Dividend Solar Logo

Dividend Solar

star star star star star_border

6.3

Overall Score

error This company may not service all states.
See states serviced
LAST UPDATED: June 29th, 2023

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Dividend Solar is a relatively new company in the solar energy industry. Unlike many other solar energy businesses, however, Dividend Solar sets itself apart by specializing in solar financing and loans.

The solar power company stands by its decision to offer outright purchase and loan payment options to residential customers because there are certain advantages that come along with purchasing a system, such as tax credits and rebates.

Read on to discover the pros and cons about Dividend Solar, as well as view Dividend Solar reviews from real customers.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • $0 Down EmpowerLoan and Dividend PACE Loans
  • Certified Solar Installers
  • Lengthy Warranties
  • Real-Time Monitoring

$0 Down EmpowerLoan and Dividend PACE Loans

Possibly the most obvious advantage of working with Dividend Solar is that the company specializes in residential solar loans, so it's a great option for homeowners who would rather make an investment in solar panels than lease them.

Dividend Solar offers two types of loans: EmpowerLoan and PACE loans. Both options are $0 down; can be paid off early; and include certified installers, a performance guarantee, and a warranty.

In addition to these benefits, customers are also eligible for any available federal and state tax credits, rebates, and other renewable energy incentives.

Certified Solar Installers

It bodes well for customers that Dividend Solar requires its solar installation contractors to have professional licensing and certifications (NABCEP in particular).

Some customers might hesitate to work with a company that outsources work to third-party contractors, but the fact that Dividend Solar requires these qualifications increases the likelihood that customers will receive a high-quality installation and be satisfied with the work done on their home.

Lengthy Warranties

Dividend Solar offers a 25-year warranty that covers repairs and defects, performance, and maintenance services through its installation companies. The company also offers a 20-year workmanship warranty that covers labor.

Real-Time Monitoring

Consumers who purchase solar panels through Dividend Solar have the ability to monitor the progress and performance of their panels in real time. With this technology, customers can also see how much clean energy their system is producing, how much money the panels are saving them, and the effect that their solar PV system is having on the environment.

thumb_down

The Bad

  • No Lease or PPA Options
  • Focus on Financing
  • Outsourced Installations
  • Limited Experience in the Industry

No Lease or PPA Options

Dividend Solar does not offer leases or PPAs. The company's EmpowerLoan is a great product, but a lease or PPA may be a better fit for consumers who want to make the switch to clean energy but would prefer not to take on the responsibility that comes along with solar ownership.

Focus on Financing

Dividend Solar places the majority of its focus on providing loans through its financial product, the EmpowerLoan. This means that the company has more experience helping customers get financing than actually installing solar PV systems on homes.

Outsourced Installations

Another potential drawback of Dividend Solar is that the company hires local contractors from its network to perform installations for solar PV systems. Despite the qualifications these contractors must meet, some customers prefer not to work with companies that outsource installations because this practice can sometimes result in miscommunication or lack of quality.

Limited Experience in the Industry

Dividend Solar was founded in 2013. While the solar industry as a whole is relatively new, many solar companies have been around for at least twice as long as Dividend Solar. This means Dividend Solar has had less time to gain experience and prove itself as a solid company within the industry.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Dividend Solar has many advantages to offer customers who are interested in renewable energy and solar power as an investment. The company specializes in residential solar loans and PACE financing, is readily available for homeowners in the many states around the country, and assembled a great network of people who can provide financial support and reliable labor.

However, Dividend Solar is primarily a loan provider, so if you are looking for a lease or PPA, you won't have much luck with this company. Also, Dividend Solar does not install solar energy systems itself, so if you choose to work with this company, keep in mind that your solar installation will be outsourced to a third-party contractor.

View Best Solar Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

4.0

star star star star star_border

293 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

17%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

15%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

William Gavitt Westerly, RI

Truthfully, I wasn't given an option, Dividend just came along with the solar company that I hired to put panels on my roof. I ended up having some problems between the layers of Dividend Solar and Trinity Solar. There was some kind of problem about the monitor in my system or something, and so my system was down for a whole month while they figured it out. They kept saying that it was each other's problem and that was pretty annoying. I was out of solar for 3 weeks and had to pay out of pocket more than what I was supposed to. The installation of the solar system was fine, there were no problems there. I imagine the software in general is also alright. With the billing, I ended up paying a different amount than what I thought I had to pay. Apparently it was also because of some installation problems and because the people that did all of that couldn't coordinate to make it all work as it should.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

James Butler League City, TX

The installation process worked well, they were in and out and were very professional. I've only had the solar panels for some 3 months and so far I haven't seen a change in my electric bill. I'm paying $175 for the solar panels, and I'm still waiting for the costs to go down. You know, I can't understand why the solar panels have not gotten my bills down like they said they would.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Anthony Maher Helotes, TX

The sales provider did a good job of giving us all the information about this program so, after looking around we decided to go with them. It took us a couple of trips out there till we got the final approval from the city. From there, customer service took care and the whole thing was seamless, they did a good job. There were some hiccups and glitches with the installation and they had to come out here several times. Other than that, we thought we'd get a little more of a discount after it was all done.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Joseph Shelleman Wellington, CO

We talked to a sales person and decided to get it. I didn't get much support at all, especially not from the guy that stood in the door and made a bunch of promises that were never fulfilled. The installation was smooth, but I don't think we got enough panels to cover us, I'm still paying the utility bill along with their bill.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Anonymous Chula Vista, CA

I didn't have too many options to choose from, so I picked Dividend Solar. They loaned the product, not necessarily the equipment, but the installation was fine. They're just hard to work with.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Douglas Miller Grand Junction, CO

They were the only company that we got any information from, so we ran with it. The installation was very good. We are not getting all the solar energy that we need though.

5 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Juanita G. Britton

The panels were install timely and we are please with the way they look. The electric did not get connected to the solar panels before the (upgrade the meter ) contractor was finish with the work. We assisted unsuccessfully to find an electrician who could work us into their schedule. Mr. M said he had someone to connect the electric and they will be out next week. We would like to see everything connected and that it works. Otherwise everything else went well.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Robert Nassef Dalzell, SC

I went with them since they had the best loan rates and options. The installation went horribly though.

5 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Sherry

The sales rep was awesome. Installation took quite some time. Okay customer service. My husband is very unhappy how they were running behind and rushed through their job, leaving uneven panels. Looks tacky from road.

4 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Martin Guerrero Wickenburg, AZ

They have been the best company as far as the financing goes. Things have gone fine.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

mort payne Ocala, FL

We haven't recieved anyfo on our invvestment.

5 years ago

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Mark Szalkiewicz Escondido, CA

Installation was fine.

5 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Luis mojica Goodyear, AZ

Great company to work with the process was easy and now im enjoing my solar system

7 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Anonymous Moore Haven, FL

impressed, took the time to find and talk, really talked.

5 years ago