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1st Light Energy

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25 User Reviews

3.6

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LAST UPDATED: November 2nd, 2023

Founded in 2005, 1st Light Energy provides solar energy services to residential, commercial, and non-profit entities of all sizes. The company is an authorized SolarWorld installer that does not subcontract any of its work. 1st Light Energy offers its services in 16 states.

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The Good

  • Variety of Payment Options
  • Respectable Partners
  • State Availability

Variety of Payment Options

1st Light Energy offers a variety of payment options, including outright purchase, loan, and lease. With multiple options to choose from, 1st Light customers have the flexibility to find a payment method that best suits their needs. According to the 1st Light Energy website, its most popular options are the loan and lease. With the loan, customers can go solar for $0 down with interest rates as low as 2.99 percent. Customers will own their power, increase their home equity value, and earn upwards of 70 percent lifetime energy savings. With the lease, customers can go solar for $0 down and lock in their energy rates with no maintenance and no risk. Plus, customers will save between 30 and 50 percent on energy costs.

Respectable Partners

1st Light Energy is a SolarWorld authorized installer. In addition, the company is proudly partnered with LG, Hanwha, and SolarEdge.

State Availability

1st Light Energy offers its services in 16 different states: California, Utah, Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Hawaii. Many companies only operate in one or two states, so 1st Light has an advantage over these companies in its ability to serve more customers.

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The Bad

  • No PPAs

No PPAs

1st Light Energy does not offer power purchase agreements (PPAs).

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The Bottom Line

1st Light Energy is a well-established solar company with several years of experience in the industry. The company provides service in 16 states, and offers a number of payment options. However, the company does not offer PPAs.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

2.1

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25 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

24%

4 grade

0%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

8%

1 grade

68%

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Verified Customer

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James Wagner Visalia, CA

I decided to go with Sungevity because of the way that they handle themselves over the phone. Speaking with the consultant was excellent, the management team was excellent, the installation process was excellent. So far we are impressed with the system too.

6 years ago

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Lynnette Hernandez Edison, NJ

1st light energy is a horrible solar panel company. Do yourself a favor a steer far away from this company. We have suffered leaks and damages to our property due to faulty installation. The company doesn’t take accountability and wants the customer to come out of pocket to fix the damages that they have caused.

1 month ago

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Raquel Holguin Los Angeles, CA

First, I have to mention that I never leave reviews, so things must be pretty bad for me to do so. If I could give these people negative stars I would. Complete frauds. Sold us on the "BEST" solar panels and service and here we are, 3 months with a non-functioning inverter during the hottest month in history, and can't even get a call back. This company should be put out of business as they do nothing but take your money. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to get an attorney involved, and will update this post with new info as it comes. Hopefully, by doing so, it will detour people from getting taken advantage of. Pretty sad that people could actually run a business like this

4 months ago

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Balwinder Sukhija Porter Ranch, CA

Sungevity is an excellent company. We are totally happy with the solar system that we have. The installation was great, and customer service was excellent.

6 years ago

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Bishop Miyabara Oakdale, CA

We purchased our solar system from 1st Light Energy about 19 months ago. We were very satisfied with their sales people, installation crew and follow-up contacts. We are extremely happy with the cost of the system versus the savings on our utility bill. Our savings were immediate and significant. We have a Locus wireless monitoring system, which allows us to check our system functions and generation capacities online from our computer.

7 years ago

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Helen McFarlane (HM) Farmingdale, NY

October 2019, we purchased solars from 1st Light Energy. Since then we have had a few issues, with the capping of the solars etc and after months of arguing the issues were finally completed. Since November 2022, we have had massive leaks in our home; after calling several roofers, it was agreed that the problem stems from the way that the solars were bolted down into the roof. An agent from 1st Light came in early December 2022, who confirmed that our brand new roof is damaged from the way that the solars had been installed. Since then, rain, sleet, and snow have caused the damage to our roof to worsen, spreading down the ceiling, bay window and window sill of the interior. They have set up 2 appointments with us, but each time no one showed up to take the solars off so the leaks can be repaired. The leaks have gotten to the point that the interior wood has rotted and mold is beginning to spread in between the rafters! 1st Light guarantees their work and had agreed to pay for the roofer cost. However, they NEVER Show up and we have had the roofer on stand by each time! Furthermore, the damage to our window, wooden window sill and ceiling should also be repaired, at 1st Light’s expense, as well as the mold completely removed from the rafters, so that our home could be safe again. My husband, myself, our 2 children and my 83 year old mother who have lived in the home for 17 years should not be exposed to this health hazard any longer!

7 months ago

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sue mehr Somerset, NJ

Very poor customer service. We had to get our roof repaired and 1st light had to come to remove some panels. That step took over 4 weeks. Then the roof got repaired in 1day and 1st light was notified to reinstall the panels, that step took another 4 weeks. At this time the Tech determined our Inverter needs to be replaced........This was on March 22nd, still waiting for them to come and replace it so our system is down for almost 2 months I'm told the inverter is there but the optimizer is not there so they are waiting for it. I have no idea when that may happen. Very, very poor management and organization.

