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Better Earth

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6.3

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: October 10th, 2024

Better Earth Solar, founded in 2019, is a vertically integrated solar provider. The company doesn’t use solar subcontractors to complete any solar projects and the company is committed to transparent communication. Better Earth sets itself apart with a 60-day installation guarantee and a 25-year money-back production guarantee.

Better Earth serves the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Orange County areas of California, offers competitive financing options, and is focused on helping people save money while also saving the environment.

Better Earth Solar reviews are primarily positive with a majority of 4 and 5 star customer ratings. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the company’s responsiveness and high-quality solar products.

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The Good

  • Vertically Integrated Company
  • Better Earth Solar Equipment
  • Better Earth Solar Financing
  • 60-Day Installation Guarantee
  • 25-Year Money Back Production Guarantee
  • Better Earth Solar Reviews

Vertically Integrated Company

Better Earth is a vertically integrated solar provider, meaning everything from the sales and design phases, to the installation and monitoring process is done completely in-house. The company doesn’t contract any work out and there are no third-party points of contact. Not only can this simplify the solar adoption process for homeowners, but it can also make going solar more affordable.

Many solar companies work with subcontractors for solar installations, which doesn’t necessarily impact the quality of service, but it can be comforting to know that your chosen solar company is taking care of all aspects of the solar process instead of a third-party contractor that you haven’t previously had contact with. 

However, in-house solar operations typically limit a company’s service area, which is the case with Better Earth.

Better Earth Solar Equipment

Better Earth is partnered with a number of solar equipment manufacturers to provide high-quality solar panels, inverters, and backup battery options at the best price.

The company works with the following solar providers, ensuring high-quality solar panels:

  • Sunnova — top-rated panel and backup battery installer
  • Jinko Solar — solar panel producer that builds affordable solar modules with average solar panel efficiency
  • LG — leading solar panel producer that sports some of the most efficient panels on the market
  • Solaria — provider of one of the most comprehensive solar panel selections in the industry
  • Enphase — top-producing solar solutions (including inverters) provider

Better Earth also works with SolarEdge, one of the leading solar inverter producers in the industry, and Energport, a leading energy storage solutions provider with unique solar energy integrations.

Better Earth Solar Financing

Better Earth Solar gives customers a chance to own their solar panel systems outright with zero money down, and also take advantage of the solar tax credit and other incentives. The company works with the following lending companies that specialize in solar loans:

  • Goodleap
  • Dividend
  • Sunlight
  • Sunnova
  • Sunrun
  • HomeRun (PACE)

In addition to outright purchase and financing through solar loans, the solar company also offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). A PPA can drastically reduce the upfront costs associated with solar by allowing customers to only pay for the clean energy their solar systems produce (often at a lower rate than their electricity bill).

60-Day Installation Guarantee

Better Earth Solar guarantees installation will begin 60 days from the time the necessary permits are obtained, or the solar provider will compensate the homeowner for a year's worth of solar payments up to $2,000. This guarantee demonstrates the company's dedication to expediting the installation process and helping customers save on their energy bill as quickly as possible.

25-Year Money-Back Production Guarantee

Better Earth guarantees both the energy output and solar panel installation quality of its solar panel systems for 25 years. More specifically, in the event one of Better Earth Solar’s module setups produces less solar power than what the company states anytime within 25 years, Better Earth will compensate customers for the difference.

In addition to the equipment guarantee, Better Earth also guarantees 25 years of service in the event of suboptimal installation. This guarantee also covers roof penetration service.

Better Earth Solar Reviews

On BestCompany.com, Better Earth reviews are primarily positive — 76 percent of customers give the company a rating of 4 or 5 stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following from their experience with Better Earth:

  • Responsiveness — The company answered calls or emails promptly and were quick to resolve any problems or concerns.
  • Value — Better Earth offers high-quality solar panels at a lower price when compared to other solar companies in the industry.
  • Speed — The company’s installation process is quite fast, living up to its 60-day installation guarantee.

While most Better Earth reviews are positive, there are a number of 1-star reviews, in which customers complain of solar panels malfunctioning or not at all after installation. While it is important to be aware of both the bad and good of working with a particular company, it is worth noting that the majority of negative Better Earth reviews are at least two years old; the majority of recent Better Earth reviews are positive.

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The Bad

  • Limited Service Area
  • No Known Industry Certifications

Limited Service Area

Better Earth Solar is only available in California, Arizona, and Florida. While this limited availability is in no way unique to this company, Better Earth does inhabit an oversaturated solar market. 

Apart from broadening its service area beyond these three states (which the company has plans to do), one effective way for Better Earth Solar to truly stand out in the crowd is through leveraging real Better Earth Solar reviews from verified customers.

No Known Industry Certifications

Despite the company’s executive-level expertise, Better Earth Solar does not appear to have any solar industry-recognized certifications from either the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). 

Certifications from these organizations imply a solar provider is adhering to high installation standards and best practices.

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The Bottom Line

Better Earth Solar was built on a solid foundation of industry expertise, innovative solar technology, and forward-thinking partnerships. Customers who are interested in making the switch to solar will find financing options and panel setups that will match their budget and specific home requirements.

Assets such as industry-recognized certifications and reviews from verified customers will help further distinguish the company from competitors in the market. 

Until then, prospective customers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuel are encouraged to read the latest Better Earth Solar reviews and compare their findings to top solar companies in their area.

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