Convert Solar
4.0
4.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Convert Solar is a full-service energy system provider based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The company started in 2012 when Chad Wilkins (owner) decided to make solar energy a viable option for residential and commercial customers. As a Virginia Class A Licensed Alternative Energy Systems contractor, Wilkins turned Convert Solar from a one-person startup into a well-known and respected energy solutions company that cares about the community, customers, and environment.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Installs PV Solar Panels
- Licenses and Certifications
- Zero-Risk Home Analysis
- In-house Financing
- Installation Time
Installs PV Solar Panels
Convert Solar installs Solar PV panels (PV stands for photovoltaic). Solar PV panels provide clean, green energy. There are no harmful greenhouse gas emissions during the electricity generation process, making solar PV environmentally friendly.
Solar PV panels are a popular choice among residential customers for the following reasons:
- Few operating and maintenance costs
- No moving parts; therefore, the chance of breakage or required maintenance is low
- Completely silent
- Inexpensive
These panels are a fantastic option for those who want to promote clean, green energy but don't want to worry about expensive operating and maintenance costs. Plus, the silent-nature of the panels makes them the perfect choice for homeowners who live in the suburbs and don't want to add to the noise pollution.
Convert Solar can install your PV panels on your home (or businesses) roof, or you can have them mounted on the ground. Since each customer's situation is unique, Convert Solar takes the time to evaluate and carefully determine where to place the panels for maximum effect.
Licenses and Certifications
Convert Solar is licensed with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) as a licensed Class "A" Alternative Energy Systems (AES) contractor.
Additionally, Chad Wilkins (company owner) and Ryan Healy (operations manager) are NABCEP certified Solar PV Installers.
Zero-Risk Home Analysis
Convert Solar offers a no-cost, zero-risk analysis of your home or business. This analysis is designed to give you an idea of your property's potential to benefit from solar.
If you want Convert Solar to come and perform a solar site assessment, all you need to do is provide the company with the legal address of the property and a recent copy of the electric bill.
Once you've provided the previous information, Convert Solar will work with you to set up a convenient time to do a walk-through. Together you'll go over the property, and Convert Solar will address any problems, questions, or concerns you may have.
In-house Financing
After the walk-through, Convert Solar will provide you with a solar site assessment that thoroughly goes over the annual solar energy production, yearly consumption offset, annual revenue, environmental benefits, cost, and financial analysis. The economic analysis is beneficial as it shows you exactly how much money you can expect to save, the payback period, and the return on investment.
Once you have all the information, you can decide how to proceed. Keep in mind that the company offers several different financing options. If eligible, you could pay $0 down and $0 out-of-pocket.
Convert Solar also makes sure all customers know about — and have all the paperwork for — any tax incentives.
Installation Time
Convert Solar claims that most installations only take about two days to complete. This is a great turnaround time and ensures you don't have to take as much time off from work or plan your entire week around the installation.
However, Convert Solar does state that the size of the system will affect the installation time. And larger installations may take up to three to four weeks to complete.
The Bad
- Workmanship Warranty
Workmanship Warranty
When compared to other workmanship warranties, Convert Solar's five years seems under par. Most solar companies will match their workmanship warranty to their equipment warranty — which generally is about 25 years.
However, Convert Solar promises that during those five years (from the date of installation), the company will provide an expert diagnosis of any system problem and the labor to resolve the issue — free of charge.
We highly encourage all consumers to thoroughly read over the warranty information before signing any contracts, as we do with every company. Be sure you understand what's covered and for how long. That way, when a problem arises, you know precisely what your coverage includes.
The Bottom Line
Although Convert Solar is a relatively young company within the industry, it appears to be making a name for itself. Virginia homeowners and businesses can rely on Convert Solar to provide a quality solar system that fits their exact situation and needs. We encourage consumers to take advantage of Convert Solar's free home analysis and compare the costs to other solar installers.
The only thing to take note of is the five-year workmanship warranty. It's not the longest coverage we've seen, and it's worth it to double-check that everything you need is covered. Other than that, Convert Solar is a reliable, trustworthy company worth looking into.
