HelioPower
Is This Your Business?2.6
4.6
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
HelioPower is a renewable energy company located in Sacramento, California. The company has installed over 5,500 residential, commercial and agricultural systems since 2001. HelioPower owns and operates more than 160 solar energy systems. Services include solar photovoltaic panels, micro-turbines, fuel cells, and energy analytics applications. The company offers free on-site evaluations for interested consumers.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Extensive Financing Options
- Full Disclosure on Services
- Full Warranties
Extensive Financing Options
HelioPower offers its customers extensive choices when it comes to financing, including Power Purchase Agreements, 20-year term solar leases and subsidized loans. Consumers may also be eligible for federal and tax rebate incentives as well, along with rebates from some utility providers. Detailed information on each option is provided on the company's website.
Full Disclosure on Services
HelioPower fully disclose pricing information for all products and services on its corporate website. Details regarding solar energy use, warranties, financing option, and more is fully explained in concrete detail. Consumers also have access to a library of energy resources on the corporate website.
Full Warranties
All solar panels and photovoltaic modules are covered by a 25-year warranty. Double flashed roof penetrations are backed by a 10-year warranty through HelioPower. All other items are guaranteed with a 10-year warranty. Customers who choose SunRun products have access to a 20-year warranty that includes a full maintenance plan and panel cleanings.
The Bad
- Customer Service Complaints
- Potential Restrictions with Installation
- No Tax Incentives with Solar Leases and PPAs
Customer Service Complaints
HelioPower has received several negative reviews on Yelp.com in regards to the customer service from employees. A few of the reviews stated that there seemed to be a lack of communication regarding project details between various customer service representatives when they would call the customers. Other reviews complained that representatives did not return multiple calls made by the consumers. Some reviews complained the HelioPower employees would be overly aggressive in the amount of phone calls made to customers. A couple of reviews had problems with the products and it took longer than they would have liked to resolve the issues.
Potential Restrictions with Installation
Certain aspects of a residence may restrict a consumer's capability of installing rooftop solar panels. Excessive shade from surrounding trees will greatly reduce the panels from generating enough power for the home. Chimneys and ventilation pipes that are in the area of installation will have to be relocated and the process may not be able to be completed if these cannot be moved. Renters will need to get permission from landlords and homeowner associations may have regulations that deny the installation of solar panels on rooftops.
No Tax Incentives with Solar Leases and PPAs
Consumers who choose the option of a solar lease or PPA do not qualify for federal and state tax incentives. All other financing options depend on the customer's current tax situation.
The Bottom Line
HelioPower has been offering California customers affordable solar energy solutions for the past several years with free on-site evaluations and extensive financing options. The company provides full warranties on all its products and is upfront with customers regarding their pricing structure. There are numerous testimonials on their corporate website. However, Yelp reviews reveal problems regarding overall customer service.
