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California Solar Systems

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6.1

Overall Score

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LAST UPDATED: June 21st, 2022

California Solar Systems specializes in residential and commercial grid-tied, turn-key solar systems and has over 10 years of construction experience involving home solar installations and solar contracting.  California Solar Systems will personally handle every facet of the solar process, including the permitting, design, installation and even the rebate process; the company has an in-house CAD-designer, an HOA permitting department, and a full office administration staff who all work together to take care of customers' solar needs in a quick, efficient manner.

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The Good

  • Variety of Payment Options
  • High Quality Equipment
  • Lengthy Warranties
  • In-House Installations

Variety of Payment Options

California Solar Systems offers several different payment options for its customers to choose from, including outright purchase, loan, lease, and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). In regards to loans, both secured and unsecured financing options are available, as well as PACE programs. With such a wide variety of payment methods on the table, customers have the ability to select the one that best fits with their unique needs and budget.

High Quality Equipment

California Solar Systems installs solar panels produced by Hyundai, Solar World, and LG, and inverters produced by SolarEdge and Enphase Energy. Each of these brands are well-respected within the solar industry and are known for manufacturing high quality equipment.

Lengthy Warranties

California Solar Systems offers a 25-year equipment warranty, which covers the panels, inverter, and racking, as well as a 10-year workmanship warranty, which covers labor. 

In-House Installations

California Solar Systems does not subcontract any of its work and performs all of its installations in house, which decreases the chance of mistakes resulting from miscommunciation because there are fewer parties involved. Additionally, in the event that there is an issue, customers don't have to deal with the confusion of deciding whether they need to talk to the solar company or the subcontracted installer.

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The Bad

  • Limited Availability

Limited Availability

Currently, California Solar Systems only operates in the state of California. While being a local provider does come with its own unique set of benefits, it also greatly limits the number of consumers who have access to the company's products and services.

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The Bottom Line

California Solar Systems offers a number of attractive features, including several payment options, high quality equipment, lengthy warranties, and in-house installations. However, the company's services are currently only available to residents of California.

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Star Rating

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4.1

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20 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

80%

4 grade

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3 grade

0%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

15%

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Christine Victorio Menifee, CA

After looking and comparing many solar companies we decided to go with California Solar Systems because we felt at ease and knew we were getting the best price for a good quality product and workmanship. Installation was in house and the warranties are what we were looking for. Ryan was answering all our questions, and believe me we had many after doing our research. He was very approachable, patient and quick to respond via text or email anytime I needed another question answered. There was no pressuring us into leasing vs. buying, so the decision we made was what best fit our needs and wallet. The installation went smoothly and took two days for 21 panels. We are glad we went California Solar Systems and would recommend them to our famy and friends anytime.

5 years ago

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Graham Booye Victorville, CA

I have been installed for over a year now and I wanted to write a review about how the whole service has been up till now. Extremely helpfull and professional company. From the moment we sat down with Gabe he has answered every question and concern we have had about solar. We knew nothing about solar before his consultation, even with the several companies we met with before him. He was very knowledgeable about the best product, warranties, and installation process. Not only did the whole process go smoothly through PTO (permission to operate your system) but till this day if we have any questions/concerns Gabe is only a phone call away to answer. I highly recommend this company to anyone that wants to deal with highly experienced professionals in the solar industry. -Graham B.

5 years ago

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Tim Lien

I had a solar system installed this week by California Solar Systems. The installation was completed in one day. The supervisor on the job, Joaquin, was extremely helpful. He explained each step of the process thoroughly. All exterior piping was painted and color matched for our home. The following day, our inspection was completed. The Cal Solar representative, Jesus, went out of his way to make the city inspector's job easy, and we passed inspection without issue. The entire experience of working with this company went smoothly. I would highly recommend California Solar Systems!

5 years ago

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Adam Kazarian Anaheim, CA

I will say this is a very good company. They are very easy to work with, very upfront with the cost, time table and all of the in's and outs. I worked with Ryan and he always answered questions I had and always took care of any request very quickly. Do note depending what city you are in, I am in Anaheim you will be at the city's mercy during a few steps of the process, so note that when doing solar.

5 years ago

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Lydia Tinker La Mesa, CA

This was the easiest and best thing I've ever done for myself. Ca Solar Systems is a high caliber business offering the most current technology, best materials available, customer service during and after installation putting their best foot forward. They are high end in my book all the way. Fast, efficient and professional at every level of business.

