Solar Installer Reviews

Southard Solar & Construction

Southard Solar & Construction Review

4.14

68 Reviews

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Company Information

Headquarters:
625 E 70th Ave Unit 5 Denver, CO 80229 United States

All Reviews


JDR | Brighton, Colorado
06/14/2019

Dan and his team were easy patient and professional to work with. I had been in contact with many other solar companies but Southard solar was so easy. Dan was no BS and a strait shooter. Made it easy and understandable of what I needed and what I got. After they got the permits from the city it was fast. They had a crew out the next day and I was up in running soon after. Friendly professional installers. Best in Colorado in my opinion. Highly recommend southard solar.

Lauren | Fort Collins, Colorado
05/16/2019

Dan Rips was so patient throughout the entire process, answering all of my questions (I had a LOT since I had been doing research for months prior to getting proposals). I got proposals from 10+ companies (local and national), and Southard had the best rates by far, the best warranties by far, had numerous panels to choose from, and it made me feel even better to support a local company. If you are thinking about solar, absolutely go with Southard!

Deepak Kaul | Fort Collins, Colorado
02/06/2019

Southard Solar did my residential PV system installation recently. They provided a quote that was hard to match for anyone else on the market and that too with premium panels. They took care of the entire process and answered 100's of my questions. Working with Dan was amazing and he provided quick response to my queries even at odd hours. I'm very happy with the installed system.

Mathew.mann | Longmont, Colorado
10/18/2018

They made everything as easy as possible for me. Everyone was very knowledgeable and knew the answers to every question I had. I highly recommend Southard to everyone I know.

Mary Mc | Lafayette, Colorado
10/17/2018

My husband and I had a Sunpower system installed in 2016 by Southards Solar. We were always impressed with our system and its performance, but it wasnt until after we suffered a hail storm that I was really amazed by them. We had to coordinate with Southards and our roofer to have the system uninstalled so the roof could be replaced and they were the easiest part of that project. They coordinated everything with the roofer and our insurance agent. The system is back up and producing again and they extended their warranty from the time the panels were put back up. I would be happy to recommend them to anyone interested in getting solar!

Ray & Janice | Denver, Colorado
08/17/2018

We started discussions with Dan from Southard on installing solar panels on our house in Stapleton in late Oct 2017. We had done some research and had many questions for which Dan had straightforward answers. We wanted to install higher quality 350W panels to reduce the number of panels needed on my roof. With the higher output panels, Southard was able to design a system that fit entirely on the part of the roof with the best sun exposure. As a bonus, their crew was able to install the system in December working in some cold and snowy weather which allowed us to take the federal tax credit for 2017 rather than need to wait a full year until we filed 2018 taxes in 2019. Other solar companies that we considered could not do the installation until 2018 and two of the companies limited selection of solar panels to just those manufacturers the had agreements with or produced themselves.<br /><br />It has been about 7 months since our system was activated. Starting with our March Xcel bill, our charges for electricity have been the minimum of $5.53 each month. Although it appears our consumption was a bit greater than my production for July due to the AC running more, there was enough excess production "in the bank" from prior months to cover the difference. Thus, it seems Southard's design of our system was "right sized" for our home and electric energy use. I am very happy I used a smaller, local company like Southard.

Chris P | Golden, Colorado
03/17/2023

I cannot recommend Southard Solar due to their lack of communication and professionalism. It’s been a very disappointing and frustrating experience over the last year. Almost exactly 1 year ago, I had a site visit to scope and quote my project. I showed them the house, garage, and wellhouse and explained how we wanted them to be powered and backed up with solar panels and a battery. The contract showed up with various repeated errors which I had to continually correct. Shortly after signing, installation began – they must have had a solid understanding of the project from the site visit, I figured. Alas, nope. The house is powered but not the wellhouse and garage, meaning our water supply is not functional in the event of an outage. A single conversation could have ensured that we were on the same page, but they’ve never made that a possibility. Despite months of outreach, they’ve given me the runaround, and when they offered to work on getting the system fixed to function as we agreed, they now won’t answer any questions about how much we would be expected to pay for the remedial work. As a cherry on top, during the install, they showed up in our house one morning when my wife was home alone. They insisted that “Chris knows we’re here,” but that was a blatant lie. If I’d expected them, I would have let them know not to come since my wife was home with COVID. To their credit, Gabe the installer and his team did a great job. They were communicative and clear, and if the rest of the team functioned like him, I’d be happy to recommend them. The whole experience has been frustrating due to their lack of communication and honesty. The price might be tempting but it’s not worth the headache. Find another solar vendor.

Disappointed | Arvada, Colorado
10/12/2022

We did an install with Southards last fall. The install was fine, but the subsequent service and communication has been a disaster. Even minor issues are just not addressed. Terrible communication, and no follow up. Buyer beware.

States Served

CO

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 Southard Solar & Construction consider:

Experience and Reputation:

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

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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Southard Solar & Construction Solar Review Conclusion

Prior to making a decision to work with Southard Solar & Construction, 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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