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Sullivan Solar Power

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6.0

Overall Score

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LAST UPDATED: October 7th, 2022
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Sullivan Solar Power is no longer in business.

Per The San Diego Union-Tribune, Sullivan Solar Power is no longer in business as of December 2021. As such, the information in this review may be out of date. Current Sullivan Solar customers are encouraged to leave their review below, and reach out to another California-based solar provider for support or assistance.

Sullivan Solar Power was founded in 2004 by Daniel Sullivan, a San Diego native and electrician by trade who was inspired to lead a clean energy revolution in his hometown. When Sullivan started his company, only a handful of contractors were providing solar power systems in Southern California and the solar industry boom had not yet arrived. Today, Sullivan Solar Power still focuses on residential solar installations in the Southern California area and has installed more than 7,000 solar electric systems. 

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The Good

  • Turnkey Solar Contractor
  • Warranty
  • Payment Options
  • Payback Period
  • NABCEP Certified Installers
  • Experience

Turnkey Solar Contractor

Sullivan Solar Power strives to offer the highest quality customer service possible. The company takes care of all aspects of the solar process and sees each project through from concept to completion, as well as provides free educational seminars and online resources for potential and current customers. 

Warranty

The fact of the matter is, Sullivan Solar Power supplies it's client base with solar panels that withstand any weather and time itself. One of the reps we spoke to mentioned solar panel technology hasn't changed much over the past 50 years, but that doesn't mean the panels won't last a long time. In fact, that's why nothing has changed because panels have such a long lifespan. 

Sullivan Solar Power knows the technology is sound, but even if you need the option, they back their installation and parts by a 20-year warranty. The company's 20-year workmanship warranty is 5 to 10 years longer than other solar companies. 

Payment Options

When customers choose to lease the panels, they will pay a monthly amount to "rent" the system for 20 years. The capital firm owns the system on the roof, but even with the monthly payments, those who lease will still save money by lowering your electric bills. 

If anything breaks, the company will come out and fix it for you. If you sell your home, you can sign the lease over to the new homeowners. Cash purchases are also an option. When you buy outright:

  • You get a tax credit
  • The company will give you a period to pay back if you can't provide the money upfront

Payback Period

This gives you a short payback period, generally, 4 to 6 years, meaning your system will pay for itself more quickly. Finance or cash purchases receive a 30% tax credit as well as a 25-year warranty on the inverter. 

Also, Sullivan Solar Power offers a production guarantee for 10 years so if your system doesn't produce what they've claimed it will, you'll be paid for any lost energy. This provides you with the most savings, though it does require more money upfront. If not, lease and financing options will help you. 

NABCEP Certified Installers

Not only does Sullivan Solar Power have a variety of payment options to help you get started with solar but you can be assured that your installation will be done properly since the company is NABCEP (National American Board Certified Energy Practitioners) certified. 

Experience 

While many solar energy companies have only been in business for a few years, Sullivan Solar Power has been installing solar for more than a decade and has had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the solar industry and the Southern California market. 

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The Bad

  • Limited Availability

Limited Availability

Since 2004, Sullivan Solar Power has been a renewable energy staple in Southern California, but that's it-their services don't extend any further than that. Here is a short list of where their offices are located.

  • San Diego
  • Irvine
  • Riverside
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The Bottom Line

If you're looking for renewable solar energy from a company that has a strong foothold in a few local communities in California, you can't go wrong using Sullivan Solar Power. The company, which provides solar systems to Irvine, Riverside, and San Diego residents, offers several options to acquire their panels such as buying, financing, or a zero-down lease or PPA. 

On average, panels take less than six years to pay off if you buy them outright. With Sullivan Sun Power, you'll also be able to take advantage of the kWh production guarantee and be compensated if your system doesn't generate electricity as promised. However, if you live outside Southern California, you'll need to check out other solar energy contractors. 

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Star Rating

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4.0

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26 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

65%

4 grade

12%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

23%

Sentiment Criteria

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Quality

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James N San Diego, CA

We needed a ground installation, because of our unique roof design. There was never any pressure from Sullivan -- just pertinent information to help in the decision and design process. We have a lot of big trees, so that the selected site was over 100 feet from our house. Installation although complicated was of highest quality, and completed on schedule. Sullivan's extensive solar analysis for the selected site was dead on relative to what we've experiences over the past 3 years. We were impressed that Sullivan is at the forefront of the technology, and doesn't forget its customers, Thru flyers and hosted events, they continue to provide the latest information on solar technology, CPUC rulings, and proposed electric utility rate structures, and how they would affect their current and future customers, They provide solutions that effectively deal with the current and future regulatory environment in order to keep solar economically viable.

