Cheetah Solar
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Cheetah Solar provides residential solar design and installation work for homeowners throughout the United States. The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona and has successfully completed over 750 solar projects in eight different states to date. Founded in 2018, Cheetah Solar has quickly expanded its operations, helping many residential property owners harness solar energy to save on monthly utility costs.
Cheetah Solar was founded by Andy Hansen and Evan Ferrante, both experts within the solar industry with more than a decade of experience. Hansen had previously worked in the hospitality and customer service industry providing him with a unique and specialized approach to taking care of clients. Ferrante had a successful career in sales which transitioned well into the solar industry where he helps prospective solar customers understand the financial and environmental benefits of solar.
With Cheetah Solar, clients have seen an average of 20 percent to 30 percent reduction on their monthly electric bill. Installation with Cheetah Solar experts is generally completed in two days and operational shortly thereafter.
In addition to providing a high-quality and environmentally friendly service, Cheetah Solar also is involved in humanitarian efforts benefiting the following charities: Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, Amanda Hope, and Give Power.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- No Third-Party Contractors
- Energy Management Solutions
- Large Service Area
No Third-Party Contractors
With Cheetah Solar, clients can expect that all aspects of the solar project will be managed and completed by Cheetah Solar professionals. From start to finish, Cheetah Solar will handle each stage of the solar system installation. Solar services offered through Cheetah Solar include:
- Site survey (complimentary)
- Custom design plans
- Permits
- Utility approval
- Installation
- Inspection
Many solar providers that have expanded service areas have opted for third-party contractor involvement. That is not the case with Cheetah Solar projects.
Energy Management Solutions
Installing the traditional residential solar system is not the only energy savings solution available through Cheetah Solar. In fact, the company will conduct a full energy analysis to help homeowners identify other ways to maximize energy usage and save where possible. Alternative energy management solutions through Cheetah Solar include:
- EV charging station installation
- Smart lighting solutions
- Energy efficient outlets
Clients looking for multiple solutions to combat rising energy costs may want to consider all of the services offered through Cheetah Solar. Not all solar companies offer these types of alternatives, but Cheetah Solar does.
Large Service Area
A vast majority of solar companies that offer end-to-end solar installation solely provide a local service. This means that most providers will either service a select few cities or one state to offer solar installation.
Cheetah Solar has gone above and beyond to service as many homeowners as possible, expanding its operation to nearly half of the United States. Currently, Cheetah Solar offers installation in the following states:
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Cheetah Solar has already helped with the completion of solar projects in eight states since its founding in 2018. There are providers that have been in the industry much longer and have yet to make these kind of expansion efforts.
The Bad
- Undisclosed Financing Options
- All Grid-Tied Systems
- Unknown Battery Availability
Undisclosed Financing Options
While Cheetah Solar mentions that it offers financing for its clients, that is where the public information about its alternative financing product ends. Most solar companies will offer at least one or all of the following financing solutions: solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA).
Unfortunately for Cheetah Solar clients, it is unclear exactly what alternative financing is available to help alleviate the upfront and other associated solar costs.
All Grid-Tied Systems
As a residential solar installer, Cheetah Solar has mastered the grid-tied solar system. This is where the solar system is connected to the utility grid allowing for features like net metering. However, grid-tied is the only option for Cheetah Solar clients that are having a full scale solar system installed.
Most companies will offer alternatives to the grid-tied solution by also installing battery or storage solutions. While most clients opt into the grid-tied set up, there is generally a choice. With Cheetah Solar, there is no choice.
Unknown Battery Availability
Despite offering products outside of photovoltaic solar system installation, Cheetah Solar does not offer solar battery or storage installation. Many solar companies have integrated battery and storage solutions into business offerings, but Cheetah Solar remains committed to the traditional grid-tied system.
For homeowners in areas where power outages are relatively common, it is important to note that the solar system will also stop functioning during these outages. Only having a compatible solar battery/storage system will keep outages from affecting the power supply and functionality. Unfortunately for Cheetah Solar clients, this is not a possibility.
The Bottom Line
Cheetah Solar provides comprehensive solar services, managing every aspect of the solar process from start to finish. In addition to providing traditional solar services, Cheetah Solar also offers alternative energy management solutions like EV charging installation, smart lighting, and smart electrical outlets. The service area of Cheetah Solar expands across nearly half of the United States, servicing 23 states and Washington, D.C.
Despite offering a number of high quality services and solar solutions, there are limitations prospective clients should be aware of when working with Cheetah Solar. First, the company claims to offer alternative financing, but fails to publicly disclose what those options include. Second, all systems installed by Cheetah Solar are grid tied so there are no opportunities for off-grid capabilities. Lastly, there is no mention of solar battery products or installation, which means power outages will still affect Cheetah Solar clients.
For homeowners looking for a quality grid-tied solar system set-up, Cheetah Solar is a respectable installation provider that can deliver. However, those looking for off-grid capabilities or increased energy independence may want to consider alternative solar companies.
