SolarCity Reviews
Is This Your Business?2.6
5.1
Overall Score
Rayneman Riverbank, CA
I see a lot of complaints and will say most people are poorly informed about solar to start with. Your system size in Ca. is controlled by your electric provider. You submit 12 most current bills and Tesla sizes the system 10% higher. That is what the utility co. only allow if your on net metering. You get a bill monthly showing what you sent your utility vs usage. So you know true up cost monthly can't see why anyone says there shocked when their true up date comes. Go to Amp It on Tesla site for customers and they will tell you how to get through to Tesla without long wait times. In a year and a half I've had no system problems:production is good what was expected. When I had an issue with a blown PG&E transformer got to customer service in 5min. If you have questions got to Amp It solar customers will help you understand a lot.
6 years ago
James Koger Cambridge, MA
I signed a pre-paid lease(this option is no longer available I understand) with SolarCity on 12/31/11. The panels were installed in 2012 and we went online in July 2012. At the time I was really impressed by the professionalism and level of skill of the various SolarCity personnel. From the time of completion of the installation it required 3 weeks for Cambridge Inspectional Services And Eversource to approve the installation and give permission to go on-line. SolarCity said that 3 weeks was very short period of time to go on-line. Until Aug. 2018 there were no problems at all. We have not had to pay any electric bills at all since February of 2013. The amount of electricity received has nearly paid back the cost of the lease. I expect that sometime in 2019 the pre-paid lease will be repaid in electrical power. There has been enough extra power to charge a plug-in electric car most of the time and switch from a gas clothes dryer to an electric one. Until August 2nd all was well and then our invertor failed. It took SolarCity(which had been purchased by Tesla) 5 weeks to replace the invertor. I had to call customer service 4 different times before I got any kind of idea of timing of the invertor replacement. I was not impressed by the level of professionalism I got from Tesla customer service. The service guy was good and I had seen him before. The replacement only took about an hour to accomplish. I do not understand why it would take 5 weeks to get a replacement. No one could or would explain this. However the system is now up and running. Tesla said they would make up the difference in power lost up to the guaranteed amount for the year. So far the system has exceeded the guaranteed amount every year. Would I go back to Tesla again knowing what I know now . Probably Yes. Before the invertor failure I would not have hesitated but afterwards I would look at other companies at least . Does Tesla need to improve customer service? Yes!
7 years ago
Ernie Gobee
Solar City gets a solid "A" from me. The System has been up now for about 1.5 years. It took me several months to work out the design with them but that is because I wanted a specific design and layout of the panels. They worked with me every step of the way by calling me and even coming back twice to talk to me directly about the panel layout. In the end I got exactly what I wanted. My roof needed some major repairs (termite damage) to support the system which were done and paid for by Solar City. The actual installation was done in one day and has been working flawlessly. I am very satisfied with my Solar City system, it is saving me at least 50% when compared to my bill from my previous electric utility provider Southern California Edison. Not bad for a system that has cost me nothing, zip, zero, nix.
8 years ago
Timothy D Textor Roseville, CA
The Salesman quoted one price per kWh & when the signed contract was finally sent it was another price. Not a big difference, but then there was the 1.2% possible(probable) increase per year. This is still less then SMUD charges. Have had the Panels on for over a year, but it took almost a year to get plans, inspections, permits, SMUD approval & installation. We were kept informed of delays periodically. Then had to wait another month to have it turned on. Have had a couple of problems with no electrical production & had to have a Tech come out & replace a part by the inverter. I have to check on how the system is working at least a couple of times a week, which is easy with the App on the Internet. So far we have been saving money, but have to make sure the Panels are sprayed clean regularly due to pollution & smoke from forest fires. We have had good customer service when we needed it. Had to get Auto Pay or pay $7.50 extra if we did not. After 1 yr. 4 mo., we are glad we went Solar. Got a $200 check for referring a friend & they completed their installation. Also got a free month as part of the promotion for leasing.
8 years ago
Connie Quigley
Except for "1 area" this solar company and the supporting roof company have been A+. Even when shortcomings occurred both companies responses were immediate and resolving in getting things done properly. The roofing company ( Advanced Roofing ) had to remove and re-do the original tile roof for the solar company to make the solar panels and system fit and look high quality finish. The President of Advanced, Robert Rodriguez was awesome; truly a class business attitude trying to constantly satisfy the customer. The communication with Robert was one of the best in all my experience of dealing with " sub-contractors". Very few come anywhere near as almost enjoyable as with this company and its' employees. Solar City dropped-the-ball in the area of employee follow- thru on our referrals to potential new customers we had recommended, but otherwise and generally speaking from the initial contact to system-up-and-running Solar City is "Head and Shoulders" above even most other businesses.
