Northern Pacific Power Systems
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Locally owned and operating in Northern California since 2008, Northern Pacific Power Systems is one of the state’s leading solar PV system installers. With accolades from Solar Power World, certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and a fruitful partnership with solar industry leader SunPower, the solar provider is known for its quality solar panel installations and flexible financing options.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- SunPower Elite Dealer
- NABCEP-Certified Installer
- Multiple Financing Options
- Top 500 Solar Contractor 2014–2016
SunPower Elite Dealer
As perhaps one of the most notable endorsements a solar company could earn, Northern Pacific Power Systems’ status as a SunPower Elite Dealer means the company’s solar technicians have received advanced training, consistently achieve high levels of customer satisfaction, and regularly exceed performance, design, and quality standards.
And, obviously, Northern Pacific Power Systems also installs industry-leading solar panels and inverters manufactured by SunPower. SunPower Solar panels rank highest in the industry for energy efficiency, reporting an astounding 22.8 percent (panels from most manufacturers have a hard time cracking 20 percent).
NABCEP-Certified Installer
In addition to the training Northern Pacific Power Systems’ installers receive through its SunPower partnership, they have also been vetted and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP. The NABCEP is a renewable energy organization that provides the latest training and certification programs in the solar industry, as well as upholds industry standards and all-around best practices. Combining this certification program with the SunPower Elite Dealer moniker sets Northern Pacific Power Installers apart as a premier solar contractor in Northern California.
Multiple Financing Options
Northern Pacific Power Systems is one of the few companies in California to offer a wide range of financing options that comprises more than just outright purchase and the solar loan:
- Home-Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) — A home-equity line of credit operates very similar to a solar loan, with the borrower’s home equity acting as collateral against the loan. A HELOC can be a great way to finance solar panels, because with good credit and sufficient equity, borrowers can qualify for a low financing rate.
- Property Assessed Clean Energy (P.A.C.E.) — P.A.C.E. financing is another option in which the county will finance the solar energy system while the homeowner effectively pays down the loan through property taxes.
- Solar Lease — Through a solar lease, homeowners pay monthly “rent” payments for the system, often at a lower rate than their traditional utility bill. They also have the option to renew their contract once terms are up, or purchase the system at a reduced cost.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — A PPA works similar to a solar lease, but instead of renting the system, the homeowner pays a monthly fee for the energy the solar panel system produces, again usually at a lower rate than their electricity bill. Like solar leases, this option eliminates upfront costs, but also disqualifies lessees from federal and state solar tax credits.
Top 500 Solar Contractor 2014–2016
Northern Pacific Power Systems was named a “Top 500 Solar Contractor” by Solar Power World Magazine in 2014, 2015, and 2016 because the company installed a significant number of kilowatts of solar energy during those years. This indicates to consumers that the company is a relatively popular choice in the residential market, even without a large swath of Northern Pacific Power Systems reviews to backup its claims of quality installation and performance.
The Bad
- Limited Workmanship Warranty
- One-State Availability
Limited Workmanship Warranty
One area of improvement for the solar contractor is its workmanship warranty. Often, solar companies will attach a workmanship warranty (good for 25 years) that covers the system in the event of installation errors and other labor-related malfunctions. Twenty-five years often represents the lifetime of the average solar energy system, and acts essentially as a lifetime warranty.
Northern Pacific Power Systems only covers labor for the first 10 years of the system’s life. Though the company has a number of partnerships and certifications that implicitly protect against long-term mishaps with the system, leading companies cover their solar installation projects for 25 years or longer.
One-State Availability
Like most California-based solar companies, Northern Pacific Power Systems operates solely in California and prides itself on being locally owned and operated; however, California is perhaps the most competitive and installer-saturated market in the nation, with literally hundreds of solar companies vying for contracts, some with reputations on the national level. Leveraging and promoting verified Northern Pacific Power Systems reviews could be an effective way for the company to stand out from the crowd.
The Bottom Line
Homeowners in Northern California are encouraged to investigate Northern Pacific Power Systems further and obtain a free quote. The company offers competitive financing options, some of the best solar equipment on the market, and a slew of certifications and awards that should put any customer’s mind at ease. Minor improvements, such as extending the workmanship warranty, could be made to the company, but these corrections should not stand in the way of customers comparing Northern Pacific Power Systems with top solar companies in their area.
