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American Sentry Solar

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5.6

Overall Score

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LAST UPDATED: June 15th, 2021

Founded in 2008 by Joe Tunney, American Sentry Solar is a division of American Design and Build. Headquartered in Bel Air, Maryland, the company is licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission and is a NABCEP certified PV installer. American Sentry Solar offers its solar services to residential commercial customers, but its available payment options are limited.

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The Good

  • Respectable Partners
  • Federal and State Incentives
  • Other Solar Services

Respectable Partners

American Sentry Solar has partnered with several well-known and respected companies, including AET, Enphase Energy, Ironridge Power One, SMA, SolarEdge, SolarWorld, and Suniva, in an effort to provide its customers with high quality products and competitive prices.

Federal and State Incentives

American Sentry Solar provides quite a bit of detail on its website about the state and federal solar incentives available. Additionally, this information is broken down by county to make it simple for potential customers to see which incentives are offered in their area.

Other Solar Services

In addition to solar PV systems, American Sentry Solar also offers solar hot water heaters. In fact, the company is one of Maryland's top solar hot water heater installers. These hot water heaters are a great option to further protect your home against rising energy costs. American Sentry Solar is proudly partnered with Heliodyne and SunBandit.

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The Bad

  • Lack of Payment Options
  • Limited Availability

Lack of Payment Options

Unfortunately, American Sentry Solar's payment options are limited to outright purchases and loans. While each of these options comes with a unique set of benefits, leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are a better fit for many consumers.

Limited Availability

American Sentry Solar's services are currently only available in Maryland, so consumers who live elsewhere will not be able to do business with this company.

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The Bottom Line

American Sentry Solar has many respectable partners, but the company's lack of payment options and limited availability make it difficult to appeal to a wide variety of consumer needs.

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Star Rating

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3.6

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22 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

55%

4 grade

14%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

32%

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Jane Murley Columbus, OH

I have been a customer of American Sentry Solar since August 2018. Lawrence came to my home and we had a technical discussion about solar panels and different types of inverters. There was no marketing pitch as such until later after I decided to go with American Sentry Solar when I was offered some incentives that would reduce the cost of the solar system. The information was very direct, no arm twisting, and no misinformation. My panels were installed and I have been very happy with the power they are generating and returning to the grid. The installers were great, careful, neat and explained what they were doing so I understood the process. I received the paperwork for both the state and federal tax reimbursements. When I had problems with my roof, American Sentry Solar sent a person out to investigate. As it turns out the problem was not related to the panels, but to some pesky squirrels who were trying to remove one of my boots around a water plumbing vent on my roof. He caulked around the affected area and it lasted for awhile, but the squirrels were persistent. I called again and they sent someone out to replace the boot, which I paid for, but have not had any issues since. I also have a customer support team so when I have questions or perceived issues with my solar, I just call them and they help with my questions. I have been extremely happy with my solar and all my interactions with American Sentry Solar personnel over the past 2 1/2 years that my panels have been operational.

2 years ago

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Doug Jobson Pasadena, MD

I bought my house in Pasadena in 2003, from the original owners. The house was built in 1978 and had very little updates done. I received these letters from BGE every month, comparing my home's power consumption to other homes in my area. When I started this process, my house was at the bottom listing, that rated my house with all other houses. The next level was more efficient neighbors and I wanted to be at that level. I created a to do list to make the house more energy efficient, ending with installing Solar panels on my roof. I started on the outside by replacing all the windows with a better insulated model. I then replaced the roof. Then I moved inside, replacing all my appliances with energy star rated models. I then replaced all my incandescent and florescent lighting with LED equivalents. Lastly I replaced my hot water heater. At this point I had achieved my original goal of being, at the level of more efficient neighbors, but I was not done yet. I saw an add on the internet about, how this is the best time to getting Solar panels installed. How the Local, State and Federal Governments would help pay for Solar installation. I arranged for an appointment with American Sentry Solar and agreed buy Solar a 16 panel system for my house and have it installed. Now for the results, I still get those letters from BGE, comparing my home's power consumption with other homes in my area. Now I use almost half the power as the more efficient neighbors, and I am using half the power from this time last year. American Sentry Solar came out and installed a 16 Solar panels system on my roof. They arranged for the county inspector and for BGE to exchange my power meter, with a net power reader meter, that would know the difference form power used and power generation. American Sentry Solar stated that there Knew of Grants from the state and local government that would help pay for the install. Shortly after the solar panels were installed, I received a packet in the mail, with all the grants completely filled out and with return addressed envelopes. All I had to do was sign the forms were indicated and mail the grants back. About a month latter, I received a check in the mail from the State and Letter from the local government that my county property tax would be less next year. I have not done my Federal taxes yet, but I was told that I would get another 30% for the cost of the installation back, as well. I am very satisfied with the service and installation that I got from American Sentry Solar and I would recommend them to anyone interested in getting Solar for there house.

