Solar Optimum: Read 705 User Reviews From Real Homeowners

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Peter van der Pas

To be fair, Solar Optimum had just recently started doing business in Northern California in Summer 2019 when I contracted with them for a home rooftop solar installation. At the time they had very good reviews from customers in Southern California but none in the Bay Area. After my initial review here on Best Company, Alexander R, Operations and Maintenance Manager, contacted me to reassure me that Solar Optimum is responsive to my concerns and is there for after installation support, and indeed they have come out a couple of times in the last year to address fairly minor issues with the final install. It is this commitment to after-sale service that motivated me to update my review. My original review follows... Solar Optimum was unable to complete the job in the promised timeframe due to numerous errors and avoidable delays. Initial plans did not include all panels specified in the contract. This caused a delay in submitting plans to the city for permits while they were being corrected. The wrong panels were delivered to the job site. Again I as the customer was the one who had to check their work. Subcontractors ordered a main electrical panel for underground utilities whereas this is a home built in 1940 and all utilities are on a pole. This caused additional weeks delay. Solar Optimum scheduled building inspection for a day they were not ready and were not present on site when the inspector arrived, causing further delay. The final installation was completed in a good workman like manner and passed inspection by the city. I only wish the process was smoother and that there would have been no delays.

5 years ago Edited January 10, 2024

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Alex dos Santos

Great company overall, had some issues with sales communication and post-install service. However, their management corrected any issues once alerted. I understand that residential solar is of less importance than commercial installation and maintenance--and I'm happy to queue up behind the squeaky wheels--however, the company has poor at responding to emails. In my business, I respond to all customers--big and small--quickly, even just to say that email was received and that a follow up would ensue. Other than communication issues, I would still recommend Solar Optimum with that caveat, and would ask them to improve by simply acknowledging emails even if just to say that a requests may take time to get to.

5 years ago

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Sarvagya Pant San Jose, CA

I installed my solar from Solar Optimum on September 2022. My overall experience is positive although there were some hiccups during main panel upgrade and city inspection. I also wanted to beat NEM 3.0 deadline. I finally got my PTO on January 2023 and I can use solar now. Thank you SO for this. Some suggestions to SO: 1. Customers might want monitoring in their system. Maybe SO can install a slightly big panel so that they can enjoy production and monitoring. 2. Improve email communication also. There were delay in email and I had to call main office several times.

2 years ago

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Dan DeLoach Orangevale, CA

The design process didn't go the best. They had to make three site visit to confirm the roof layout. After two site visits they sent me a layout. I pointed out that roof vents from the bathroom where in the way. They had to make a the third visit and re-design the layout. The installation process went well and smooth though and the system produces as designed. The permitting process went well too. Communication during design was 50/50. They responded to calls but not emails very well.

4 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Thank you for your review, Dan. We will always continue to improve and modify our processes to better serve our customers. Appreciate the feedback and the your business. Congrats on going solar!

Jul. 20th, 2021

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Chris Helmstedter San Gabriel, CA

I had Solar Optimum put 26 panels on my roof and install a Tesla battery. The Panasonic panels were higher quality than those offered by a competitor. My electric bill has gone down to around $10/mo vs $400-600/mo last summer. The install went smoothly. I had a problem with a trench being left open at the end of the job that I filled in myself. The company refunded half of the bill for the trench which seemed fair. The solar system has been working fine and I have had no issues with the product at all. I would recommend this company.

5 years ago Edited January 10, 2024

Reply from Solar Optimum

I believe you've been in contact with our O&M Manager and you have agreed on a resolution. Again we apologize for any inconveniences brought forth by this experience but we appreciate your willingness to work with us to address this matter.

Jul. 16th, 2020

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Joy

They got job done, but outside of promised time frame, with no acknowledgement for the miss. I was pushing things to move faster (to be expected from a customer), and sales rep emailed someone internally that I am 'tired of hearing,' (read: that I am not capable of understanding what they have explained before). He inadvertently sent me that email (smart move).

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Joy, we appreciate your review and your comments are noted. We will work even harder to improve our internal processes and communication better, thanks to you. We apologize for the incident and hope, besides that, you had an overall good experience with us. Feel free to communicate with us by emailing the marketing department at

Jun. 14th, 2019

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Brian Liebelt

Liked the process from start to end. It took a while to get permits and schedule the install but it happened fast once everything was finalized. The installer was amazing, he did the whole thing my himself in 2 days. The solar system has worked flawlessly for over a year now. The only bad thing I have to say is that I was charged extra for the slope of my roof being pitched too high they would need more safety equipment. I did not notice any safety equipment while he was installing.

