ProVision Solar
4.7
6.7
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
ProVision Solar is one of the longest standing solar installers in the state of Hawaii. Originally founded in 1998 as Hawaiian Electric Industries, the company worked to provide photovoltaic solutions to a wide range of clients on the Big Island.
As part of an expansion effort in 2003, the company officially was rebranded as ProVision Solar and started to service clients on both the Big Island of Hawaii and in areas of Maui. The goal was to provide premier solar-electric services and products that could utilize clean, renewable energy sources instead of relying on the utility grid.
The company now services the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and O'ahu.
ProVision Solar is a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor. It should be noted that ProVision Solar is the only solar provider in Hawaii to have achieved this classification, allowing it to obtain all necessary electrical permits required in order to install complete solar systems.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Solar Products Installed
- System Checkup Services
- Clients Serviced
- Company Benefits
Solar Products Installed
In order to provide an elite solar installation service, solar installation providers must have partnerships with premier solar manufacturers. ProVision Solar has partnered with some of the most recognized and trusted brands in the solar industry. ProVision Solar clients will have access to the following:
- Panels from SunPower
- Inverters from SMA and SolarEdge
- Solar battery from Tesla Powerwall
Not all solar installation companies have the ability to offer all high level premier equipment, but ProVision Solar does.
System Checkup Services
Many solar installation companies will claim to offer solar system maintenance services. This may include the occasional panel cleaning or brief inspection. ProVision Solar goes above and beyond in this department offering full-scale system checkups.
This complete service is available for $349 and ensures that the installed PV system is continuing to function as designed and meeting optimal performance metrics.
Clients Serviced
With solar becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and more accessible, a large portion of the market has turned its attention to residential property owners in hopes of growing the business. While ProVision Solar offers residential solar solutions, the company also services commercial and non-profit clients
Many residential solar installers will take on commercial clients as well, but can be limited in the scale of projects it can take on. ProVision Solar does not experience these same limitations and also works with non-profit groups to provide solar solutions.
Company Benefits
Clients can take advantage of a number of benefits that are exclusive to ProVision Solar. Solar clients who decide to utilize the skilled ProVision Solar team can expect the following:
- Authorized SunPower dealer
- Fully licensed and insured
- Vehicles operate on 100% reclaimed biodiesel
- Affiliations with Hawaiian businesses and organizations
- Solar experience dating back to 1970s
Hawaiian residents interested in having a solar system installed will be hard pressed to find a company that can offer the permitting services ProVision Solar can with its licensing and equipment agreements.
The Bad
- Financing Options
- Workmanship Warranty
Financing Options
Solar is an investment, and it can be a pricey one. While solar systems can pay off dividends over the years, there is an initial cost that needs to be considered. To make solar more accessible and affordable for all, many solar installation companies offer alternative financing solutions. These solutions include loans, leases, and power purchase agreements.
While it is common for solar installation companies to offer alternative financing, not all providers do. Unfortunately, ProVision Solar does not offer its own financing programs, so those in need of these financing will want to consider alternative providers.
Workmanship Warranty
While ProVision Solar clients will be able to take advantage of the tremendous equipment warranties available through its manufacturing partnerships, there is one glaring warranty omission from the company platform.
Workmanship warranties are relatively standard within the industry. A majority of solar installers offer workmanship warranties which protect clients from errors resulting from installation or connectivity. These warranties generally last 10 years and provide an additional layer of protection. Unfortunately, ProVision Solar does not appear to offer any type of workmanship warranty to its clients.
The Bottom Line
ProVision Solar offers complete end-to-end solar installation services to those looking for a clean alternative energy source. The company has partnered with a number of tier-1 manufacturers to offer some of the best equipment and solar technology available on the market. In addition to offering complete start-to-finish installation services, ProVision Solar also offers system checkup services providing total maintenance packages.
Unlike some of its competitors, ProVision Solar offers solar solutions to residential, commercial, and non-profit clients. Benefits of working with ProVision Solar include authorized dealer status, industry-leading experience, and licensing and insurance.
Perhaps most importantly, ProVision's customer review profile trends positively, indicating that the company delivers on customer service and overall product and service satisfaction.
While there are a number of reasons to consider ProVision Solar for solar system installation services, there are drawbacks of working with the company that prospective clients should be aware of. ProVision Solar itself does not offer any alternative financing solutions but instead directs clients to utilize tax programs for additional savings. Additionally, the company's website makes no mention of a workmanship warranty, which deviates from the standard expectation we have for any solar company.
Considering all factors, clients looking for a reliable solar contractor in the state of Hawaii should consider ProVision Solar.