4 years ago

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robert keppinger

To: American Design and Build My Solar Experience My salesman was prompt and very knowledgeable about the function of the solar panels, installation process, pricing, and available credits. I was so impressed with him and his presentation that I signed a contract that same day! The installers arrived at the scheduled time and were very professional. They worked efficiently to install my 26 panel system and instructed me on how to monitor my daily energy production by accessing an app on my smart phone. My cost savings is enormous! I realized that I should have chosen to do this a long time ago. I am one happy customer. Thanks American Design and Build!

6 years ago

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Robert Shrader Bel Air, MD

We had a wonderful experience with American Sentry Solar and can't recommend them enough! The gentleman who came out gave us all the information we needed and was very informative. We did do some shopping around and in comparison to the leasing companies like Solar City and Vivint they were very straight forward about what they offer and how we would benefit. I can see how some people get confused about all the options with solar, so we were very appreciative that our rep took his time to explain how everything works and the difference between American Sentry Solar and everyone else. From estimate to install, everyone was a dream to work with. They were very meticulous with their work and took their time to walk us through every part of the process. If you're looking to go solar, definitely use American Sentry Solar!

6 years ago

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Karen Capitol Heights, MD

I am a pleased customer of American Solar for the past year, in terms of installation and connection to the grid there were a few hic-ups but those were ironed out, the sales individual explained the options in detail, so we chose to go with the purchase option, from having to pay bills of $400.00 in the winter to $60.00, I think that that's pretty impressive, American Solar is wonderful to have, yes they are a small company only serving one state (Maryland), but they are quite committed and knowledgeable and install the panels where the customer would reap optimum benefit, we were even fortunate to receive a rebate from the power company BGE because at the end of our year(2017) they (BGE) were unable to use all the electricity that was sent back to the grid from our (American Solar) system. I have seen the other solar companies ( namely Solar City) install panels in areas where there is tree coverage and other coverage which would affect your production and it "erks" me because in my mind they are not been fair to the customer. American Solar knows what they are doing, their installation is seamless, persons passing your home do not even know that you have a system, there are no visible tubes and such to indicate, yes if you look on the roof you would see the panels, duh!, but seriously American Solar place those panels where the customer would reap the maximum benefit, and they have a user friendly website where you can check and see how each panel is performing, that's how detailed they are. I am pleased that when I decided to go solar and be a green citizen that I chose American Solar, they are the BEST. and you have options either buy or lease.

6 years ago

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John Mericle Silver Spring, MD

We just finished shopping for solar on our house and on company to give us a proposal was American Sentry Solar. I would like to particularly mention their Marketing Director Kurt B, who spent 21/2-3 hours explaining in detail what we needed and what they could do for use. I highly recommend you at least check with this company if/when you decide to initiate a project.

2 years ago

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David Willerup Cockeysville, MD

While the sales process was tedious with the first person a high pressure sign-before-I-leave kind of call, we persevered with them to get a different person out who would show us more respect. Why? Because they use domestic panels that are a both more efficient and more durable, are more aesthetically pleasing, and are installed with miciinverters on each panel to improve efficiency. The installation was fun to watch! The assembled team worked as if choreographed and cleaned up like they weren’t ever there. As for the “you have to have both people there” thing, I get it. My spouse and I just think differently. Having us both there gives them the chance to respond to each of our concerns and questions authentically.