7 months ago

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Eric Imhof El Cajon, CA

Solar Optimum did a great job with the solar panels for a good price. The best part of the process was Ashley who was my contact person and was very responsive. She would look in to any issues I had and was also very friendly and helpful when talking with her on the phone.

3 years ago

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Bill Marsh Fresno, CA

The Panasonic panels work great, and the Enphase system is especially good, providing a web site with all the information you could want on how the system is performing. My only issue was with the installation, which is not done by Solar Optimum employees, but by contractors. Better quality control is needed.

4 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Bill, happy to hear you choose Panasonic panels and Enphase microinverters, with that being said you're backed by our trusted 25-Year Warranty across the board. On top of that, you have the extra reassurance of the All-Guard Warranty. Thank you for choosing Solar Optimum!

Sep. 1st, 2021

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Animesh Chaturvedi Fremont, CA

The whole process was smooth. I did run into a hiccup where despite calling out location of panels on new roof. Somehow SolarOptimum tried to place some panels on old roof and upsell re-roof. I had to call in a few times to get it sorted

4 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Animesh, we're so pleased to hear your process went smoothly with us. Thank you for choosing Solar Optimum for your project.

Jul. 8th, 2021

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Keith Spence

They did excellent work and placement of the solar panels. They required more time than predicted. too, it was difficult to determine, when calling the company, to whom I should be asking my question. I would definitely recommend them to anyone interested in a solar electric system.

4 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Thank you very much, Keith!

Nov. 12th, 2021

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Kanita

They used third party contractor to dig a trench and repair access. The guy did a poor job and it took about two months to get that done right, despite prompt from me and Solar Optimum. Weather had a hand in it. But third party guy was 85% and the company 15% got hiring someone who takes no pride in his workmanship. .

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Kanita, we appreciate you taking the time to write this review and your comments have been noted. Know we are always looking for ways to improve and your feedback is helpful.

Jun. 14th, 2019

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Andy Stanton, CA

Solar Optimum stands out as an excellent company for solar panel installation. After thorough research, comparisons, and obtaining quotes from five different companies, Solar Optimum emerged as the top choice due to their competitive pricing. Juan A, the Energy Consultant, exhibited exceptional professionalism and provided valuable assistance throughout the process. He meticulously managed each step, from calculating the required number of solar panels based on electricity needs to designing the layout for optimal placement on the roof. Handling the city permit application and coordinating the installation team, the process was efficiently completed in just a few days, delivering both timeliness and quality in installation. Their post-installation services included coordination with SCE for inspection and system activation. Moreover, an added bonus was Paola C, the Interconnection Coordinator, who initiated the application for an Incentive Rebate worth close to $2,000 through the SCE-Self Generation Incentive Program. Overall, I am extremely pleased with Solar Optimum's services and would highly recommend them for anyone seeking solar panel installation.

2 years ago

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S G Ashburn, VA

I am pleased with the final result of the installation, power generation is 50 to 100 % of needs depending on season, sunlight hours and weather, I expect this to improve. Spring, Summer and Fall. Batteries are great to have. Customer service follows thru well in most cases. Installers were diligent and polite, quality of workmanship is acceptable but can stand some improvement. however with some persistence they did complete open issues. Hoping to receive all rebates and incentives, yet to see. BTW, I did overpay a bill and Solar Optimum caught it and did refund me the over payment, Thank you I would recommend Solar Optimum to others.

2 years ago Edited April 7, 2023

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Andre Dassin Pasadena, CA

Solar optimum has been a work in progress for me. At first they were incredibly informative and easy to work with. There were a few minor design tweaks here and there, regarding how the shade around our house would be affecting the solar panels. We were able to figure out the best solution. Moving forward, after the design was completed, it took them an unreal amount of time to get the permits for the work. I had emailed multiple people in different departments, asking for someone to give me any updates on my system, and why it was taking so long to get approved/installed. Apparently someone had dropped the ball on actually filing for ALL the necessary permits, thus pushing the job completion date farther behind. I unfortunately had to call the city building department myself to get answers and relay them to solar optimum before they would listen to me. Their excuse was "we didn't know Pasadena had this 'extra' permit needed to complete the work." Once that was all sorted out, the work began. As far as the actual work of installing the panels, they did an outstanding job! Completed the work incredibly fast, and left no mess. Since then, they have been easy to get a hold of whenever I've had any questions regarding my system, and how to properly monitor and maintain it. I only gave this review 4 stars because of the lack of urgency and professionalism during the permit process stage.