8 years ago
Peter Bland
My system was installed within 2 weeks of talking to their representative. The power company approved and activated it the next day. It has completed 10 months of service and saved $2000 to date. My cumulative electricity bill at the end of one year is expected to be $70 according to the power company. This is in addition to the $10.50 per month I pay for connection to the grid. The customer service was excellent until the sales agent moved on recently to another occupation. Email and telephone response is now up to 2 days but I have had no maintenance problem and use their internet to monitor performance and usage.
8 years ago
Eric Metzger
Solar City cannot bill monthly on time. It takes them almost 3 weeks after the end of each month to receive the bill for the previous month. Their system knows accactly how many Kwt were produced as of 12:01 on the first of each month for the previous month and yet it takes 3 weeks to get your bill. Numerous phone calls with suggestions of e-mailing their invoices out have fallen on deaf ears. They would increase their cash flow if they would work on their billing computers. I for one like paying my bills as soon as they are ready so I calculate it myself and electronically send it to my bank for payment. Also when you sign the contract with them they provide you an estimate of your yearly production of Kets. I have not met that estimate in over 2 years and there is no recourse for me to get paid the loss from what I thought was a statement to the actual production which now I have to eat. As for the people who installed the equipment, I could have not received better work from anyone else. One day and not a spec of dirt left.
8 years ago
Neil J San Pablo, CA
We could not have been more pleased with our experience and installation. The salesman, however, was disorganized and even missed a second appointment with us-we were told he is no longer with Solar City. From the time we signed our contract, they kept is well informed of progress with emails and telephone calls. Our roof survey occurred within 3 days of signing, the design took another 10 days and a revision at our request another 2 days. Installation was within the following 2 weeks and only took 5 employees 1/2 day to complete. Inspection was scheduled for the next day and we even received our Permission to Operate from PG&E two working days later! Payment was easy over the phone using our credit card. From our experience, we would recommend Solar City to our friends and neighbors.
8 years ago
Frank A. Calder Oxford, CT
Had a few problems with panel optimizer and inverter, but Solar City responded in both cases and solved the technical problems within 2 tries. All Products and service where completed on warranties satisfactorily.
Had a problem with their graphic analysis, they could not fix incorrect data in the monthly and yearly
aggregations. This was UNACCEPTABLE for Ambassador reputation of Solar City representation which I was involved with, so I withdrew from the program.
Billing was confusing and NOT timely, always check your bills. Do Not pay until they are checked out. Also check out their graphics discrepancies on MySolarCity Apps, Monthly.
OVERALL, the solar panels performed brilliantly during April, May, June, July, and August, actually out-produced my household energy 24-hour consumption which was sold back to the Utility.
I Rate Solar City an 8.5 until Management and IT gets their act together.
9 years ago
Carol McDermott Rockland, MA
We have been a Solar City customer for over two (2) years. I admit that for the first year we had some equipment problems but the Service Staff at Solar City was always helpful and we were able to solve the problem quickly. When a tech needed to look at the equipment, they were very efficient and courteous. It has been a long time since we had any type of problem.
We did not go solar to save money, we always thought our roof was perfect for solar use but it was too expensive for our budget. A Solar City Rep. we met at a local Home Depot convinced us otherwise.
How can you not love receiving ZERO electric bills, with credits, for at least nine (9) months a year and, also, be helping the environment?
9 years ago
Mary Timney Bronx, NY
We have had a. 20-year lease with Solar City for 3 years and have been very happy with the system. We generally pay no electricity bills except for February and March. But this spring the company notified us that the panels weren't generating. A squirrel had built a nest under the panels and chewed through the wires. Ultimately the company replaced the system with new panels since ours were out-moded.
Getting there took almost three months. Every time my husband called the regional office he would talk to a different person and no one seemed to talk to each other so he would have to explain the problem again. He finally got action by calling the California office.
We have been very happy with Solar City until now. We're hoping that this experience is exceptional. They are sending the animal control guy back to put screening around the panels to prevent another squirrel invasion.
