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SOCO Solar Power

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8.2

Overall Score

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LAST UPDATED: March 16th, 2024

SOCO Solar and Power provides alternative energy solutions to clients looking to reduce monthly utility bills while using clean energy sources. Each step of the solar project is handled in-house by a SOCO Solar and Power energy professional. There is no aspect of the SOCO Solar and Power service that is ever outsourced to another provider within the industry.

The SOCO Solar and Power operation was officially launched in 2021 and backed by a strong Generac brand. The company was started by solar professionals, Charly Minkler and Will Nowell, who have each had respectable careers within the solar and energy industry. In its first year alone, the SOCO Solar and Power team installed over 100 new solar systems and generators. Additionally, the SOCO Solar and Power team was also able to service over 200 current Generac customers looking to maximize their generator and/or solar investment. 

A majority of all SOCO Solar and Power work results from word-of-mouth referrals. To date, over 99 percent of all SOCO Solar and Power customers would recommend the service and products offered by the company. This has resulted in a number of clients reaching out to SOCO Solar and Power directly to help take on their desired solar or generator project. Free quotes and consultations are available to all interested clients. 

Video Customer Reviews

Danielle Pocock Customer Review Video About SOCO Solar Power

Danielle Pocock

Laurel Baldwin Customer Review Video About SOCO Solar Power

Laurel Baldwin

Andrew Customer Review Video About SOCO Solar Power

Andrew

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The Good

  • Certified Generac Sales, Installation, and Service Dealer
  • No Outsourcing
  • Generator Solutions Available
  • Variety of Project Types

Certified Generac Sales, Installation, and Service Dealer

In an effort to provide quality, tier-1 solar equipment to its clients, SOCO Solar and Power has teamed up with Generac to offer solar systems and battery storage solutions. The specific system installed is the Generac PWRcell system, compatible with the powerful PWRcell battery. This system is considered by some to be the most flexible and scalable home energy system on the market as it can function in nearly any climate and provides continuous backup power.

No Outsourcing

Another major benefit to the service SOCO Solar and Power provides is the fact that the company will handle each step of the process in-house from start to finish. That means the sales, design, installation, and continued service is all done by SOCO Solar. Competitors will outsource pieces of this process, but SOCO Solar and Power takes all of it on. 

Generator Solutions Available

As a Generac dealer, SOCO Solar and Power also offers home backup generators to clients. While many solar providers will offer battery or storage solutions to solar clients, not many companies offer generator solutions for clients who do not have the luxury of having solar as an option. SOCO Solar and Power provides solutions to these types of clients as well; providing backup energy and increased energy independence is a main goal of the company. The generator solutions offered through SOCO Solar and Power allow for uninterrupted energy even during utility power outages or inclement weather. Generac generators are permanent solutions that provide an automatic service. 

Variety of Project Types

The solar market seems to lean towards catering to the residential homeowner. While some companies will offer limited commercial options, the residential product appears to be what most of the market goes after. That being said, there are other clients and projects that would benefit from renewable energy. SOCO Solar and Power understands this which is why the company services the following types of clients:

  • Residential clients
  • Small and large scale commercial projects
  • Rural (farming and ranch properties)

Not many solar companies will take on rural clients, nor do they generally have the skill or knowledge it takes to successfully complete these types of projects. SOCO Solar and Power does. 

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The Bad

  • Limited Service Area
  • Undisclosed Financing Information
  • Limited Warranties

Limited Service Area

Most solar installation providers provide a relatively localized service. SOCO Solar and Power is no exception. However, SOCO Solar is a dealer for Generac products. Solar dealers are typically restricted to a particular service area as service areas are dictated and distributed by the manufacturer. Solar installation companies not tied up in a dealership relationship have the opportunity to expand on their own terms.

SOCO Solar and Power does not have this same leeway. As a result, SOCO Solar and Power is only able to service clients in the Southern Colorado region. Outside of this area, SOCO Solar will have to pass on the project limiting who the company can reach. 

Undisclosed Financing Information

While solar savings throughout the duration of the system’s lifespan speak for themselves, the upfront costs associated with installing a solar system cannot be ignored. The average residential solar system costs anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 to have installed. Federal, and in some cases state, tax incentives can reduce these costs, but it will still most likely cost thousands of dollars for a property owner to purchase a system outright and upfront.

While this is the most fiscally responsible way to handle solar as it boasts the largest return on investment, it is simply not feasible for everyone looking to enjoy the benefits of solar energy. As a result, most solar companies will offer alternative financing options like loans, leases, and power purchase agreements.

For researching clients, the availability of financing options can be a determining factor. While SOCO Solar and Power claims to offer financing that will include lower payments than current monthly electric bills, the company has failed to disclose exactly what those options are. Most solar installation companies make this information public as it is important information for prospective clients. 

Limited Warranties

Warranties have grown to be somewhat standard within the solar industry. Since it can cost thousands of dollars to have a custom solar system installed, it makes sense that clients would want that investment protected for a reasonable period of time. Typically, solar companies will offer some type of warranty for equipment, production, and workmanship.