7 months ago Edited April 13, 2023

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Arthur Hulford New Haven, CT

Sungevity did their job well. I am satisfied with their customer service, the installation went well, and I think the system is very good.

6 years ago

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Judith Caruana Farmingdale, NY

very friendly Staff and sales team are along with there installation crew. from point of sale to installation it was about 60-90 days and inspection was passed in first two weeks! they also warrantied the the panels on my roof for 20 years and my inverter for 25!! as well my roof! I recommend 1st Light Energy to anyone! we are already saving!

6 years ago

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R Gonzalez Ripon, CA

We have had Solar for about 5 months now and 1st Light Energy has been awesome. Quick installation with no problems and very informative workers any questions were answered quickly. We haven't had any problems and are enjoying no Electric bill from PG&E....Awesome A++

7 years ago

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EM Staten Island, NY

Terrible terrible terrible these people have the worst customer service Ive ever dealt with, Our inspection & permit was left open for 10 years, we are in the process of selling our home but with this permit open it may put a hold on the Closing process, . We've made numerous attempts to speak to someone to no avail .We even went to the New Jersey office and the office is closed/empty, the online address states the office is closing shortly.Prospective Solar panel Buyers Stay away from this company.Mr.Jeremy H who is in charge of the permits has yet to contact us or return a message .This guy gives 1st light energy a bad name.This is why people say is wrong with America no one wants to work anymore.

1 year ago

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Doug McClelland Brentwood, CA

Would give zero stars, but that is not an option. They not only failed to provide ANY service, their failure COST me about $500--two month's of lost solar energy collection, during July and August. I have a Fronius inverter, and 1st Light Energy was the firm closest to me that could do warranty work on their inverter, so I called 1st Light Energy. I made repeated attempts at contacts over a one month period and was about to have another vendor service my unit when they FINALLY returned a call and made an appointment--for a date three weeks away, and asked for payment in advance via credit card. (I'd have signed up with another company, but three other firms I contacted also failed to return my call or were so busy they refused to make an appointment). On the morning of the appointment the technician called and claimed he could not make it because of road closures due to wildfires. When I informed him there were no road closures between him and our home, he then complained that the air quality was too poor. When I informed him I was a 71 year old with a heart condition and had just completed a two-plus mile walk, he nevertheless refused, and said my appointment would be rescheduled. Sky was hazy, but not bad. A week later I have received no communication about a new appointment, and my calls have gone unanswered again. I paid the firm in advance, but they never returned my call asking for my payment to be returned. So I clicked on "yes, I have been a Paying Customer of 1st light energy". Credit Card Company returned my payment to them.

3 years ago

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Heaven Sent New York, NY

So far my experience has been terrible. I live in a two family frame attached house. The survey of my property was lack luster. Now they are telling me that I have to put all the equipment in front of my home (yuck)! Customer service sucks and do not return calls or emails. My account manager is USELESS. Salesman D made it seem that I would get 17,000 back cash in hand, of which I could roll back in to the cost of the panels. Not true! Me and my friend have not gotten a dime for referrals made. Tax abatement is NOT cash in hand! And the state rebate may be IF they file the paperwork correctly. The Federal 12,000.00 is NOT guaranteed and only applies if your tax refund amount allows for it. ( you pay the government 10,000.00 a year in taxes and receive 8,000 back on your return, well you get back an extra $2,000 PER YEAR for 6 years on your tax returns until the $12,000.00 dollars is finished). Tax abatement is not cash in hand as they make you believe. Please talk to an accountant before believing these ppl. This is a scam. You end up paying the same or more,as you were paying the electric company. I pay 175 a month for the panels and still have to pay my CON ED bill because the install has taken so long. My average monthly bill was about 150 for both floors. I pay MORE NOW. I was COMPLETELY MISLEAD. 40,000 for panels that, from the reviews, I will have a hard time getting serviced!? And read up on this company on the BBB website. They have a terrible record and numerous complaints. My roof was replaced and has a HUGE soft spot in the middle. Water pools by the gutters because it’s not pitched correctly. This is a night mare.

3 years ago

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William Huckaby Lodi, CA

Regarding Manteca, CA Office Worst Customer Service Ever. My experience with them was for a warranty service issue as they are a Fronius Certified Warranty Company. 1. They never answer their phone: You will listen to a voicemail recording saying to leave a message and they will return it in 24-48 hours. They never returned my calls. 2. Finally connected on email and set up a service call and cleaning for June 25, 2018. After taking the time off of work, they were a no show. Finally got through to their Service Coordinator who told me they had a computer glitch. Set up another service call for July 17th. Showed up for this one, but wasn't aware they were supposed to clean my panels until I showed them the email confirming that service. To his credit they did clean the panels, and evaluated the faulty inverter. After cleaning my panels, the other inverter failed. They contacted Fronius and they told him it wasn't his fault. The service guy said he would take his inverter assessment back to the manager, and then call with an estimate for repairs, and warranty credit. It's been SIX weeks, and with multiple phone calls and emails not returned, I give up. These guys could take Customer Service classes from the local DMV office and it would be an improvement. They may be attentive to you when they are selling a new install, but spend your money on a company that will back up their products.

