OWN Energy
4.4
6.9
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
OWN Energy provides customized solar solutions to residential property owners. The company's solar professionals have provided similar services within the solar industry for over five years. OWN Energy wants to take the complexities and rigidities out of the solar industry and put power back into the consumer’s hands.
Rather than have limited relationships with one manufacturer or financing group, OWN is able to shop around and help clients as they navigate the decision-making process. Not all homes fit into one box, so solar systems should not have to either. OWN Energy claims to be able to assist with any project, any time, anywhere in the country.
As a veteran-owned company, OWN Energy also specializes in helping military personnel save money with solar power. Both first responders and military families will have access to an additional discount when using OWN Energy for solar management services. This discount applies to those who work for fire departments, police departments, emergency medical services, or are/were in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Solar Specialists Available
- Broad Service Area
- Step-by-Step Process
- Warranties
Solar Specialists Available
Each interested client who chooses OWN Energy for solar work will have access to a dedicated solar specialist. These trained specialists will walk through the solar purchasing process after reviewing the savings report to determine what equipment and system best fit the property. This solar specialist will then be available as clients complete the OWN Energy process, a benefit not all solar companies provide.
Broad Service Area
The model by which OWN Energy operates allows for a large geographical service area spanning the entire country. Most solar installation companies are restricted to one state or a select few cities. Outside of this designated service area, these competitors are unavailable to provide insight or services. That is not the case with OWN Energy as the company is designed to provide nationwide service.
Step-by-Step Process
Each client that goes through OWN Energy for solar help will receive the same proprietary service. After filling out a contact form, prospective clients can expect the following from OWN Energy:
- Savings report
- Application
- Site survey
- Permit approval
- Installation
- System inspection
- Operating approval
Not all companies provide this level of step-by-step insight as to how work is completed and the order in which it is managed like OWN Energy does.
Warranties
The equipment warranty is backed by the manufacturer and lasts an average of 25 years covering repair and replacement parts. The workmanship warranty is then backed by the installation company for an average of 10 years covering issues related to installation work. OWN Energy's workmanship warranty is longer than average with an industry-leading 25-year coverage.
The Bad
- Installation Questions
Installation Questions
Generally, companies that offer solar services on a national level have trusted installation and contracting partners all over the country that complete the installation work. Companies similarly designed to OWN Energy simply offer solar consulting services, advising clients about equipment options and ordering a customized solar system OWN Energy does not come out and make these claims. But it is difficult to determine how else the company offers limitless equipment options and nationwide installation without having implemented this model.
That means that there will be third-party involvement in these types of solar projects.
The Bottom Line
Rather than a one-size-fits-all mentality, OWN Energy is working to tailor solar solutions to each client. With the help of a dedicated solar specialist, interested solar customers can walk through each factor that plays a role in solar system decision-making. OWN Energy claims to be able to offer this dedicated level of consulting on a national level, helping all types of property owners throughout the country.
It is unclear how OWN Energy is able to manage a national customer base unless it outsources portions of the solar project, including installation, to other companies. However, for those looking to utilize a number of solar equipment options with the help of a solar specialist, OWN Energy may be a good option.
