SolarCity Reviews
Is This Your Business?2.6
5.1
Overall Score
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Beatrice Bergstrom Indio, CA
I have had solar by Solar City since Aug. 2015. The implementation and installation phase was exceptional. The only delay was due to City of Riverside not having enough inspector to complete timely. Since the Solar was turned on and became active I have had no issues. When there is a problem Solar City contacts me to verify the issue and then fixes it immediately.
I was paying $281 on an even pay plan prior to solar. Now my electric bill is zero and my lease payment to Solar city is #221. I save $60 per month as well as helping the environment!
7 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.
7 years ago
Joy Crynock Bakersfield, CA
I was one of the first customers in our area. The salesman (Nick) was knowledgeable, patient, and was willing to answer all our questions. The install team arrived on schedule, explained what they were going to do and proceeded to work in a professional and polite manner. My system has never had any problems, is totally reliable and is saving me a huge amount of money. I recommend this company to all my friends and they have had the same experience.
7 years ago
PK McCall Mariposa, CA
I can honestly say that having Solar City provide me with solar service is and was very satisfying to say the least, there was no misunderstanding about anything as it was all very well explained.
I/we would and have recommended them to many friends and those that have gone with Solar City have been very pleased, I would go with them again in a heart beat.
7 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.
7 years ago
Bill Coffey Temecula, CA
Solar City has been great for my home; quick & clean installation, product has produced as advertised, has resulted in real cost savings for my application. For what I have received compared to what I was presented and expected, I would make the same decisions again. I realize that my experience may vary from other clients, but I have no issues whatsoever, and am very happy with my decision to go with Solar City.
7 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.
7 years ago
Stuart Galloway Pomona, CA
Solar City was very attentive, and did everything that they said they would. Our sales person, Andy, came several times while we decided, but without applying any sales pressure. He continues to contact us from time to time, to ensure that we remain satisfied. The installation crew were fast, efficient and very tidy. Our billing is clear, with everything set out to be easily understandable. This is how companies should conduct business.
7 years ago
Susan Goodman
I had the best person to answer all my questions. I told him out front to just give me facts, dont try to sell me with superficial info. and he didnt. I have had my 14 panels for going on 4 years and I pay nothing and receive money back. My home stays cool and I AM SO HAPPY I went with Solar City and the plan choice that suited my needs. It was a quick and easy process with the installation done so well by a crew of efficient, hard working people. I cannot say anything that isnt positive about the whole experience start to finish.
7 years ago
Cheryl B.
The Vista, CA "Honey Badger" crew was amazing. On time; took obvious pride in their work; worked solid from start to finish; friendly, positive attitude; and they spent as much time as we needed to explain the system. Installation of 20 solar panels, 2 inverters and a Tesla Powerwall 2 was completed in one day! Highly recommend this team. They represented Solar City and Tesla Energy very well!
7 years ago
Will Adams Universal City, CA
So far so good. We had the installation done on a Tuesday and we got the ok to flip the switch on that Thursday!! Our contact Bill B was awesome and walked us through everything step by step. Everyone involved so far has be great and answered question after question. The look of the panels are great as well, sleek design. The were problems with my roof before installation but Solar City helped out and directed me to the correct people to help out as well. The 20 year guarantee is a great reason to sign up as well. The financing through TechCu has been a great benefit too.
7 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.
7 years ago
Naba Kadel
I had it installed in July 2016 and everything was smooth until then and local power company (PG&E) took 6 months to allow power to be turned on. Overall it's great that I have done with Solar City ( Now Tesla). My PG & E bill is $10/ month ( connection fee). My average PG&E bill was $400/month. Now I don't worry if children don't turn the lights off or run the pool water falls. Solar City has done what they say and excellent customer service. yes there is a $7 transaction fee if I want to pay extra money towards the solar loan.
7 years ago
William Bailen Mission Viejo, CA
Had the system installed over 2 years ago and we could not have been more satisfied with the results! They even included new circuit breakers. After we went solar we were able to install A/C for the first time. This house was built in 1974 and never had A/C! We tolerated the summer heat because we knew we could not afford to run the A/C even if we had it. Now we keep the interior temp set at a comfortable 72 year round thanks to Solar City.