9 years ago
Christopher Walker Littleton, CO
The sales people were great. They came to my house and I had like a billion questions and they were super knowledgeable and patient. The system works amazing and it was very well-designed; the production is pretty much exactly what they said it would be. I got a little impatient when it first went in, after they'd installed it there was almost 2 months before I could turn it on. I realize that's mostly the utility company's fault but felt the communication from SC could have been a bit better. Other than that no problems at all and customer service is a bit on the slow side via email but they always get back to me and answer my questions fully.
9 years ago
Sawyer D Ogden, UT
Thanks for allowing a system size under 3 KW. I was told you wouldn't for a loan, but for cash, you did. Haven't had any technical issues. I'm afraid if I did, I'd be on my own or face long long hold times. Also, your offer of move the panels for $2000 is too good to be true. They should have insisted on attic run for conduit. Very nice crew, they did offer some special install services, but attic run should have been seriously impressed on me.
6 years ago
Michael D Wallace Union City, CA
The whole process was pretty much painless and the system installed from start to finish in 2 months. Only issues was the initial layout planning of the control boxes and whether I needed an updated circuit breaker box. Was suppose to go inside the garage for the control system and no circuit box up grade required. When the installer arrived the cleared are in the garage would not work due to a gas line clearance and had to mount the control box outside. The electrician came later and declared a new circuit breaker box required. No additional cost.
8 years ago
Danny Hesperia, CA
Panels have been up for about 2 years and no complaints. My usage is about the same as pre-solar but monthly bill is less. I used to pay around $300 during the summer months but since solar was installed, only twice has it gone up to $200. After the first rainfall since the installation, I found corner pieces of my tile roof on the ground so I rating it a 9>.
8 years ago
DANIEL OMOLAFE
Had Solar City of about 1 1/2 years. The contract is transparent. They checked our roof and electrical panel before installation.. When we stopped generating we called customer service and they pointed out that the recent fire might have left ash on our panels. They were right. They walked us through the process of how to clean our panels safely and we were right back to generating our max power. I have recommended Solar City to MANY of our family and friends.
8 years ago
T Seymour Compton, CA
Overall a very positive experience, especially since my salesman did an excellent job navigating system when minor issues arose. It appears that some employees in the "home office" are less well trained and although all tried to be helpful not all were efficient.
There were delays in installation related to third party subcontractors but in the end all was completed satisfactorily
8 years ago
Linda A.
The only problem I experienced with my Solar City system was identified remotely by them and they sent someone out to fix it. Otherwise I'm very happy with the system. I did however sign up for the automatic payments and they can't seem to collect when they're supposed to. It drives me nuts to see month after month of late payments on the statement when they're the ones that don't collect in a timely manner. That said, I've never had a late or penalty charge because of it, so overall my experience has been good and it has saved me money.
8 years ago
Gene West Apple Valley, CA
I have had NO ISSUES with Solar City in my 3 years experience of having their product. Customer service (Especially LEXI in Billing) is EXCELLENT, Product delivers as stated and I enjoy any contact with Solar City employees. Just recently had a breaker go bad in the disconnect box and they sent out a tech and he (ROBERT) took care of the issue quickly, professionally, and was courteous the entire time he was at my home. Very knowledgeable employee!!
8 years ago
Pat Garvey New Smyrna Beach, FL
We have had Solar City panels on our house for 4 years. We love it. We have had 3 referrals and have received rebates for the referrals from Solar City, although we lease our panels. We are negative in our energy use for about 8-9 months of the year. We get a small check from Solar City each year when our system does not meet the kWh that the system should generate. The customer service department is much improved since the start of our lease arrangement, but once you have a good sales representative they can be your best advocate. Love the web app to monitor your power generation.
8 years ago
Vicki Los Angeles, CA
Our salesman was great - not at all pushy and very knowledgeable. The panels were delivered and installed the same day on the day promised. They look nice and seem to be functioning very well. All it takes is an e-mail to my salesman if I have any questions - customer service has been excellent. So far, very happy. Contract was signed in July - panels were turned on in December, mostly because of waiting for permits and the inspection from the local electrical company.
8 years ago
Kacey Bongarzone Hollywood, FL
After reading numerous reviews I did my own research and found based on my purchase this was an excellent choice. Customer service has been helpful explaining things when I have questions. Installation was quick and efficient. I missed some common sense about the panels in the winter (a lot less sun here in NE, duh!) however I was given options originally to completely cover my electricity bills. I'll save up for it. I have had them for months now and hope the care and concern from Solar City continues as questions and things arise.