5 years ago

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Jon Allen Glendale, CA

They made the process of getting solar panels very easy. I don't think about it now, except that I have a much lighter conscience about our pollution footprint. Anyone with a sunny roof should at least call them and check out how much it would cost for their specific situation. In our case, we pay less overall on energy now (monthly bill from the city plus the monthly loan payment for the solar panels) than we used to pay (when we just had a monthly bill from the city). The only reason I don't give 5 stars is that our city dragged their feet on giving final approval to activate the system, and solar optimum didn't follow up quite as attentively as they could have. Once I called about the delay, they got the approval and activation done quickly.

5 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Jon, we appreciate your kind and honest review. Its feedback like yours that allow us to grow and become a better company in all departments. I think it is wonderful that you went solar not only for the savings but you are also saving the environment. Thank you for choosing Solar Optimum for your solar system.

Aug. 12th, 2020

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Joshua M Enriquez Corona, CA

I truly appreciate the excellent service Solar Optimum provided. Our friend referred this company and after shopping around, we've decided that SO has the best deal in the market. I spoke to Sean, who provided detailed information about their service and explained the whole installation process. Everything went smoothly from start to end. Although there was an instant when there was a problem with the start up, they came through to diagnose the issue, which happened to be just a software update, and was able to resolve the issue immediately. I was very pleased with the technical support and customer service that I referred them to couple of my friends. If you're shopping around for solar installation, shop no more... give them a call! You really can't go wrong with Solar Optimum.

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

We understand that word of mouth is the best form of advertising so its an honor to hear that you were referred by a friend to us! Thank you for choosing Solar Optimum, Josh. We'll be sure to give props to Sean your energy consultant on the great work that he did for you.

Jun. 14th, 2019

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Kewin Canyon Country, CA

When I saw advertising on Tv I decided to go green energy for two different reasons, first for decreasing my electricity bills and in the second step for the environment. that's why I started to search on social media and also on Yelp, I found three different companies those are better than the others, but when I met them one by one I chose the best one finally, I don't have high usages that's why Solar Optimum could design the system with 13 panels I got an almost $5000 my federal tax credit and $500 utility rebate, I have 20 years warranty on my panels. I recommend the Solar system for all people how like to have a clean environment.

7 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Kewin, we are happy you decided to take the first step in going green and saving on your electricity bill. Choosing the right solar company can always be a challenge but ecstatic that you choose Solar Optimum for your solar system.

Jul. 31st, 2020

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N.F. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Researched solar companies for 1 year before deciding to go with Solar Optimum installation in the summer of 2018. Salesman (also an electrician) was knowledgeable as he was able to answer all of our questions. No issues with install and no leaks in the roof to date. All panels working. Company responds promptly to questions. Recommend Solar Optimum.

4 years ago

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Mike Bueno Placentia, CA

I had my solar system and Tesla battery installed by them in 2017. The sales team was very attentive and the process was smooth. The install went well and the installers did a good job. Only thing I was worried about is that the installers were not in a marked company van and took a little longer than expected for install but outcome was no issues. So far, two years the system had very little hiccups and working as expected.

5 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Many thanks for selecting us, Mike and we are really happy to know your solar system is working to perfection!

Feb. 26th, 2020

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Rob Russell Escondido, CA

I originally gave a three star review to Solar Optimum for not providing a personal visit to us to discuss our solar options. I received a call from Rainier from Solar Optimum to talk about our negative experience. I feel the customer service response warrants another positive star. Even though we did not go with them the reaching out to find out why really helped show they do care about their customers.

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Rob, we'd like the opportunity to address this with you. As such, we've attempted to reach you by email twice last week to discuss the facts and circumstances around the in-home appointment and phone consultation. We'll also plan on calling you directly if we don't hear back from you.

At Solar Optimum, its our standard to give all of our customers the option for an in-home appointment or phone consult based on their availability, convenience and desired installation time-frame. Please reply to our email or call the marketing department at 800-552-9970 so we can address your concerns and your particular appointment.

Sep. 9th, 2019

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Mary Kate F Greer, SC

Solar Optimum is an incredible company with an insane track record of customer service and installation and I would highly recommend them! Going solar is always a difficult and sometimes confusing decision, but you will not regret choosing Solar Optimum to install solar systems on your building - not only will their panels save you money in the long run, but they truly make it easy with their easy installation, variety of options, and trustworthy, reliable hands on workers. What’s more, you will be presented with different energy saving options, such as grid-tied battery back up systems or typical panel or shingle systems. Definitely will not regret going with Solar Optimum though - just too bad they are mainly based around the Tennessee area!