5 years ago

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Kevin Apple Valley, CA

Absolutely the best customer service, attention to details, explanation of the process and phenomenal installation. Permits were complete in record time and installation took less than a full day. Best looking and functioning system on my cul-de-sac. The system they offer is different and cost a tad bit more, but the equipment you are getting is far better than any other company. A must recommendation. Ask for Ryan. He was a pleasure to deal with.

5 years ago

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Rigoberto Rodriguez Chula Vista, CA

There are so many Solar Companies out there that provide good service and competitive pricing. ONLY CSS provides the BEST customer service and LOWEST pricing. From Ryan at Sales to the ladies behind the scheduling, to the craftsmanship and professionalism of the installers, the CSS team is no doubt one of the best in the business. They build you the right system, tailor the financial terms to meet your needs, and provide you with the fastest most enjoyable installation process. Key word being YOU, the customer. OUTSTANDING JOB CSS!! Thank you!!

5 years ago

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Janet Hubbard

The information presented to us before we purchased our panels from them was incredibly detailed and informative. We made a truly informed decision. Their installation was professional. I was against even talking to them initially but I was SO glad my husband insisted. I would never buy from anyone else.

7 years ago

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Matthew Saeman San Diego, CA

Ryan made it easy for us to select CSS as our solar provider. He knows his stuff and was always available to answer any questions we had. All in all, this was the smartest money saving decision we’ve made.

6 years ago

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Dee Dee Hoffman Tustin, CA

I had a solar system installed on my house five years ago. At the time, my roof was at least 15 years old, or more. It's now time to get a new roof and they want to charge me $5,800 to take the panels down for the roof and then put them back up!!! At the time of signing the contract I specifically asked the salesman about what happens if I have to get a new roof and he simply told me, "No problem. They will take it down and put it back up," without, of course, mentioning the enormous cost. I called the salesman, I called California Solar, and I called Greenday/Spruce. No one is calling me back. Greenday says there is no way to get out of the lease contract unless I purchase the system, so I stuck in this horrible deal for another 15 years!!

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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L R Ronnow

Savings not as advertised for the first couple years. Hard to track and compare usage to what we had paid SCE previously. Then they went on an average amount monthly billing, supposedly to eliminate seasonal highs and lows in the billing. This made it even more difficult to track and compare usage. Company rep said oftentimes people use more electricity because they are on solar. I don't buy that argument since we are empty nesters and rarely use our inefficient AC. Also had to pay $300 to get company to subordinate the lease when we did our last VA mortgage refi. And now we are paying more because of Edison's relevant period program. Should have taken a personal loan out for panels and got the tax credits myself. Cannot recommend a solar lease to anyone based on our experience.

6 years ago

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Review Source

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Samarra Miller Fort Lauderdale, FL

We had pool heater and house solar installed and they were professional and got the job done quickly. The followed up and ensured that we were happy before leaving the job. We highly recommend them for any solar installs.

2 years ago

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ROBERT SANDUSKY Fresno, CA

we had the system running for 3 years now and the first year true up bill was $1000 next year $1200 this year $2000 our usage has not changed system does not produce what was promised we pay more now then we did before solar salesmen was very misleading and no one monitors the system to assure all panels and microinverters are working correctly DO NOT SIGN A LEASE AGREEMENT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SELL YOUR HOME THE LEASE IS A COMPLETE RIP OFF

5 years ago

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Narciso holguin Madera, CA

The company does not commit to promises my panels did not provide then proper wattage to cover my amount of usage then they said if I refer 5 customers to them they would give me two panels to help offset my usage they never came through with their commitment it been nine months no word from them even after me calling them 10 times I am not satisfied ...disappointed

6 years ago

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Matthew Saeman San Diego, CA

Great customer service, the price was right and the results far exceed our expectations. It’s a smart move.

6 years ago

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Michael Woitkoski San Diego, CA

Ryan and his team were great. Everything went very smoothly. Couldn't be happier.

6 years ago

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Bob Lewis Sacramento, CA

Amazing service! Awesome company! Highly recommend! They operate at the highest level of integrity.

7 years ago

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Braulio Bonita, CA

Short words everything was perfect no hassle no problems class act

6 years ago

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Thomas Douang Chula Vista, CA

Great customer service and follow through from start to finish

6 years ago

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Review Source

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shawne bradley San Francisco, CA

California Solar Systems was a very difficult company to work with, the sales representative did not seem very knowledgeable about the product

1 year ago