8 years ago
Lisa Aiken
Have haD solar with solar city for 2 years. It is a requirement that you have Internet connection for them to be able to monitor the system
We travel frequently and always seem to have to reboot our system for them. I think it bothers them more than us. But they constantly call when system monitor goes out
Wish they had a better system.
Other than that the system works great produces plenty for us to get credit in the fall
9 years ago
Elizabeth Seltzer Brookhaven, PA
I have been with Solar City for about 5 years, very happily. I do wonder about how the cloudy & rainy May this year will affect things.
I have a deposit on the 2017 Tesla & will have to up my panels then to run it, but so far for the most part it's all good.... & I am SO HAPPY NOT TO BE GIVING MY $$$ TO PECO.
Time for a change. This is a good way to go.
9 years ago
Mike Flaherty - Baltimore, MD Rosedale, MD
Had my system installed a little over a year ago. Was told it could take 3 months or so to get installed and running. It was up and running in about a month. Professional, courteous installers. Biggest holdup was the local utility company and inspector. Only complaint - was told it would be done by noon and I took a half day off of work. It took until about 6 and I had to call in to work and take the full day off. Utility bill has been much lower.
9 years ago
Hibou South Hamilton, MA
We have a fully solar house and added SolarCity about 4 years ago. They have been awesome 100% of the way. Last year we had to replace our roof due to the 2014/15 winter. SolarCity came in and in a couple of hours, had the whole system on the ground. When the roof was done, we called and back it went. Fast and easy. This spring, something let go in the system and they called us about it, set an appointment and fixed it.
We love our rep and have ad nothing but the best experience.
9 years ago
Bill Adams Baltimore, Maryland
Stopped to talk to the solar city Kiosk worker was very profesional but Tesla has had almost a year to set up a store front and just for some God unknown reason but one store in DC which they already had a store in DC and has been putzing around with negotiating for a store in Annapolis. I think we did have our home evaluated for panels and I told my mom we needed to remove some trees. Solar city analyzed our home and said what i had to remove some trees but my mom always needs a "professional" opinion. solar city profesional, Tesla not .
9 years ago
mary gibson Clovis, CA
THE SALESMAN FOR SOLAR CITY was very well informed about solar and explained things so anyone would understand was not pushy gave me time to look everything over and then say yes or no.went over all paper work until I was comfortable with it.stayed on time frame and all of the men who came to put up panels were nice .completed putting up panels in timely manner I am able to keep in touch with office via E mail(.After reading some of the negative review will wait to see my first bill from solar city)
9 years ago
Teresa Greenlee Sacramento, CA
We indirectly have Solar City. We purchased an Elliott home with a 29 year solar lease. The solar system was installed by Solar City. The homes directly north and south of our streen all have 12 roof panels. Our street all have only 10 panels. All homes are the same plans so I don't understand why our block has 2 fewer panels on each roof. Also homes range from 1700 to 3200 square feet. I would think the largest plans would have more panels than the smallest plans.
10 years ago
Joe P. West Hartford, CT
Solar City so far has lived up to having our property inspected for the proposed project. The crew was running late and called to let us know they were a little behind. Within 3 days we received plans of the project, along with a photo of our house with the proposed panel layout superimposed on the roof. Too cool. Looking forward for a great install and usage
10 years ago
Rexford Haugen Arvada, CO
We just had our Solar City system turned on. The process with them was very easy. They provided all documents needed for our HOA and arranged for and handled all installs and inspections, for none of which we needed to be home. My only complaint is that the panels they installed are not bleeding edge but I can't fault them for going with panels that have great $/W ratios, are proven reliable, and excellent warranties.
10 years ago
Alan Gates Phoenix, AZ
We have had our Solar City system for about 4 months now. The install was great. Very professional and we did more waiting on the power company to inspect the install than any of the rest of the installation. So far we have saved over $100 a month on our summer bills and expect far greater savings on our winter bills as we begin producing more power than we use. We are very happy so far and expect this to continue.
11 years ago
Jeremiah Geer Cambridge, MA
I had an overall great experience. Any hiccups were dealt with quickly. Install went great. Installers were courteous, quick and neat. Many might say that leasing is a mistake but for someone who wants to save money and generate clean energy but does not currently have the up front cost, this option is great and I have the option to buy system at fair market value in the future.