3 years ago

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Whitney Harris Palmdale, CA

They saved me lots of money both by their competitive rates and on my monthly electric bill. They also were excellent at customer service.

3 years ago

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Urs Naber Redwood City, CA

Great installers and streamlined process. Lost one star because communication towards the end of the installation was not very good.

4 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Urs, thank you for your review. We always aim for NO LESS than 5 stars. If you're able to share more about your installation experience, we'd like to hear from you. Please contact us at operations@solaroptimum.com.

May. 5th, 2021

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Tj Gunawan

Sales process was good, they were friendly in service and responsive to my questions or concern, but the design process and apply permit were slow

5 years ago

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M L Arcadia, CA

I am satisfied with SO's service in my solar panel installation. I was especially happy that they were able to get it done for me before the end of 2022 despite the rainy days. The back office was also helpful in answering my numerous questions I posed to them.

2 years ago

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annick hamon ,

I had solar panels installed on my roof a few years ago. They were great, fast and efficient. The staff is very nice, competent and friendly. Now however, they are super slow for my 2d installation on my daughter's house. May be too much demand or Covid??? The liaison person at the customers'desk, Britnnay S is very nice and helpful

4 years ago

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Mike Dixon, CA

All I’ve gotten is the initial proposal and I’m checking first with a local installer to access the PACE loan for comparison. Otherwise the service and proposal have been easy, helpful and professional. I would recommend Solar Optimum.

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Mike, we appreciate the review and for your business. Have a fantastic summer with your new solar system!

Jul. 8th, 2019

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Gilad Berkeley, CA

Sales process was good. Had a few hiccups during installation, but Solar Optimum worked hard to address these. In particular, Alex (Ops Mgr) exceeded my expectations in attending to the project. Still waiting for inspection, but so far so good.

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Gilad, I am sure you have your system up and running by now. Alex is a great addition to the team so we are happy to hear that he exceeded your expectation. Thank you for going with Solar Optimum.

Jul. 31st, 2020

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Verified Customer

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Kirk J Nason

5 years ago

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George Rand

They were great except for time needed to get approval from county. Seem to move ahead only hen called

5 years ago

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Joe C. Camarillo, CA

Actually this review was from an install that happened in January. Professional, came fast, good communication. They did break a few of the roof tiles but replaced them. Overall good job.

5 years ago

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CarolynL Camarillo, CA

Rep was friendly, informed and responsive. Bid was on par with others we received. We chose a different vendor who could install by year-end deadline for higher federal tax credit. Solar optimum could not offer that schedule

6 years ago

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Mr. Huntington Beach, CA

Great installation crew. Scheduling and permits need help and bad communication from saled.

5 years ago

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Mark Janes

Great installation and pricing but poor communication during the project planning

5 years ago

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Reuben Hofshi

Did a good job bsomeb8nstallation was c arried on in the dark this was dangerous

5 years ago

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Harry Martz Livermore, CA

They were very good, but a few times it took a little long before they would reply to my questions

5 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Harry, we appreciate the honest review and we will pass this along to our customer service team to ensure their response time approves. Thank you for choosing Solar Optimum for your project!

Jun. 24th, 2020

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David Cannell

Price and engineering were great. Drawings and permitting a bit less so, but still fine.

6 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi David, thank you for the kind review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Jul. 31st, 2020

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steve sidhu

The installers were excellent. Sales person is good, Engineering group was difficult

7 months ago

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James Forand Arcadia, CA

Quality of product and customer service was dreat

3 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi James, appreciate the honest review thank you for choosing Solar Optimum for your solar project.

May. 5th, 2022

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Pedro Morales Corona, CA

I recommend Solar Optimum for fast installation.

4 years ago Edited January 10, 2024

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Pedro, we appreciate you taking the time to update your review. Thank you for choosing Solar Optimum for your project.

Dec. 8th, 2021

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leo holland

Did a fine job, took push because they fumbled permitting

5 years ago

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Rick Harding

Good service and products at a fair price.

5 years ago

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Simon Tsui Monrovia, CA

Everything went smooth with the Solar Optimum, a good company you can rely on.

5 years ago

Reply from Solar Optimum

Hi Simon, glad we were the company you could rely on. We have been in business now for over 12+ years so happy to serve you!

Jul. 31st, 2020

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anupam sumessur Baltimore, MD

Overall great company. Needs to be more communicative. Get things done quickly and effectively

3 years ago

Solar Optimum Reviews

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