Clean Energy USA
Is This Your Business?4.0
4.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
With more than 1,800 solar installation projects under its belt and 18,000 kilowatts of renewable energy installed since its founding in 2008, Clean Energy USA (CEUSA) provides solar energy systems and other home improvement services to homeowners throughout the state of Delaware. CEUSA was named a Top 500 Solar Contractor nationwide by Solar Power World magazine in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and a top 100 residential solar installer in Delaware in 2020.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Full-Service Installation
- Additional Services
Full-Service Installation
Clean Energy USA provides customers with full-service solar installation, meaning the company completes every step of the process in-house. Companies that conduct their own consultations, design, and installations offer a distinct advantage over installers that contract these tasks out to third parties, because they’re better able to ensure the quality of the solar PV system.
CEUSA’s solar panels come with a 25-year materials warranty that protects the system against damaged or defective panels for their projected lifetime. And, in addition to designing and implementing these systems, Clean Energy USA can also help Delaware residents take full advantage of available solar credits and tax incentives at both state and federal levels.
Additional Services
CEUSA does more than solar energy systems; the company also provides home improvement services in the following categories:
- EV Charging Stations — For both residential and commercial clients, CEUSA provides free assessments for hard-wire electric vehicle chargers.
- Solar Generators — The solar company installs whole-house generators from leading manufacturer Generac. Customers can store their system’s surplus solar energy to be used at night or for an emergency.
- Lightning Protection Systems — A lightning protection system intercepts lightning strikes, steers charges into grounded diodes, and equips the home with surge protectors to save home electronics from shorting out.
The Bad
- No Lease or PPA Options
- Undisclosed Workmanship Warranty
- Undisclosed Solar Equipment
- Delaware Only Company
No Lease or PPA Options
While CEUSA offers customers both direct purchase and loan options to finance their solar panel systems, the company does not appear to offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). These two options can be incredibly cost-effective, as they place the financial burden of owning, installing, and maintaining the solar system on the company, and not on the homeowner. Monthly rates for solar leases and PPAs also tend to be lower than the monthly utility rate.
Undisclosed Workmanship Warranty
Though CEUSA mentions its panels come with a 25-year equipment warranty, the company has not disclosed the presence of a workmanship warranty, also called a labor or service guarantee. A workmanship warranty protects homeowners against system errors caused during the installation process along with subsequent maintenance visits. Leading solar companies provide a 25-year workmanship warranty on all their systems.
Undisclosed Solar Equipment
Clean Energy USA will not disclose its equipment inventory until the design and implementation phase of the solar installation process. While the 25-year equipment warranty implies the company uses some of the best panels on the market, providing this information prior to the customer seeking a free home assessment can empower homeowners to make an informed comparison between CEUSA and another company.
Delaware Only Company
Clean Energy USA only serves residential and commercial clients in Delaware. While Delaware may not represent the most competitive solar market in the country (approximately 29 solar companies operate in the state), promoting verified Clean Energy USA reviews can be an effective way for the company to stand out from the competition.
The Bottom Line
For Delaware homeowners in search of a local company that provides full-service installation and can expand their solar panel systems into other areas like EV charging, Clean Energy USA may be the right company.
Customers are encouraged to obtain a free home assessment or virtual appointment from the company and compare CEUSA’s financing options and workmanship warranty (if any is available) to other leading companies in the area. They’re also encouraged to read Clean Energy USA reviews to learn more about the experiences from actual customers.