11 years ago
Robert Zack Los Alamitos, CA
I purchased my system from solar city a 6.25 kw. system I've had it going on my fourth year now I have had no issues with it at the end of my net metering year I always receive a check from edison for my over generation. We had a few delays in the process but over all it all went well.
7 years ago
Gayton "JR" Costa
Having had a solar system prior to the system installed by Solar City on 3 January 2018 on our new home in AZ, I would like to say that after some delays and miscommunication, the installation was done professionally, expeditiously and is extremely aesthetically harmonic with the home and it's surrounding features. KUDO's to SolarCity.
7 years ago
Colin Tran Westminster, CO
Hi, I have recently had solar panel put on the roof. I found that they are good company, good service when ever I need to talk to them. The equipment and nest monitor link to internet is the best ever I have seen!!! I can check daily, weekly or monthly my panel generate power and the rate is reason affordable.!
8 years ago
Brian
I had an initial problem with the electrical which I thought Solar City had created, however after further review it was caused by something completely out of there control. Even though they were not at fault, they still fixed the problem, free of charge! Thanks!!
8 years ago
Gerald Saunders Bakersfield, CA
We had solar for over a year! Great product. No problems. They have been always available when I need information. We check for a leak on the roof and they came immediately and found the problem on the roof and let us know who could fix it. Done the next day;
So far we have not Paid PGE one cent.... It works for us.
8 years ago
Tony Valenzuela Tucson, AZ
Talk about saving money, I bought my panels and I should pay them off this year, once that is done all I have is a $15 per month electricity bill for the next 20 years OMG I am so glad I went solar, Solar City has been a great company to work with and I recommend all my friends to go solar!
8 years ago
Robert D. Burns Queen Creek, AZ
I was immediately notified when my monitoring mechanism was not reporting its function. They notified me then responded with a serviceman to my location. I have been with them for appxy. 5 years and have no complaints at all.
9 years ago
Barbara Gift Hagerstown, MD
Every time we have had any issue they responded quickly. Solar panels were installed and were turned on as soon as they possibly could. Any hold up was with local people coming to give the ok for each part. They have been excellent. No complaints.
9 years ago
KF Tulsa, OK
I have solar panels with Solar City. I have been so impressed with their customer service. I bought the house with the panels so it wasn't a company I found myself. I can't speak to pricing as I didn't shop them but so far, my bill is minimal and their people have been fantastic!
9 years ago
ROBERT HESS Walkersville, MD
SolarCity has answered all of our questions, and have been prompt and in getting engineers here to inspect our house and roof. They've now submitted a design that can be reviewed by our HOA's archetechtural control committee, complete with applicable paperwork so that we can go solar soon!
9 years ago
John Bodkin Millersville, MD
Solar City has bee just great with the installation of my solar panels. I am happy with the sales plan that I selected and pleased with the results that we have experienced in our first year of use. My sales person was excellent and is now a regional Manager
10 years ago
Dawn Flansburg Schenectady, NY
We had ours installed a couple of weeks ago and they did a great job. They reinforced our garage roof to compensate for the weight of the panels. So far so good. The salesman was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
11 years ago
BOSKO MISTRELOVIC Fairfax, VA
I agree with Good comments 100%, I did not have any bad experience. The only comments is that actual installation ( slightly different then plan )was not marked up and me the owner given a copy. Next was that a copy of the pictures given to City inspector was not provided to the owner even thou I have specifically requested them.
11 years ago
Michael Bollentin Trenton, NJ
Overall, my experience was fantastic. The staff and service have been great. I had a roof leak (totally unrelated to the installation) and they were on top of things. I would highly recommend Solar City to anyone who is thinking about getting solar power for their home.
11 years ago
curtis Taylor
I have had Solar City for four years, the service and response has been excellent . there have been problems .the response has been great. I have dual systems that Im not sure I need.
8 years ago
stephen a schiff Succasunna, NJ
I installed solar cells last year. They did a fast and clean job. The main reason I picked Solar City is
because they are the only company that offers a back up emergency battery.
8 years ago
Edwin Rue
Everything went Great' when our VERY picky roofer said to bring it up to his standards we needed to do some repairs, Solarcity cut us a check in a few days. We Love our Electric Bill being cut to better than Half.
9 years ago
