Empower Energy Solutions vs Palmetto

Jordan Grimmer
Jordan Grimmer | Senior Editor

Empower Energy Solutions and Palmetto Solar offer several benefits to homeowners looking to invest in solar energy solutions and other sustainable technologies. These solar providers help homeowners navigate the complexities of solar installation by streamlining the process and utilizing years of experience to provide the best outcomes possible. 

Both companies closely with homeowners to design solar energy systems that meet their energy needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. They offer a range of solar panel options, including rooftop and ground-mounted systems, to maximize energy production and efficiency.

By hiring Empower Energy Solutions or Palmetto, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of clean, affordable solar energy while making a positive impact on the environment and their bottom line. With personalized service, expert guidance, and top-quality products, Empower Energy Solutions helps homeowners harness the power of the sun to power their homes and communities for years to come. That being said, there are differences between the two providers which may be worth mentioning for those still determining what company is best suited to handle their home's solar system installation.

Empower Energy Solutions logo
#16 Empower Energy Solutions
8.6 Overall Score
5.0
star star star star star
(25)
Palmetto logo
#99 Palmetto
6.7 Overall Score
4.0
star star star star star_border
(203)

Overview

Empower Energy Solutions

Panels from

REC Alpha, QCELL QTron, JINKO TopCon

Inverters from

SolarEdge

Batteries from

SolarEdge

Workmanship Warranty

10 Years

Equipment Warranty

25 Years

NABCEP Certified

Yes

Purchasing Options Offered

Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

Time in Business

5 Years

Palmetto

Hanwha Qcells, Canadian Solar, Mission Solar Energy

SolarEdge, Enphase

Sonnen

10 Years

25 Years

Yes

Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

14 Years

Ratings

Empower Energy Solutions

Overall Score
8.6 of 10
Review Score
5.0
star star star star star
Value for Money
4.9
star star star star star
Quality of Product or Service
5.0
star star star star star
Company Trustworthiness
5.0
star star star star star
Likely to Recommend
9.5 of 10

Palmetto

6.7 of 10
4.0
star star star star star_border
3.1
star star star star_border star_border
3.0
star star star star_border star_border
3.0
star star star star_border star_border
7.3 of 10

Reviews

Empower Energy Solutions

Number of Reviews
25
Review Breakdown
5.0
star star star star star
1 star
0%
2 star
0%
3 star
0%
4 star
4%
5 star
96%

Palmetto

203
4.0
star star star star star_border
1 star
12%
2 star
6%
3 star
11%
4 star
10%
5 star
60%

Reviews for Empower Energy Solutions

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Charles Weber

April 24th, 2024

DETAILS

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Review Source

Very courteous sales staff who explained everything clearly and answered all our questions. Installation was very quick with professional results. Loving our solar. We build credits over the spring/summer and fall, and use them in the winter, resulting in a big reduction in our energy bills.

Helpful Critical Review

None Available

Reviews for Palmetto

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star_border star_border

Darin Hunt

August 4th, 2023

DETAILS

check_circle

Review Source

We started this process over 6 months ago. Finally installed 3 weeks ago and still waiting on inspection. Not able to test system and see if it saves us money. Looks like will still be paying DTE for electric and will be paying for the solar panels at same time. I was told would receive $ 500 for being a Veteran and then found out it was put in to total cost which at $70,000 that does nothing. Could have used that to help with double payments while waiting for system to get turned on. My wife is not happy. Making me look bad.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Dan Barie

August 26th, 2022

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Review Source

I’m not happy with the “service after the sale”! My system was installed in late May or early June—perfect for the summer months of sun, BUT it is still not operational at this point in time. Therefore, I am paying for something that should be paying for itself. I am very dissatisfied with the service and the response time, and at this point in time (August 26, 2022), I still do not know when my system will be fixed. In good conscience I cannot and will not recommend Palmetto to anyone in my sphere of influence!

