9 Flags Solar
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
9 Flags Solar works to provide residential and commercial property owners in the state of Texas with energy independence. The company has partnered with Generac as its solar product manufacturer to help clients take advantage of net metering options. Net metering is what will allow the most energy independence when it comes to having a solar system installed.
The company was founded and is managed by Jim Ash. Ash spent over a decade building large-scale utility solar power plants. While these large projects enabled a reduction in carbon emissions, Ash had a desire to help the typical consumer also take advantage of what solar had to offer.
The 9 Flags Solar team will customize and tailor each solar system to the structure it is to be installed on. The process by which the 9 Flags Solar team operates allows for a streamlined installation project allowing clients to access solar as soon as possible.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Generac Equipment Partnership
- Energy Independence Solution
- No Maintenance Required
Generac Equipment Partnership
The 9 Flags Solar team has partnered with Generac to provide equipment. The solar equipment, battery, and PWRGenerator will all be manufactured and supplied by Generac, then installed by the 9 Flags Solar team. Clients interested in having strictly Generac products can feel confident choosing 9 Flags Solar.
Energy Independence Solution
Most solar installation companies will still connect solar systems to the utility grid so if there is a power outage, that will impact solar clients as well. With the Generac system installed by 9 Flags Solar, clients can run entirely off of the grid. During the day, the home will run on solar while charging the battery. Any unused energy will be sold to the grid. At night, the residence will run on battery power and energy use is optimized. Then in the event of a power outage, the home will run off of the PWRGenerator, providing uninterrupted power streams.
No Maintenance Required
Maintenance requirements will often vary depending on system location. In areas with a high volume of inclement weather, potential customers will need to consider how to repair damage or plan for periodic cleanings. 9 Flags Solar claims that its products need little to no maintenance for a full 25–35 years, or the span of the system’s life. Minimal cleaning may be needed, but the systems are designed to be low maintenance.
The Bad
- Undisclosed Warranty Information
- Lack of Financing Options
- Limited Service Area
Undisclosed Warranty Information
Warranties are standard within the solar industry. Since solar is a long-term investment, warranties are put in place to protect that investment. Most solar installation companies will offer a workmanship warranty to their clients, covering any issues that stem from the craftsmanship process. On average, these warranties are 10 years in length. The equipment is then generally protected by the product manufacturer.
While Generac offers warranties, length and coverage depends on what specific product is installed. That is still relatively unknown making it difficult to determine what protections are available in the form of a warranty for 9 Flags Solar clients.
Lack of Financing Options
Most solar installation companies offer financing options to clients. The average cost of having a solar system installed ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 for residential properties, although tax incentives can reduce this cost. As a result, most solar installation companies either offer a lease, loan, or PPA style of financing to help clients fit solar into their budget.
Unfortunately, 9 Flags Solar does not offer any financing options. Clients will either need to purchase the system outright or they will need to look into a third party for financing assistance.
Limited Service Area
Currently, 9 Flags Solar services only East and Southeast Texas. The company takes the most local projects first and then expands outward in an effort to help property owners access solar energy. Most solar installation companies do offer a localized service, but some companies have found ways to expand operations and service a larger geographical area. At this time, 9 Flags Solar does not have plans to expand and will only service clients locally.
The Bottom Line
9 Flags Solar has partnered with Generac to supply solar equipment. By utilizing Generac products, 9 Flags Solar helps clients no longer rely on the traditional utility energy grid. The company installs systems that require essentially no maintenance, making it a simple solution to rising energy costs.
While there are a number of reasons a prospective solar client may be interested in utilizing 9 Flags Solar for installation services, there are limitations to be aware of as well. 9 Flags Solar does not offer any warranty information and warranty information divulged from Generac vastly differs depending on what specific product is installed.
Additionally, the 9 Flags Solar platform does not offer its own financing options to clients, placing the burden of cost entirely on the property owner. Lastly, the 9 Flags Solar service area is heavily focused on providing a local service and does not expand operations.
Taking into consideration all that 9 Flags Solar offers, it would be wise for clients to explore multiple solar options prior to making a final purchasing decision.
