EGT Solar
4.9
7.5
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
With two locations in Meridian and Twin Falls, Idaho, EGT has been serving Idaho residents since 2010. The company offers a wide array of tier one solar panels and inverters and competitive rates on its solar loan financing options. EGT solar is a four-time “Top 500 Solar Contractor,” according to Solar Power World Magazine.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- 5-Step Installation Process
- Top-Tier Solar Equipment
- Top 500 Solar Contractor
- Competitive Financing
5-Step Installation Process
EGT Solar conducts a thorough, five-step process to help its customers go solar:
- SmartSolar Site Evaluation — During the initial consultation, which takes about an hour, an EGT Solar rep will evaluate the home’s current energy needs, including the energy bill, electrical system, and technical and municipal requirements.
- Design Phase — Through the solar provider’s accredited third-party system, EGT Solar’s design and engineering team will build a custom system suited specifically to its intended roof, citing system capacity requirements and specific module selection.
- Permitting — EGT will pull all the necessary permits and net meter process paperwork, which can take anywhere between one and two weeks.
- Solar Installation — EGT’s installation team will then put the system in place according to the designed, prefabricated layout, making sure it’s up to code.
- Inspection and Activation — The last step includes a final inspection and testing of the system. The team will also install the net meter, which plugs the solar PV system into the utility grid.
Top-Tier Solar Equipment
EGT Solar only installs top-of-the-line solar equipment into its solar array systems. Although the company may implement many types of solar cell modules and inverters into its systems, the company for sure uses the SolarEdge micro inverter and solar panels from the following brands:
- SunPower
- LG
- Panasonic
- Silfab
Each of these solar panel brands is considered to rank among the best in the industry for energy efficiency, solar output, performance and equipment warranty (25 years), and temperature coefficient.
Top 500 Solar Contractor
EGT Solar has been named a top 500 solar contractor by Solar Power World Magazine every year from 2014 to 2019. This designation is awarded to solar companies that install a significant amount of solar energy within their service area. Since its founding in 2010, EGT Solar has installed more than 4,000 kilowatts of residential solar energy, which represents hundreds of individual installations across the Gem State.
Competitive Financing
In addition to cash purchase, EGT Solar allows customers to finance their solar energy system through a solar loan. With rates ranging between 2.99 and 6.99 percent annually, EGT Solar’s third-party financing partnerships carry options that will fit to almost any budget.
The Bad
- Limited to Idaho
- 10-Workmanship Warranty
- No Lease or PPA
- No Industry Certifications
Limited to Idaho
EGT’s service area is limited to the state of Idaho; however, given that residential solar in Idaho did not become viable until 2009 (a year before EGT’s founding), the state represents a golden opportunity for residential solar adoption. That said, many companies, including some of the solar industry’s leading installers, have taken notice. In order for local companies like EGT to distinguish themselves from brands with national recognition, promoting verified EGT Solar reviews from actual customers can be an effective strategy.
10-Workmanship Warranty
All of EGT’s solar panel installations come with a 10-year workmanship warranty, meaning if any component of the system — inverter, panel, roof mount, etc. — malfunctions due to an installation error within the first 10 years of operation, EGT Solar will service or replace that component for free.
That said, many leading companies attach a 25-year or even a 30-year workmanship warranty to their solar energy systems, which are designed to either match or outlive the expected 25-year lifespan of the system, rather than cover just the first 10 years.
No Lease or PPA
EGT Solar does not offer customers a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) option — though, readers should note that this trend is common to any solar company that operates exclusively in Idaho. Both leases and PPAs give customers a low-cost alternative to panel ownership through zero upfront costs and a monthly fee that is often lower, or at least increases at a slower rate than traditional electricity costs.
No Industry Certifications
EGT Solar does not appear to have any industry-recognized awards or certifications. For example, some leading companies claim membership with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), an organization that promotes solar adoption from a legislative standpoint; leading companies may also seek certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which upholds industry standards and best practices among solar installers and contractors.
The Bottom Line
For Idaho residents interested in going solar, few companies can match EGT Solar in terms of local expertise and installation experience. The company has been busy since its 2010 founding, and provides high-quality solar equipment to help homeowners maximize their savings potential. That said, labor is only guaranteed for 10 years, and while not an indictment on the company’s quality, the lack of industry certifications may set it at a disadvantage should customers compare EGT Solar to top solar companies.
