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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: August 28th, 2024

American Design & Build operates American Sentry Solar which is a leading provider of solar energy solutions, specializing in helping homeowners transition to renewable energy with ease and confidence. Founded with a mission to promote sustainability and energy independence, the company has over 30 years of experience in the home improvement and energy industries. This extensive background enables American Sentry Solar to offer top-tier solar installations that are custom-designed to fit the unique needs and energy goals of each customer. From initial consultation to final installation, American Sentry Solar takes a comprehensive approach to ensure that every solar system is not only efficient and reliable but also perfectly aligned with the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget.

At the heart of American Sentry Solar’s success is its commitment to quality and innovation. The company uses only the best materials and latest technology in their solar installations, ensuring long-lasting performance and maximum energy savings. Their team of highly skilled professionals works closely with each customer, providing a detailed energy analysis and tailored solar solutions that are designed to optimize efficiency and reduce utility costs. This personalized approach, combined with their extensive industry knowledge, ensures that every customer receives a solar system that is as effective as it is sustainable.

Beyond their dedication to quality installations, American Sentry Solar is deeply committed to customer satisfaction. They understand that switching to solar energy is a significant investment, which is why they prioritize transparency and education throughout the entire process. Customers are guided through every step, from understanding their energy usage to navigating financing options and understanding the long-term benefits of solar energy. By empowering homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, American Sentry Solar helps them take control of their energy future and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

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The Good

  • Financing Solutions
  • Enphase Battery Installation
  • NABCEP Certified Installers
  • Installs Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Financing Solutions

Offering a wide range of solar purchasing options is highly beneficial for American Sentry Solar as it provides flexibility and accessibility to a diverse group of customers. By offering various financing options like solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash purchases, the company ensures that there is a solution available for nearly every financial situation. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose a payment plan that best suits their budget and financial goals, making the transition to solar energy more feasible and attractive.

A solar loan enables customers to own their solar system outright while spreading out the cost over time, often with low-interest rates, which can result in immediate energy savings without a large upfront investment. Solar leases and PPAs, on the other hand, provide options for those who prefer not to own the system but still want to benefit from lower electricity bills. With a lease, customers pay a fixed monthly rate for the use of the solar system, while a PPA involves paying only for the energy produced. Both options can offer immediate savings on utility bills without any initial outlay, making solar energy accessible to those who might not have the capital to invest upfront.

Additionally, the option for cash purchases appeals to homeowners looking to maximize their financial returns on a solar investment. By paying for the system upfront, they can avoid interest payments, secure the full benefit of available tax incentives, and enjoy the highest potential savings on their electricity bills over the lifetime of the system. This range of purchasing options demonstrates American Sentry Solar's commitment to customer satisfaction and inclusivity, ensuring that every homeowner has the opportunity to participate in the shift toward renewable energy.

Enphase Battery Installation

Homeowners should consider having American Sentry Solar install the Enphase solar battery for several key reasons that enhance the overall efficiency, reliability, and convenience of their solar energy systems. First and foremost, the Enphase solar battery offers reliable energy storage, allowing homeowners to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight. This capability ensures that homeowners can maximize their use of solar power, reduce reliance on the grid, and lower electricity bills, even during peak demand times when energy costs are higher.

Additionally, the Enphase solar battery provides backup power in the event of a grid outage, which is particularly beneficial for areas prone to power disruptions. With the ability to automatically detect outages and seamlessly switch to stored energy, homeowners can maintain essential functions and comforts, such as lighting, refrigeration, and communication, without interruption. This added layer of energy security is crucial for families who want to ensure a consistent power supply in emergency situations.

Furthermore, the Enphase solar battery is designed to be highly efficient and user-friendly. Its modular design allows for easy scalability, meaning homeowners can start with one battery and add more as their energy needs grow. The system also integrates seamlessly with Enphase microinverters and other components, providing a fully integrated energy solution that is easy to monitor and manage through the Enphase Enlighten app. This app allows homeowners to track energy production, storage, and usage in real time, empowering them to optimize their energy consumption and further enhance their savings. By choosing the Enphase solar battery, homeowners invest in a reliable, efficient, and future-proof energy solution.

NABCEP Certified Installers

It is highly beneficial that American Sentry Solar installers are NABCEP certified because this certification is widely regarded as the gold standard in the solar industry. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification ensures that installers have met stringent standards for knowledge and experience in solar energy installation. Here are a few reasons why this is advantageous for homeowners:

  1. Expertise and Quality Assurance: NABCEP certification requires rigorous training and a comprehensive understanding of solar technology, installation best practices, safety protocols, and building codes. This means that American Sentry Solar installers are highly knowledgeable and skilled, providing homeowners with the confidence that their solar system will be installed correctly, safely, and efficiently. A well-installed system performs better, lasts longer, and requires fewer repairs, ensuring long-term satisfaction and reliability.
  2. Compliance and Safety: Solar installations involve complex electrical work and integration with a home's power supply, which can pose safety risks if not handled properly. NABCEP-certified installers are trained to adhere to the highest safety standards, significantly reducing the risk of accidents or issues related to improper installation. This certification also ensures that installations comply with local regulations and codes, which is essential for obtaining the necessary permits and approvals.
  3. Consumer Confidence and Protection: Choosing NABCEP-certified installers like those at American Sentry Solar offers homeowners peace of mind. The certification demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and customer service, signaling that the company values high-quality workmanship and ethical business practices. Additionally, many states and financial institutions require or prefer NABCEP certification for eligibility in certain incentive programs or financing options, making it easier for homeowners to access rebates, tax credits, and solar loans.

