Skyline Solar Power
4.6
6.4
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Skyline Solar's mission is to create sustainable independence by empowering people. Cofounders Scott Knudsen and Kyle Larsen started the solar company in 2016 after years of working in the solar industry.
Skyline Solar serves clients throughout Colorado, Iowa, Utah, and Wyoming. Company offices are in Grand Junction, CO; Rapids, IA; Pleasant Grove, UT; and Cheyenne, WY.
Alongside providing homeowners with clean energy via solar power, Skyline Solar demonstrates a commitment to serving communities via charitable donations. With each solar installation, the company donates $20 to the organization GivePower, which equates to giving someone in need access to clean water for 20 years.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Guarantees
- Process
- Solar Panel Quality
- Refer-a-Friend Program
- NABCEP-Certified Designers
- Incentives
Guarantees
Skyline Solar is unique in that it guarantees a timeframe in which the installation will be complete. The company guarantees your project will be on and producing power within 120 days from the start of the process. There is also a guarantee that you won’t incur any additional expenses after signing up.
Process
Something homeowners may appreciate about Skyline Solar is the company's dedication to providing a customized solar project to meet each client's unique needs.
When you first meet with a company representative, they will look at your current power usage. This will help Skyline Solar determine the exact size of your solar PV system and how many solar panels you will need based on your home and energy consumption.
After assessing the size and number of panels needed, the company will install your panels.
Skyline Solar is a full-service solar provider that doesn't outsource to third-party installers. Instead, clients can expect to only work with Skyline Solar employees.
Once the solar panels are installed, Skyline will set up net metering.
A net metering agreement allows homeowners to connect their current power grid with the solar panels and earn credit toward their energy bills when their energy output is more than their energy usage. Net metering helps homeowners avoid the high cost of solar battery storage and power during the winter months when the sunshine is limited.
Solar Panel Quality
Skyline Solar offers some of the best solar panels, inverters, and mounting materials in the industry. Its Tier 1 solar equipment includes the following:
- LG solar panels and Hanwha Q Cells
- SolarEdge solar inverter
- IronRidge racking equipment
In addition to industry-leading equipment and know-how, Skyline Solar provides versatile solar setups that are tailored specifically to system requirements and customer input. The company not only specializes in ground-mounted systems, but can also safely mount its solar panels to almost any type of roof - including clay tiles.
Refer-a-Friend Program
Skyline Solar allows its clients to earn some extra cash. Homeowners with Skyline can refer their family or friends and every reference who follows through with an install earns you a $500 check.
NABCEP-Certified Designers
Skyline Solar employs designers who have been certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Producers (NABCEP), an industry-recognized organization and standard-bearer for best renewably energy practices.
Once the system has been designed up to code, Skyline Solar's consultants will educate customers on the ins and outs of solar energy, energy costs, and any other questions they may have.
Incentives
Skyline Solar educates consumers on the tax incentives that come with investing in solar power. There is a federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit or ITC. This allows homeowners to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar system from your federal taxes. Additionally, the ITC applies to residential and commercial systems, and there is no cap on its value.
However, it is important to know that signing a lease or a PPA with a solar installer means you are not eligible for the tax credit (since you are not the owner of the system).
While tax incentives are not unique to this company, consumers will appreciate the details they can learn from the company and get their questions answered.
The Bad
- No Financing Information
- Mixed Reviews
No Financing Information
While Skyline Solar's website is generally helpful, we would like to see information about financing. Skyline Solar has state-specific net-metering and tax incentive information on the website. However, that's all there is. It would be nice to know more about Skyline Solar's loans if there is a loan partnership as well as solar lease and PPA options if applicable.
Mixed Reviews
Even the best companies can expect negative reviews from time to time. What we look for when this happens is responsiveness to concerns.
Skyline Solar's review repository is overwhelmingly positive overall, but customer communication concerns tend to be in older reviews, indicating the company has made improvements over time. Additionally, the company has taken the time to respond to reviews with information that can help each customer resolve their concerns.
The Bottom Line
Skyline Solar is a good option to consider for solar power. It is fairly new to the industry but has made great strides in making a name for itself. The company offers customized solar solutions, a 25-year manufacturer warranty, and most impressively, guarantees to ensure an efficient and transparent process.
Just make sure you understand financing options, including eligibility requirements and loan obligations, before signing a contract. And, as always, we recommend reading customer reviews (below).