6 years ago

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Thomas Lettington San Diego, CA

I am in my third year with my home's rooftop solar system installed by Sullivan. There is no way I could be more happy with them. They have responded immediately on the few occasions I needed to call them. Example: I called to ask if they provide panel cleaning services. They responded immediately, but advised me that the service from them might be more expensive that having it done by someone else, since their cleaning is done my technicians and cleaning in hot high tech as long as the person doing the job is careful to follow the cleaning instructions provided by Sullivan. The Best Company review of 6.8 is very unfair to Sullivan. Serving a limited market is not a bad thing. They serve areas where they have a highly trained staff and everything they need to do superior installations with the best equipment and support all of their residential and commercial customers. Marketing by Sullivan focuses on education not high pressure sales hype. They treat potential clients like friends and family. One other thing bad about the Best Company review is the note that they do not disclose the panel source and do not disclose how long they have been in business. Both of those claims are blatantly false. Also - they do have a mobile app.

6 years ago

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Gil Noble San Marcos, CA

I love Sullivan Solar. Everything they sold to us is exactly as promised. There was a small glitch in installation and they immediately came and fixed it. We just finished our third year and our yearly electric bill for our all-electric home, went from $3,455 to $73. On an net investment of $18,600, that is a yearly return of over 18% AND we used our heating and air conditioning as much as we wanted AND my appraiser claims that we will be able to sell our home more quickly AND we will recover the initial investment as well in the selling price. And, my wife sees me as a genius as I insisted we get the solar power. Incredible peace of mind with solar and Sullivan.

6 years ago

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Jerry Hoffman CA

Very professional. Listened to my requests and tried to fulfill them. I didn't want a rooftop installation but an on the ground installation. Their salesman came out with a horizon camera, checked the area where I wanted the panels installed - found no shade anytime of the year. I discussed the different options with him and he had a good answer for all of my questions - micro-inverters or not, most efficient panels or not. They took care of everything with the city - got my new meter installed, pulled permits, I had to deal with my HOA. After the meter was installed by the city, they sent a crew out and dug the 150' trend to the box on my house in one day, the inspector came the two days later, said okay, the installation was complete the next day. It took about a month before the city gave the okay, but I wasn't expecting anything else. They also have an online monitoring system - whenever there's a power failure, either the city or my internet, they send me an email asking if the equipment is okay. I've had the system since 2014. One piece of advice - always get 25% more power then any solar company suggests since they are trying usually to optimize the payback time (shortest time) and minimize the initial cost of the system. I had 4 company's come out, they all looked at my bills and said I needed about 4kW of power. I went with 5kW and have always been positive at the end of the year.

7 years ago

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JH Temecula, CA

I found everyone at Sullivan Solar Power to be exceptionally professional and always available to answer any questions I had. When my system was being installed, the workers were always so respectful of my property and made sure to clean up every last bit of trash they had. I have had my system for 2 &1/2 years and it was well worth the investment. I would recommend Sullivan Solar Power to anyone looking for solar.

5 years ago

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Dennis Nappen

Sullivan installed my system (26 SunPower Panels) at our home in Coronado, CA nearly 2 years ago. It's worked flawlessly ever since. The install was coordinated with my roof replacement and the installation people were very professional. I have referred several of my friends and they have all been delighted with their systems as well. Great company who continues to stay in touch even after the system is installed.

6 years ago

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Bruce Carvajal

One of the best companies I have ever associated with. I interviewed five solar companies before making the decision to go with Sullivan. They were straight shooters and delivered what they promised. When we had monitoring problems, they jumped on the situation, immediately and the problem was solved with no down time of the system. The installers were Sullivan employees with NO subcontractors. I highly recommend this company for anyone looking to add solar to their home.

6 years ago

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Alan Villanueva Murrieta, CA

Very happy we went with Sullivan Solar. They provided all the documentation needed to submit to our HOA and worked directly with RIverside county's HERO program. The process went as explained upfront. and the installation went as expected. Their installation crew was fast, friendly and thorough (they ever replaced any roof tiles that may have cracked during the installation process). I we ever move and install solar, we will go with them again :)

6 years ago

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Tom Kunde San Diego, CA

Sullivan Solar did an excellent job of installation. The electricians were professional and certified by the State of California. They were very knowledgeable, informative, friendly and did their work safely for our benefit and theirs. The company did a great job of helping us to determine the best value for our home and their continuing monitoring of our solar array is very reassuring of their guarantee and their trustworthiness. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is considering solar power for their home.

6 years ago

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Len Hering San Diego, CA

Sullivan Solar installed my 7.4kwh system nearly 2 years ago. From start to finish it was a great experience. The system has outperformed virtually every month. We have experienced excellent support and are confident going solar with Sullivan Solar power was the right choice. I say thanks every time I loo at my bill and see that I owe not 1 red cent!!!!! It's great to be in control of my power needs.

7 years ago

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Randy Blair Mission Viejo, CA

Used Sullivan Solar 8 years ago 27 Sun power panels. My costs were paid by my savings 2 years ago. Best investment ever. I would recommend Sullivan Solar. Excellent company. Gave me excellent service. The most experienced technician.