The NABCEP certification of American Sentry Solar installers provides a strong foundation for delivering top-notch solar installations, ensuring both safety and quality while enhancing consumer confidence in the company’s services.

Installs Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels

American Sentry Solar’s installation of both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels provides significant benefits for homeowners. This flexibility allows customers to choose the type of solar panel that best fits their specific needs, preferences, and budget. Here are a few reasons why offering both types of panels is advantageous:

  • Customization for Efficiency and Space Constraints: Monocrystalline solar panels are known for their higher efficiency rates and better performance in low-light conditions. They are typically more efficient because they are made from a single, high-purity silicon crystal, which allows them to convert more sunlight into electricity. This makes monocrystalline panels ideal for homeowners with limited roof space who want to maximize their energy production. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels, made from multiple silicon crystals, are usually less expensive and provide a cost-effective solution for those with ample roof space or those looking to minimize upfront costs.
  • Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Flexibility: By offering both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, American Sentry Solar can cater to a broader range of budgets. Homeowners who prioritize cost-effectiveness might opt for polycrystalline panels, which are typically cheaper due to a simpler manufacturing process. This makes solar energy more accessible to a wider audience. Conversely, those looking for the most efficient and durable panels may choose monocrystalline options, even if they come with a slightly higher price tag. This choice allows homeowners to balance their initial investment with their long-term energy savings and goals.
  • Performance in Various Conditions: Different environments and climates can impact the performance of solar panels. Monocrystalline panels tend to perform better in hotter climates and partial shade, maintaining higher efficiency levels despite temperature fluctuations. Polycrystalline panels, while slightly less efficient, can still perform well in conditions with consistent sunlight and are a reliable, budget-friendly option for moderate climates. By installing both types of panels, American Sentry Solar can provide homeowners with tailored solutions that optimize energy production based on their specific environmental conditions.

American Sentry Solar's ability to install both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels ensures that homeowners have the flexibility to select a solar solution that aligns with their energy needs, budget, and environmental considerations, resulting in a more customized and effective solar installation.

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The Bad

  • Undisclosed Panel and Inverter Brands
  • Limited Battery Options

Undisclosed Panel and Inverter Brands

The fact that American Sentry Solar does not publicly disclose the manufacturers of the solar panels and inverters it installs can pose several downsides for potential customers:

  • Lack of Transparency: Not disclosing the brands and manufacturers of solar panels and inverters may lead to a perception of a lack of transparency. Homeowners often want to know exactly what products will be installed on their property, as these components significantly impact the performance, efficiency, and longevity of the solar system. Without this information, customers may feel uncertain about the quality and reliability of the products being used.
  • Difficulty in Comparing Options: When customers are unable to determine the specific brands of solar panels and inverters, it makes it challenging to compare American Sentry Solar’s offerings with those of other companies. This lack of information can hinder customers' ability to make informed decisions based on factors such as panel efficiency, warranty terms, and overall system performance. Transparency in product selection is crucial for customers who want to ensure they are getting the best value for their investment.
  • Uncertainty About Product Quality and Compatibility: Solar panels and inverters vary widely in terms of quality, efficiency, and durability. By not disclosing the specific manufacturers, American Sentry Solar leaves customers uncertain about the quality of the components being installed. Furthermore, knowing the manufacturers helps customers assess whether the solar panels and inverters are compatible and optimized for their particular needs, including local weather conditions, energy consumption patterns, and roof space.

The lack of disclosure about the specific solar panel and inverter manufacturers used by American Sentry Solar can lead to concerns about transparency, hinder the decision-making process for potential customers, and create uncertainties regarding the quality, compatibility, and warranty coverage of the solar system components.

Limited Battery Options

Offering only one type of solar battery can present several downsides for American Sentry Solar customers. The single battery option may not be the most suitable choice for every customer. If the offered battery does not align well with the homeowner's energy needs or the specific characteristics of their solar system, it could lead to suboptimal performance. For instance, if the battery has a lower capacity or less efficient performance than other available options, it might not provide adequate backup power during outages or sufficient storage for maximizing solar energy usage.

When a company offers only one type of solar battery, it may not be able to provide competitive pricing or cost-effective solutions. A lack of variety means that customers cannot compare different battery options to find a product that fits their budget while still meeting their energy storage needs. Customers who might benefit from less expensive or more advanced battery options are constrained by the limited selection.

In a competitive market, offering a diverse range of products is crucial for meeting customer needs and preferences. Limiting customers to a single battery type may put American Sentry Solar at a disadvantage compared to competitors who offer multiple battery options. Customers may choose other companies that provide a broader selection of batteries, giving them more choice and potentially better value.

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The Bottom Line

American Sentry Solar is a prominent player in the solar energy sector, providing a range of solutions designed to meet diverse energy needs. Known for its comprehensive approach, the company offers various solar purchasing options, including solar loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash purchases. This flexibility ensures that homeowners have access to the most suitable financing solutions for their solar investments.

One of the company's key strengths is its commitment to quality and certification. American Sentry Solar's installers are NABCEP certified, ensuring high standards of professionalism and expertise in the installation process. This certification provides homeowners with confidence in the quality of their solar system's installation. Additionally, the company’s use of both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels allows it to offer solutions that cater to different performance needs and budget constraints.

However, there are areas where American Sentry Solar could enhance its offerings. The lack of public disclosure regarding the specific manufacturers of solar panels and inverters they install could lead to concerns about transparency and informed decision-making for customers. Furthermore, offering only one type of solar battery limits the flexibility and customization options available to homeowners, potentially impacting performance and cost-effectiveness.

Overall, American Sentry Solar demonstrates a strong commitment to providing reliable and flexible solar solutions, but addressing these areas of improvement could further enhance its service and customer satisfaction.

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