6 years ago

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Vince McElhose Odenton, MD

American Sentry Solar was awesome!! They were professional, clean, on time, and delivered everything they promised. The system is top notch and working as expected. The installation was so flawless you barely notice that it's there! We couldn't be happier and we compared ours to installs done by other companies in the neighborhood. This was definitely the right call!

6 years ago

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Robert Schaefer

American Sentry completed our installation in one day, on schedule, using direct employees for rack and panel installation . Electrical installation was performed by a subcontractor, and I feel that is acceptable: they focused on careful and correct work. The system will not go into service until local county inspection is final, but I am confident that it will perform as expected. They used efficient panels, made in the U.S., enphase microinverters, and Ironridge racks, creating a neat, well planned system. The installers were experienced and friendly.

6 years ago

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John Bellamy Bear, DE

Very pleased with our savings so far. American Sentry Solar was very helpful in making sure all paperwork was completed on time. I was very impressed with how smooth the installation process was.

5 years ago

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Ruth Taylor

I enjoyed working with the staff at American Sentry Solar. They are attentive to the customer needs. I have received responses to any questions I had very quickly. I have had an excellent experience with the company.

6 years ago

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Kurt G Zimmermann Bethesda, MD

Could not even get to the site visit. American Sentry seemed fixated on shoving us through a standard process, tossing aside the years of monthly data on electric usage and insisting on only one power bill. They called multiple times inquiring and then insisting that my wife (I didn't tell them I was married - they assumed) would be present and that they couldn't come to the property without her there. What business of theirs is it whether I'm married or not? Furthermore, when pressed, the agent explained that "You and your wife are joint decision makers." While that's not incorrect, it's also not her business to be making those sorts of assumptions and dictating to us what to do. I provided satellite photos, architectural elevations and plenty of data on tree shading to begin the process. American Sentry would not. They insisted on a site meeting FIRST, before any discussion and insisted that my wife be there. God forbid I happened to be unmarried or have a spouse that was out of town! This company's behavior is just weird. Engage at your own risk.

4 years ago

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Terry Schantz Havre de Grace, MD

Jerry From American Sentry Solar came to our house, nice enough guy, no quarrels there, But Beware the bottom line I do NOT recommend them at all, he suggested we lie on our federal Taxes twice because I was concerned it would not be installed by Dec 31, And I would not be able to get tax incentive til 2019 YES he did suggest fudging our taxes 2 times, He said people do it all the time!! Then the$ #'s he scribbled on the paper were not accurate at all, said you get $2500 by Harford Co property tax incentive, I told him I knew it was based on your Building property not Land , come to find out a week later we would only get $1075 from county not $2500 everyone Is different, He still kept putting down $2500 to make the cost look lower! BEWARE of this I called Harford Co taxation assess. dept. Also the County Solar Taxes incentives are Backlogged with a 2-3 yrs Waiting list per the County Rep , He said I would not get a tax break til 2020 or 2021 if they still have funds no guarantees Call them You'll see, or talk with [email protected] Jerry also said I only had to come up with $12,700 after all rebates, found this not to be true either, it was actually $15,900+ when I ran the math correctly He said you get 200-300 in SRECs a yr. NOT TRUE either, I would only get 20-25 year another deception, Then said he could make a deal and came down to a smaller system from 6.4Kw $34,000 down to5.6 Kw for $ 26,220 said you have to decide now or NO DEAL, the MD LAW states you have 3 days minimum or (5 if they offer which they did to rescind your contract) you can rescind the contract at Absolutely NO cost to you the customer, Sign it Then you have 3 days( or 5 in this case) to cancel it Per MD LAW, look into it it's a law they don't tell you about until you have signed then by law they have to mention it to you. Then he recalculated and said I would Save xXXX dollars a year, But it was not true , The system quoted now only does 70% of my usage not 100% that I wanted he did not take this 30% reduction into account, BC it made it look better,,Savings $$$ Wrong again, He also offered $100 for every referral we gave him, This is ILLEGAL in MD, any referral or incentive over 25$ is illegal in Md. Then the next day salesman Jake called me, came by to try to get us to Sign again and he was a BS'er also, he said Jerry did not really mean for us to lie on our fed. taxes , That I took it wrong, No I did not take it wrong, he said just say the system was done this yr on Taxes even if it wasn't , he said everyone fudges taxes don't worry about Date of install do it, it's ok. Well it's not ok to suggest a customer lies on their fed return to get a sale, (this would be a $7600 Mistake if caught I would have to pay back with penalties and interest/Fines and then be audited) STAY AWAY, and don't believe the #'s they scribble down. It was a terrible start to Solar, There cost was initially $5.38W for 6.5Kw then $4.60 w for 5.6Kw syst. Oh yeah and SolarWorld who makes the panels they install are about to go Bankrupt, (Germany headquarter is chapter11 research it) and just laid off 300+ Employees, Jake said they Solarworld US) is doing GREAT no issue's, Another Deceitful statement, look it up you'll see. I went With Sustainable Energy Systems in Frederick $17,871 for a 7.67KW ( $2.33 W) system to do 100%+ of my use, they are very good to deal with Honest, Transparent, not pushy and work with you and offer the Absolute best deal and 25 yr workmanship warranty on system, call them (Shane Labush is very cordial and polite guy)you will like them. BEWARE of AM. Sentry Solar, I would put 0 stars if I could..