7 years ago
R. Calhoun Scottsdale, AZ
December 2016 initiate install contract lease of SunPower solar system, April 2017 install complete, green tagged and ready for meter set. Awesome service, interaction with field labor, engineering staff and project manager Brenda provided great updates; excellent detailing with install on both flat roof and on tile roof for this 15.3Kw system in Scottsdale, AZ. Excited to be going hot in next few days.
7 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.
7 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.
7 years ago
Marlin G Townes Jr Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
The Sales was easy. I was at the Best Buy and was approached. The next week my customer rep show up and started the process. The Contract was easy and all electronic. The install was done within a 3 month period. The Utility held us up another month but after that I was in business. This first year it is living up to the saving promised. Even with the heat wave. More Air Conditioner use but more sun. I would recommend them to anyone.
8 years ago
David Perry Huntington Beach, CA
Solar City worked out the deal, and held it up to the T. Installation was perfect. We are a lease for one year and converting to a purchase. We are saving lots of money every month (about sixty per month) and will save even more after we convert. This without a nickel out of our pocket. Solar city manufactures the cells and batteries, distributes, installs, insures and finances. They have plenty of ways to make their money without costing me a dime of my own.
8 years ago
Kelly Clark Lawrence, MA
We have had solar city for almost 3 years and are SO GLAD we went with them! From the moment we started to interact with them, it was a very smooth process. Corey (our salesperson) explained everything, answered all of our questions, stressed their transparency policy and took as much time as we wanted to ask questions. We HIGHLY recommend Solar City!! Oh, we also have saved around $3500.00 so far!
8 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?
8 years ago
John Hailey Lafayette, CA
I've had SolarCity's panels for almost three years. On average each year the panels have delivered 70+% of the total electricity I've used, while saving me 30+% of what I would have paid for electricity if I had no solar system. I paid nothing for the design, installation, and monitoring, and I only pay for the electricity SolarCity delivers. This continues to be a very sweet deal with absolutely no problems occurring. The decision has turned out to be a no-brainer -- best deal I've ever been involved with.
8 years ago
EJ Westport, MA
We were pleased with the entire process. We encountered a representative at our local Home Depot. Engineers came to inspect our roofing trusses and scheduled to fortify them. Installers arrived next and completed the installation in two days. All told, everything required approximately two months and zero dollars. We pay on production by the panels rather than our usage and we are saving about $200/month. We have been users for about three or four years.
8 years ago
Tammy -Colton Colton, CA
I signed up for Solar 3 weeks ago. Our Rep Ernest Martinez had told us that it would take possible 2 months to 3 months. I got a call on Wednesday from the install team telling me they will install on Thursday morning. The guys came out and installed very nice, professional, no mess behind and showed my husband and I how it works. Ernest came buy to give the guys gatorades and said hi.
We love it can't wait to see my Edsion bill at $5
8 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.
8 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.
8 years ago
DALE Boulder City, NV
The BEST!! My sales person was informative and Friendly. He always came by to check on installation! The installation crew were quiet and efficient! The few tiles damaged were replaced immediately!! I love the savings. Unfortunately our Public Utility Commission ( a panel of three), voted down our contract and we will now start paying more than Nevada Powers regular customers over the next 12 years. Very unfortunate how Solar City had to pull out and lay off thousands of workers due to this three man monopoly game. Solar City is the best!!!!!!!!
8 years ago
gerry Central Islip, NY
Solar city does offer a purchase plan through a loan provider. So you can now own and receive all the tax credits offered. Solar city is a one stop shop and they handle everything from start to finish with no third party confusion. Great because they cant really bounce you around. They cant pass the buck should any problems arise. They offer monitoring as well even if you buy them. They take care of them as well and YOU OWN THEM after 10 or 20 yrs depending on loan.
8 years ago
Ruthanne Maccallum-Henry Holbrook, Massachusetts
My experience with SolarCity has been 100% positive and I love my solar and just received my first credit on my electric bill bring on summer. From our first meeting with Jay Schildge through out the whole process he has been there to answer every question and concern and still is today. From customer service to the install technicians everyone has been very professional. Thank you Jay and Solar City. We live in Massachusetts
8 years ago
Ed Orleman Pawling, NY
I had my panels installed about a year ago. I was continually surprised by the experience of having a company actually do what they said they would. Ifa technician said they'd be there at 10 a.m. , they WERE there at 10 a.m.. Each step of my install was done well and on time. I liked it so much, that I asked to become a Solar City Ambassador to help the country move to renewables.
