Reputation:

Look for a company with a solid track record and years of experience in the solar industry. Read the latest Next Solar 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 Next Solar.

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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Next Solar Solar Review Conclusion

Prior to making a decision to work with Next Solar, 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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