The Final Word

Equipment and Customization

Palmetto Solar offers customized solar solutions tailored to meet the unique energy needs and preferences of each homeowner. They assess factors such as energy consumption, roof space, and budget to design a solar energy system that maximizes efficiency and savings. Palmetto clients can choose between the following manufacturers:

  • Hanwha Qcells
  • Canadian Solar
  • Mission Solar
  • SolarEdge
  • Enphase
  • Sonnen (batteries)

Empower Energy Solutions works closely with homeowners to design solar energy systems that meet their energy needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. They offer a range of solar panel options, including rooftop and ground-mounted systems, to maximize energy production and efficiency. For solar panels, Empower Energy Solutions client will have access to the following tier-1 products:

  • REC Alpha
  • QCELL QTron
  • JINKO TopCon
  • SolarEdge

Warranties

Palmetto Solar stands behind their work with protected warranties and ongoing maintenance services to ensure the long-term performance and reliability of solar energy systems. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and support sets them apart as a trusted partner in sustainable energy solutions. All equipment installed through Palmetto is backed by a 25 year equipment warranty and the installation work is backed by a 10 year workmanship warranty.

It is, however, important to note that Empower Energy Solutions offers more protection in terms of warranties than Palmetto does. Not only do the warranties available through Empower Energy Solutions cover key contributors to the solar product for longer periods of time, there are more forms of protection. The warranties available through Empower Energy Solutions are broken down as follows:

  • Equipment Warranty: 25 Years
  • Workmanship Warranty: 25 Years
  • Production Warranty: 25 Years

Expertise

Palmetto Solar brings years of expertise and experience in the solar industry. Their team consists of knowledgeable professionals who understand the intricacies of solar energy systems and can provide expert guidance throughout the process.

Empower Energy Solutions has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems. Their expertise ensures that homeowners receive high-quality, customized solutions tailored to their specific needs and goals. Each homeowner that goes through Empower Energy Solutions for solar needs will have a dedicated experts and open lines of communication through each stage of the installation process. That process breaks down as follows:

  1. Consultation
  2. Custom Design
  3. Site Survey
  4. Engineering and Permitting
  5. Installation
  6. Activation

Financing Options

Palmetto Solar works to help clients find financing solutions that will allow for a solar system to be installed without making it difficult to afford this new found energy independence on a month to month basis. Financing options include: loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. 

Empower Energy Solutions typically offers a variety of financing options to make solar energy systems more accessible and affordable for homeowners. Where Empower Energy Solutions truly stands out is the company's ability to help homeowner's access solar energy without putting thousands of dollars down to get the project off the ground. In fact, three out of the four purchasing options through Empower Energy Solutions do not require a single dollar down. Not many other providers in the industry can replicate that kind of financial flexibility. Financing options through Empower Energy Solutions include:

  • Solar Loans: Empower Energy Solutions may partner with lending institutions to offer solar loans specifically designed for financing solar energy system installations. These loans often feature competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and convenient repayment options.
  • Solar Lease: A solar lease allows homeowners to lease a solar energy system from Empower Energy Solutions for a fixed monthly payment. With a solar lease, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without the upfront costs of purchasing the system outright. Lease agreements may include maintenance and monitoring services for the duration of the lease term.
  • Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financing arrangement in which Empower Energy Solutions installs, owns, and maintains the solar energy system on the homeowner's property. The homeowner agrees to purchase the electricity generated by the system at a predetermined rate, typically lower than the local utility's electricity rates.
  • Solar Purchase: This cash option allows homeowners to own the solar system upfront and outright. No monthly payments will be required and the warranties are still in full effect. 

Additionally, Empower Energy Solutions can help homeowners take advantage of available government incentives, rebates, and tax credits to offset the cost of installing a solar energy system. These incentives may include federal investment tax credits (ITC), state or local rebates, and renewable energy grants. Some utilities offer financing programs or incentives to encourage homeowners to install solar energy systems. Empower Energy Solutions can help homeowners navigate these programs and identify opportunities for financial assistance. Not all solar providers will make this kind of effort on behalf of its clients, but Empower Energy Solutions will. 

Top Choice

Empower Energy Solutions Logo
Empower Energy Solutions

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