The manufacturer typically covers the equipment and/or production warranty. In the case of SOCO Solar and Power clients, Generac does cover an equipment warranty, but it only lasts 10 years. Most manufacturers offer equipment warranties for upwards of 25 years. The workmanship warranty is then generally covered by the actual installation provider. SOCO Solar and Power has not disclosed any workmanship warranty details so it is unclear whether or not this feature is available to clients. 

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The Bottom Line

SOCO Solar and Power provides a complete start-to-finish solar product for a wide range of clients looking to use renewable energy to power a property. SOCO Solar has partnered with Generac and has been named a certified sales, installation, and service dealer supplying clients with the latest Generac has to offer.

In addition to providing traditional solar alternatives, SOCO Solar can also install Generac generators for customers looking for a backup power source or increased energy independence. Based on where SOCO Solar provides its services, it's no surprise that the company offers solar solutions to residential, commercial, and even rural clients. 

There is no perfect solar operation and SOCO Solar and Power is no exception. Prospective clients looking into SOCO Solar for installation services should be aware of current limitations to the company’s operation. SOCO Solar only services the southern Colorado region. Outside of this service area, SOCO Solar cannot take on the project. It’s also concerning that despite claiming to offer alternative financing, there is no information regarding what specific options are available to clients. Lastly, the warranties offered to SOCO Solar and Power clients are limited compared to the rest of the industry.

Interested solar clients in southern Colorado looking for a quality solar system and battery combination will likely benefit from what SOCO Solar and Power has to offer. Solar customers interested in protecting their investment and utilizing special financing, however, may want to look elsewhere. 

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Star Rating

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4.2

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53 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

23%

3 grade

6%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

8%

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Jeff Collins Golden, CO

Tony and Kevin did a really good job of the installation considering the road blocks they faced. SOCO needs to do better job with project management to have all materials ready either in shop or jobsite. This generator was delivered in summer of 23 and not completed until 2/24. These areas need to be improved on.

3 weeks ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Jeff & Jory,

Thank you once again for your understanding and patience throughout the installation process. We truly appreciate your acknowledgment of the unforeseen challenges we encountered, and we're grateful for your recognition of the dedication and hard work exhibited by our team members, Tony and Kevin.

Despite the unexpected roadblocks, we're glad to have had the opportunity to work with individuals who remain committed to delivering a high-quality installation. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're continually striving to improve our processes to ensure a smoother experience for all our customers.

Please know that your feedback is invaluable to us, and we're committed to learning from this experience to better serve you and our future clients. If there's anything else we can assist you with or if you have any further concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

Thank you once again for choosing our local SOCO Solar & Power.

Josh & Team SOCO Solar & Power

Mar. 6th, 2024

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Barbara Myers

It has been just over 9 months and we still aren't on. Also I was very clear about where panels could not be installed. Guess where we have panels installed!! Now my son or tradesmen have a much more precarious route to take to access our swamp cooler and removing one of the panels requires two people because you can't stand in front of it to lift. Everyone has been very friendly it's just been a bit frustrating.

9 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 4-star review and sharing your feedback. We appreciate your honesty and apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced. We understand that it has been over 9 months and you're still not connected to the solar system. We sincerely apologize for the delay and any frustration it has caused.

Regarding the panel installation, we apologize for the miscommunication. We strive to carefully follow our customers' instructions, and it's regrettable that the panels were installed in a location that obstructs access to your swamp cooler. We understand that this has created a more challenging route for your son or tradesmen. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

However, we are glad to hear that our team has been friendly throughout the process. Building strong relationships with our customers is important to us, and we appreciate your acknowledgment of our team's demeanor.

Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention, and we appreciate your patience. We remain dedicated to providing excellent service and will work diligently to make things right.

Jun. 16th, 2023

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Steven Ellis Montrose, CO

I loved the process of getting solar on my house, the only thing was their time frames were to optimistic. I did not mind the wait but tell me a more accurate time frame, I did not like waiting for 2 or 3 weeks after the time the told me a certain step would be completed. The very friendly helpful staff was a pleasurer to work with and get to know.

9 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the process of getting solar on your house and found our staff to be friendly and helpful. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the optimistic time frames provided. We understand that accurate time frames are crucial for planning, and we appreciate your patience during the waiting period. We'll take your feedback into consideration and work on providing more accurate estimates in the future. If there's anything else we can assist you with or if you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out. We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

May. 31st, 2023

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Rocky Paonia, CO

I recently wrote a review about the service I received from SOCO solar. I was able to resolve the issues with them and they refunded a large portion of my electrical bill back to me. The solar has been working great , for several months now, it has been nice not to pay those huge electricity bills.

9 months ago Edited January 10, 2024

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Dear Rocky,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your experience with Soco Solar. We genuinely appreciate all customer feedback, including the negative ones, as they provide us with an opportunity to improve our services.

