Pep Solar
Is This Your Business?2.0
2.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Phoenix Energy Products, or PEP Solar, is a privately owned company based out of Phoenix, servicing all parts of the state of Arizona. Founded in 1979, they strive to meet the needs of anybody looking to make their homes greener and more energy efficient. PEP Solar offers just two ways for consumers to use solar energy, which includes owning and leasing. For some customers, this may be the only options needed, but when looking at the majority of solar providers, PEP Solar falls short. PEP is an APS Qualified Installer, and is recognized by the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association. This review is to help you understand the pros and cons of PEP Solar and if they are right for you-assuming you live in Arizona.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Solar Leasing
- Buy Your Own System
- Monitoring Services
- Warranties
Solar Leasing
Leasing is a good way for people to acquire solar energy if they have limited resources for the large down payment that comes with purchasing solar equipment. They also offer this option if you are planning on staying at your property for the next 20 years and don't want to wait for the next year to get the tax credits. The up-front cost ranges between 0% and 50% of the originating price of the equipment. This is also where the contract is different. We said it's 10 years, but leasing options tend to go up to 20 to 25 years. Also, maintenance and repairs are on the shoulders of the leasing company.
Buy Your Own System
Purchasing your own solar is perfect if you have the funds to buy them, if you're doing it for a business, or you plan on selling within the next few years. Obviously, this requires full payment up-front and systems only take up to six years to pay for themselves. You'll also get access to other tax credits. Here, your equipment is under a 12-year warranty, which we will discuss later.
Monitoring Services
PEP Solar does offer a free, online program to track your system's performance and repots any issues to the leasing company. This can be installed on your phone or tablet, or you can just use the computer. It's a great way to view how your system uses energy and where you can make adjustments in your home.
Warranties
PEP Solar offers some great warranties, including a 12 year install warranty, 12 year roof warranty, and 12 year performance guarantee (on select models). In addition, panels come with a manufacturing guarantee of up to 30 years. Inverters come with a 25 year manufacturer's warranty.
The Bad
- No Loan Option
- Site Performance
No Loan Option
Now, you may be wondering how a loan differs from leasing. PEP Solar removed its options for customers. Imagine taking out a 30-year loan to help you get started with solar energy. Here, you would actually own the system and get access to the 30% Federal Tax Credit in addition to other state benefits. It may be an option they could bring back, but there are no plans as of now.
Site Performance
We live in an age where the internet gives us instant access to all sorts of information. While PEP Solar has plenty of information on their site, it could be better organized. We had to call the company for a lot of their information regarding solar services, as it couldn't be found on the site.
The Bottom Line
Overall, PEP Solar offers Arizona residents an option to get solar into their homes or businesses. You'll have access to some nice warranties, as well as monitoring services on your phone, tablet or computer. And in a state where the sun shines often, PEP Solar offers many of the services to help you get started on solar.