5 years ago

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Robert W Reynolds Los Angeles, CA

Their back office is a mess, I paid cash/check they didn't seem to know how to handle this, I was dunned before the unit was turned on. I Have never received all the warranties or a legible wiring diagram which I was promised. They reinstalled the electric meter from the back to the side of the house and ran conduit diagonally across the roof. The side of my house looks like a substation. I would not recommend them.

5 years ago

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oscar Stockton, CA

The sales Manager Mark B. is nothing but a sales man he might as well be selling used cars at a corner dealer, once he makes the sale, he does not follow up on how everything is working out even tho he says he'll be there for installation...NOT ! you call him to asking question and you wont get an answer from him, he only really cares about selling you panels but cant blame him isn't that what used car sales man do ? oh and the staff is rude as well which makes perfect sense !

5 years ago

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Carolyn Brisset Hammonton, NJ

Super frustrating experience! Salesman said it would take at most 3 months from signing of contract to powering up with solar. That was in March 2017. Finally had installation Labor Day weekend, final inspection 2 weeks following and not powered up until the last full week in October. Missed 2 seasons waiting for this project to happen.... 2 SEASONS! Called salesman with no return calls so many times I lost count. Finally had help from their office! Then AFTER we finally went live, the salesman had the audacity to text me saying for the next four days if I referred someone I could get a finders fee, but it had to be within the 4 day period to have the new customer sign on the dotted line. Yeah..... as if! Perhaps he should have worked as fast. I will not refer anyone, friend nor foe, to this company.

6 years ago

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winton Summit, NJ

Worst decision I ever made. This company is totally incompetent and unprofessional. It took forever to get my panels installed. The installers failed inspection and never followed up. I had to call 1st light energy and literally harass them because them to get my panels working since no one answered my emails and answered my calls. I made the huge mistake of referring 2 of my friends and they both have similar complaints. I started the process 8 months ago and still havent received the referral money they promised. The sales person does a great job selling the service but dont believe anything he says. Its all lies. No one educated me on how to sell my SREC''s. April B needs to be fired. She never returns call or answer email and has no clue whats going on. I have to track her down to only receive misinformation time and time again. I warn anyone reading this to stay far away from this company. SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!

6 years ago

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Darryl Evans Modesto, CA

Without going into a huge amount of detail, this is a sell it , install it, and then disappear company. I chose 1st light because we knew the door to door salesmen that came around a few years back. He was selling for them to earn his way through college. It all went well until we had an issue after the system was installed. I’m sadly very disappointed in their lack of customer service. They didn’t even have us listed as a recent customer. In the beginning they kept asking us for referrals. I wouldn’t refer this company to anyone. This home town company shouldn’t be in business.

3 years ago

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Jason Northvale, NJ

Reason for choosing this company, they are using Europian solar panel. After made signed, they installed Chinese panels with Chinese inverter. They do not use any Europian product even screw. I complained about Chinese solar panels and inverter. They said never made contact for European solar system in contracing paper. They do not give any paper invoice, any of copy for contacting. SCAM Company. SCAM Company. SCAM Company. I have ever had. No service. No responsibility. Only Took money and bye bye

4 years ago

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Crystal Branchville, NJ

Installed panels on our roof and it has leaked ever since. They are 100% refusing to pay for ANY of the damage done to our house or roof. So now we are stuck with fixing our home, our roof and still paying them monthly. This company has cost us thousands of dollars.I would not recommend anyone use this solar company. It originally took us over 2 weeks to even get someone to call us back and once they did they acted like they new nothing at all!

6 years ago

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K.H. Tehachapi, CA

1st Light Energy is very hard to work with. Their customer service is TERRIBLE! For 3 years now, (going on 4), we have had loose panels on our roof that BANG on the roof when the wind blows. 1st Light has been out 3 times for this problem, and all 3 times they’ve told us that our parts for anchoring of the panels are no longer used, and new parts need to be ordered. Obviously they don’t give a crap, because the parts have never been ordered. We also never heard back from them when we called to let them know that we thought our roof was leaking due to the panels, (which per our contract they are supposed to cover for up to 10 or 15 years). Do yourselves a favor and steer clear of 1st Light Energy!!!

2 years ago

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Nutan Patel North Brunswick, NJ

I have a solar system off last six weeks called so many times every time one reply ,we will try remotely if it is not works than we will make an appointment. what I have to do ? I do not under stand.So please I request every new customer go some where else not with 1 st light ,

5 years ago

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dcrudolph9 Needham, MA

They are totally impossible to contact. No one answers the phone, and no messages are ever returned.

3 years ago

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Patty Dee Queens, NY

Horrible customer service. Beware!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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