We sincerely apologize for the lack of communication and follow-up you experienced throughout the process. Effective and timely communication is a crucial aspect of our commitment to providing excellent customer service, and it seems we fell short in this regard. We understand how important it is to keep you informed and updated at every step, and we deeply regret any inconvenience caused.

Our team is always committed to delivering installations in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality standards. We are actively reviewing our processes to identify areas for improvement and prevent similar delays from occurring in the future.

We genuinely appreciate your feedback and regret that we did not meet your expectations. If there is anything we can do to rectify the situation or address any concerns you may still have, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your satisfaction and would welcome the opportunity to make things right.

Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention, and we apologize once again for any inconvenience caused. Your feedback will help us improve our services moving forward.

Team SOCO Solar

Jun. 16th, 2023

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Andrew Montrose, CO

Customer Review Video

9 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your positive review of Soco Solar's installation at your house in Montrose, Colorado. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your feedback.

We are thrilled to hear that Eric from our team was in contact with you during the issue with the electric company and provided you with responsive support. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for all our clients.

Your mention of our team's knowledge being superior to other companies is truly humbling. We strive to stay at the forefront of solar technology and industry trends, and it's rewarding to know that our efforts are recognized.

Thank you once again for choosing Soco Solar for your solar installation needs. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to serve you and contribute to your journey towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution. If you have any further questions or require assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Warmest regards, Team SOCO

Jun. 16th, 2023

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Michael Secula Houston, TX

Everyone has been helpful and courteous.

2 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with Soco Solar & Power! We're thrilled to hear that our team has been helpful and courteous. Thanks for choosing local! - Team SOCO Solar & Power

Jan. 13th, 2024

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barb myers

I loved that each step was explained in a quay that l understood! I did not love how long it took to get up and running. I also have a problem with the where the panels were installed. I was clear about the rout used to access our swamp cooler. Panels were put directly where I asked that they not be. Now a more treacherous route must be used. All in all I'm happy with the communication throughout the process.

10 months ago Edited June 13, 2023

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

We are thankful for your favorable feedback concerning the clarity of the explanations given during the process. However, we are attentive to your apprehensions regarding both the project's timeline and the panel installation location.

As a local, growing company, we greatly value and will learn from all the valuable input we receive from our customers.

We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences resulting from the delays you encountered,

Nov. 1st, 2023

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Claudia McClintock Grand Junction, CO

While the communication with SOCO during the installation process started out poorly, once Jessica became involved it improved ten-fold.

8 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your honesty and are glad to hear that her involvement made a significant positive impact on the communication during the installation process. If you have any further comments or suggestions, feel free to let us know. We're committed to continuous improvement. Thanks for choosing local!

- Joshua Scott Smith and The SOCO SOLAR & Power Team

Dec. 11th, 2023

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Gary Montrose, CO

I thought all people that I dealt with were very friendly very nice people The only thing I did not know about was you put a lean on my home I think this should of been more up front But all worked out well and would do it again

9 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Gary,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your experience with Soco Solar. We greatly appreciate your kind words about our team, highlighting their friendliness and professionalism. It's wonderful to know that you found everyone you dealt with to be very friendly and nice.

We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the placement of a lien on your home. While we strive to be transparent about all aspects of our services, it seems there may have been a gap in communication regarding this particular matter. We will take your feedback into serious consideration to ensure a smoother and clearer process for our future customers.

We are relieved to hear that everything worked out well in the end, despite the issue with the lien. Your satisfaction and positive experience are of utmost importance to us.

Thank you for your understanding, and we genuinely appreciate your willingness to choose Soco Solar again. We value your trust and look forward to assisting you with any future solar needs you may have.

If there is anything else we can do for you or if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

- Team SOCO SOLAR

Jun. 16th, 2023

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Gary Hodges Grand Junction, CO

All the SOCO people that we had contact with were very professional, polite and knowledgeable...a pleasant experience. My experience also revealed that more communication is needed between the customer and SOCO and at times it seems that for SOCO "one hand did not know what the other hand was doing".

9 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Thank you, Gary, for leaving us a 4-star review and sharing your experience with SOCO SOLAR. We are delighted to hear that the people you interacted with from our team were professional, polite, and knowledgeable. Providing a pleasant experience is our utmost priority.

We appreciate your feedback regarding the need for improved communication between the customer and our team. We understand that it's important for us to ensure a seamless flow of information and coordination throughout the process. Your feedback regarding instances where it seemed like "one hand did not know what the other hand was doing" is valuable to us, and we will take it into account to enhance our internal communication systems.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We value your input, and we are committed to continuously improving our processes to provide an even better experience for our customers. If you have any further suggestions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your support of SOCO SOLAR.

Jun. 16th, 2023

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Robert Brown Eckert, CO

Persistent crew to install system right.

5 months ago

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Reply from SOCO Solar Power

Thank you for acknowledging our persistent crew's dedication to installing your system correctly. We take great pride in their commitment to ensuring the job is done right. If you have any further comments or if there's anything else you'd like to share, please feel free to let us know. Your feedback is valuable to us!

Nov. 1st, 2023