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Kris Bel Air, MD

American Sentry Solar was a top notch company to deal with. We've had our system for about 6 months now and are already benefiting form a greatly reduced electric bill.

6 years ago

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George Whiteford, MD

American Sentry Solar was a top notch company. Warranty is outstanding and I love that they use microinverters as opposed to string inverters like many other companies

6 years ago

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Ken Sweet Annapolis, MD

We called for a quote on installing solar power for our home. We wanted it to be installed on a rack facing south on our property. American Sentry Marketing Director Kevin P came to our home at 3:00 in the afternoon and explained how big our system needed to be and that they are the only ones who would be able to put the system on a rack on the ground. Kevin explained all the rebates and tax credits however as anyone knows to get a tax credit you have to have paid at least that amount in taxes. As for the rebates we would had to still borrow over $84,000 to get the rebate to only have to pay the rebate to the lender. When Kevin told us we would have to decide while he was there (to spend over $ 80,000.00, really ! ) to get some of these incentives, red flags went up ! As a warning to anyone a reputable company would not ask you to do this.

7 years ago

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BYOUNG HAE JUNG Columbia, MD

I installed solar panels from American Sentry Solar last year. However, before I signed the contract, the salesman inaccurately explained a crucial information from the contract that I must know, which caused me to lose $ 7,500. In addition, the company representative said that the salesman could not be responsible for what he said at the time. In other words, he can deceive the customers as much as he like. They will be held legal responsibility for this misconduct.

5 years ago

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Ed Chambers Hyattsville, MD

American Sentry Solar has been great to work with, top notch installation and our electric bill has been greatly reduced

5 years ago

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Marc Lutherville, MD

Company was very professional with the entire project. Always ready to answer questions. Very happy with the work and my electric bill has gone to zero

6 years ago

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J Jurgensen Laurel, MD

Thanks to the reviews above, I actually engaged the sales caller and challenged the "both people have to be there." I said, that wouldn't be possible because we're parents and don't have 90 minutes of undivided attention to do anything in our home, let alone a sales pitch. To my surprise, he said they wouldn't be able to come out then. I said that would be fine.

6 years ago

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Gina Belafiore

All we wanted was a price and not a incredibly tedious "sales" call. They would not give a price.....ever. Time ad nauseum they wanted a Marketing Director to give us a tutorial. We didn't want a lesson, we wanted a price for a product. We learned all we needed by going on the internet, like millions of other people do every day. Finally Solar City gave us a price of 128,000.00. A tad steep but since no other company would quote a price, carpe diem. Their telemarketers are insufferable. "We have to come out and you both have to be there!!!". No and No. Honestly, these people!

6 years ago

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Teddy Hase

Everything they say is misleading starting with the initial call. It is extremely invasive asking questions about credit BEFORE they will meet with you and insisting you must have a credit score of over 700 to qualify for the government incentives . The government incentives have nothing whatsoever to do with a persons credit score. Also the notion a "Marketing Director" coming to the home and is NOT a salesman. Of course it will be salesman, no one comes to home to simply entertain you and give you information for free.

6 years ago