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Certasun

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: November 16th, 2023

Certasun is a solar company headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Josh Lutton founded Certasun in 2018 after working for nine years as a managing partner of Woodlawn Associates, a consulting firm that specializes in residential solar.

Certasun installs residential solar power systems, as well as solar power battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations. The company is a SunPower Elite Dealer and offers the same products and warranties available to customers who work directly with SunPower. 

Keep reading to discover The Good, The Bad, and The Bottom Line about Certasun. 

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The Good

  • Accreditations
  • Exclusive SunPower Equinox Installation
  • Referral Program
  • No Surprises Guarantee
  • 25-Year Warranty
  • Online Consultations
  • Battery Option

Accreditations

Certasun is a SunPower Elite Dealer, signifying that SunPower has determined Certasun provides a high level of quality and customer service in its solar installations. This partnership with SunPower ensures that every phase of the solar installation process, from initial consultation to final installation and inspection, is accompanied by an exceptional customer experience team and top-quality service. 

The Certasun team will handle everything, including filing the necessary paperwork for permits, to ensure the entire process is seamless.

As a SunPower Elite Dealer, Certasun also installs some of the best solar equipment on the market, including high-efficiency solar panels and solar inverters. The company provides solar energy storage and EV charging options to improve the solar system's overall efficiency and savings potential.

Certasun is also Illinois Shines Approved Vendor #1.

Exclusive SunPower Equinox Installation

Certasun's commitment to quality is evident in its exclusive installation of the SunPower Equinox solar system. This system is recognized as the world's most powerful, efficient, attractive, and durable solar equipment. By choosing SunPower, Certasun ensures that customers receive top-notch technology that is built to last for decades.

Certasun also prides itself on maintaining the highest standards for aesthetics and professionalism. This commitment guarantees customers an exceptional experience throughout the entire process, from consultation to installation. The attention to detail in both appearance and service sets Certasun apart in the solar industry.

Referral Program

Certasun customers who refer someone else to the solar company will receive $500 after the referred person completes their solar installation.

No Surprises Guarantee

Certasun is committed to quality service at every point in the solar journey and offers a "No Surprises Guarantee." The guarantee makes a number of promises to Certasun customers. 

Some of the promises are listed below: 

  • Certasun employees will leave the customer's home as clean or cleaner than when they arrived.
  • Certasun will give customers unbiased information about their financing options.
  • Customers' solar power systems will perform as intended over the lifetime of the system.
  • Customers will not experience roof leaks as a result of Certasun’s installation. 

This guarantee should help increase potential customers' confidence in working with Certasun.

25-Year Warranty

Certasun solar installations come with a 25-year warranty across the board. Because the company exclusively installs SunPower Equinox solar systems, every part of its solar power systems is under the same warranty, so there's no confusion on which company is responsible for an issue. 

The 25-Year SunPower Complete Confidence warranty covers equipment replacement, shipping, and labor if needed. SunPower also guarantees a solar panel degradation rate of no more than .25 percent. Other companies typically set a degradation rate at no more than .70 percent. This guarantees a high-efficiency rate over the life of your SunPower solar panels. 

Online Consultations

Setting up a time to meet for a solar consultant to come to your house can feel like a big commitment. At the onset of the 2020 pandemic, Certasun began offering online consultations for customers to get an estimate and proposal. 

A Certasun solar consultation will use advanced satellite imagery to evaluate the pitch and orientation of your house. They will also analyze any surrounding structures that could shade your home and impact your panels’ efficiency. At the end of the call, you leave with a design of your solar panel system including how many solar panels you’ll need, where the solar panels will fit on your rooftop, and the cost of your system. 

If you are ready to move forward with your solar purchase, you can set up a time for a site assessment when a team member will come out to your home for an hour to evaluate your rooftop and electrical system in person. 

Financing Options

Certasun provides homeowners with multiple financing options to help them make the switch to solar, including multiple solar loan programs, as well as its solar lease product. 
Loan options include traditional term loans with low monthly payments, as well as bridge loans that significantly reduce the upfront investment by giving customers a short-term loan while they wait to receive their tax credit. 

The solar provider also provides a solar lease, which does not qualify for state and federal tax credits, but does require zero money upfront and comes with low monthly payments. Certasun only offers leases to customers who would save money by making annual solar payments instead of paying their energy bill from the utility company. 

Battery Option

Batteries are increasing in popularity with many individuals moving away from dependence on local utility companies. One of Certasun’s featured products is the SunVault Energy Storage battery manufactured by SunPower. The SunValut Energy Storage is compact, expandable, and remotely operated with a smartphone. 

You can ask about adding on the SunValut Energy Storage during your initial consultation. These battery systems typically cost $12,000 to $28,000 with installation. 

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The Bad

  • Limited Service Area
  • Residential Only
  • Lack of Energy Storage Information
  • No Diverse Brand Options
  • Missing NABCEP Accreditation
  • Needs Certasun Reviews

Limited Service Area

Certasun serves only those homeowners located in northeastern Illinois, eastern Wisconsin, and southeastern Massachusetts.

Residential Only

While many solar companies work with residential, commercial, and agricultural clients, Certasun installs only residential solar power systems.

Lack of Energy Storage Information

While Certasun offers solar and EV charging solutions, there is limited information about energy storage options on their website. Providing more details about energy storage solutions could enhance the company's offerings, especially as interest in solar energy storage grows.

No Diverse Brand Options

Certasun exclusively installs the SunPower Equinox solar system. While SunPower is a reputable solar brand, this choice does limit customers' options if they install a solar renewable energy system through Certasun.

Missing NABCEP Accreditation

Certasun does not appear to employ any NABCEP-certified technicians, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to solar companies that do. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is one of the most well-respected and sought after solar certification programs in the United States.

Needs Certasun Reviews

Unfortunately, few verified customer reviews on Certasun's products and services exist online. Verified Certasun reviews are crucial to establishing the company's online reputation and helping Certasun distinguish itself from different companies.

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The Bottom Line

Certasun installs residential solar systems for homeowners in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.

Certasun is a SunPower Elite Dealer and exclusively installs SunPower Equinox solar systems. On the positive side, SunPower is an extremely reputable brand with 25-year warranties, and Certasun's practice of installing all the products in its systems from the same brand simplifies the warranty process for homeowners. On the other hand, those who are interested in products from other brands will need to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Certasun does not appear to employ any NABCEP-certified technicians. Many other reputable solar companies employ NABCEP-certified technicians, which indicates a high level of training, ethical standards, and continuing education.

The solar company also deals exclusively with residential solar power systems, while many other solar companies install commercial and agricultural systems, as well. Commercial and agricultural customers - as well as those who live outside Certasun's service area - will need to work with another solar company.

But for residential customers who are interested in a SunPower solar system and live in northeastern Illinois, eastern Wisconsin, or southeastern Massachusetts, Certasun is an option worth considering.

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