4 years ago

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Corinne Hollings Chula Vista, CA

I purchased a system 5 yrs. ago. It has been everything they said it was. They monitor it. Sent a letter when SDG& E changed the rules. Since then 3 of my neighbors and co workers have purchased systems and all have been satisfied. They were the only company that came out and measured the property instead of viewing on line. They gave me all my options, without pressure. I have no regrets.

6 years ago

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R. Russell

These guys are 100% professional from start to finish, they do it all. and make sure it has been done correctly. They only use 100% union electricians and sell the best Panasonic solar panels. They just finished my job and I am very happy with the entire company.

6 years ago

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P Fowler Mission Viejo, CA

Excellent quality product, installation and service. System has been running very well for three years. Contrary to other comments, Sullivan has always been available when contacted.

5 years ago

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Jack

Sullivan installed my 32 panel system 3 years ago and it has been working great. They initially told me their work would take 4 days but it was completed in only 3 days. Very happy with Sullivan.

6 years ago

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Frank Tecca

My system was installed by Sullivan a little more than a year ago. They did a good job when they were available to do the installation. The problem I have with Sullivan is customer service. Specifically, they just don't return telephone calls. Neither during the contract period nor after completion.

6 years ago

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Sheila Carlsbad, CA

We wanted to give a 5 star review but 45 days after installation, we cannot. Why not? Because about three weeks ago we received a notice that a lien was going to be filed against our home due to non-payment by Sullivan to one of its subcontractors even though WE PAID SULLIVAN IN FULL AT TIME OF INSTALLATION. We were told by Sullivan that this was normal and that it would be taken care of and no lien would be filed. Today we were notified that a lien has been placed on our home and has to be removed by us in 60 days. This is unacceptable and endangers our mortgage and possibly would cause a foreclosure on our home. We will proceed with finding out the amount of the lien and try to resolve the issue and this will probably necessitate the hiring of a lawyer and us, a retired couple on a limited income, and going into savings to pay for something we already paid for. We will, of course, look to pursue all legal remedies open to us to recoup our losses from Sullivan. The solar panels themselves seems to be working well, and we were impressed by the salesperson as well as the actual installers. We met once with the project manager but then he was not present for the install as he went on vacation, and we never met with the person who was supposed to be the acting project manager on our install and that was disappointing. If it had not been for the lien placed on our home by Sullivan’s sub-contractor we would have given them a 4 or 5 star rating. Caveat to anyone considering Sullivan: Get a release in writing from Sullivan holding you harmless from any non-payment by them to their sub-contractors otherwise you may lose your home.

4 years ago

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Ivan Los Angeles, CA

Thorough, Polite, Conscientious, Timely, Excellent Follow-Through. No complaints regarding our experience with Sullivan. Strongly recommend for your peace of mind.

7 years ago

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Kent Baker San Diego, CA

Sullivan was a 5-star review until the company literally locked the front door and closed without notice, filing bankruptcy, or anything. Installations were abandoned and customer hanging. Owner had personal-life criminal charges lodged against him and ended up in jail - not sure where he is now. Our install was easy and took two days for panels, etc. Clean install but now we have an install warranty that is worthless if there ever is a problem. Hopefully Panasonic and Solar Edge honor the product warranties.

2 years ago

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Mario San Diego, CA

Do not use Sullivan Solar. I used them for 2 projects and the first one was good but on the second one they did no pay the roofers. Next thing you know is that I get a lien on my property and I had to pay $8200 to the roofers for them to start the documentation to give me back control of my home. I am not the only one after researching. They never contacted me nor have the even tried to. Very disappointed and this was even before the pandemic.

3 years ago

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Carrie San Diego, CA

Happy with the installation in January 2020. However, mechanics lien has been placed on my property shortly after installation because Sullivan did not pay their supplier. This apparently has happened to multiple people, based on reviews here and on Yelp. Haven’t had any communication from the company recently. Now with this economic crisis I’m afraid it’s going to be an enormous headache to deal with.

4 years ago

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Dean San Diego, CA

The most unethical, unprofessional and deceptive company I've dealt with. Installed a much smaller system than promised. Impossible customer service. D. Sullivan promised but then lied about fixing the problem. Met several former employees who said Sullivan business model, directed straight from the top, is to undersize systems to stay competitive with others. Knowingly deceiving customers is illegal. Stay away from these crooks.

5 years ago

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Mike Sandiego San Diego, CA

A little expensive but you get good quality. 3 year old system is performing very well with my estimated 6-year payback. On time and no surprises or extra charges.

6 years ago

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DONALD STANTON Ontario, CA

Sales , Service Excellent I am very happy with my solar system I haven't paid for electric for three and a half year

6 years ago

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H. Kourik San Diego, CA

Delivered what they were contracted to deliver, on time and on budget. System has been working well since 2014.

6 years ago

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mike hill Fallbrook, CA

horrible customer service with upper management!

5 years ago