8 years ago
Niels Jensen Trabuco Canyon, CA
It has been an awesome experience to go solar with SolarCity. It took about 8 weeks from the initial contact until the panels were on the roof! We think that is pretty fast. Permission to operate came about two to three weeks later, and the panels have been producing ever since. Two months with no electric bill so far - we have actually put Kwh 'in the bank' with the electric company. The federal tax credit just came back - even before the first payment to SolarCity! Well done SolarCity. We warmly recommend going solar with SolarCity.
8 years ago
Carl Urso Henderson, NV
My entire experience with SolaCity up to this point has been excellent. Everyone has been very professional but not fluffy over the top. I have been well informed of what the procedure is, how long it takes, what comes next and so on. My install was done yesterday and it should be about 30 days or so till I go on line which far better than the 10 weeks it was taking at one time. I recommend do business with SolaCity if they are in your area.
9 years ago
Phil Friedle Middletown, NY
Every single person I met from Solar City was courteous and knowledgeable. They carefully went over the details of expected results more than a few times. Finally the panels were turned on Feb 26 2015, and we have been saving money ever since. We used electricity sparingly the first few months to bank our kilowatts for winter use. We overproduced more than half of our annual usage. that went into the bank. Now we face winter bills with confidence. We are saving money at a more ambitious rate than we came to expect. We are very well pleased.
9 years ago
Cecilia Hamden, CT
Solar City is awesome! I had my panels installed in 5 hours (19 panels) in July 2015 and in less than two weeks was turned on!! I use the Solar City App to monitor my usage and production and not only am I saving money but reducing my fossil fuel use. The the staff were professional and I have no complaints. Thank You Solar City! Now I know I have done something positive for future generations that will have to live with Climate Change.
9 years ago
Bill Silva New London, CT
Solar City has been very good to us. They have done everything in a professional manner. Their installation crew were friendly and completed the entire installation in less than 8 hours. Our Waterford Town Inspector told us that he has little to no problems with Solar City's work, They employee their own people and they do not hire outside contractors to do any of their work. We have one of the larger systems due to having an all electric home. The installation "DID NOT" cost us a penny. We highly recommend Solar City to everyone. So far, I give them a rating of awesome - 10.
9 years ago
Steve Venice, CA
Been wonderful so far. 3 kW system has been installed for a year and a half. No problems. Did the 20 yr lease paid up front -- seemed to be the best economically. I'm not sure what some of the complaints about Solar City ripping them off, bad leases etc are about. Certainly get estimates from 3 companies and compare apples to apples. I did not find the lease paid up front to be a rip-off; it seemed to give me a 13% rate of return, which seemed fine to me.
9 years ago
Michelle Morgan Hill, CA
Awesome company to work with. We 92nd issues which spanned the course Of 8 months. These had to do with a new roof and getting a roof warranty to pay up. Solar City kept touching base with us and the roofer they found for us want to bat with Owens Corning to get our roof replaced.
Once we had the roof issues dealt with the Solar install took only a half a day and the guys were very courteous and clean. Could not be happier with Solar City.
9 years ago
Sandy porter Santa Ana, CA
From the beginning to this day, I have had absolutely nothing but praise for Solar City. The young lady who initially measured our roof and made recommendations to make our solar generation most efficient, to those who actually installed the panels to the person who made sure our hook up was working properly to the persons who have answered my questions over the phone we have had nothing but polite, concerned help from Solar City employees.
10 years ago
dvg444 Fort Worth, TX
i have had very good service & response from them. I read the whole contract, highlighted the questions I had, & the sales rep went over everything with me. The installation went smoothly. They even contacted me when they noticed I wasn't collecting as much energy as I should. I had it installed in January & by summer the trees had fully leafed out. So I had to do some trimming. I'm happy with their product & service.
10 years ago
Anthony Guzman Modesto, CA
For all, the people posting bad reviews, seems to me you all should have done more leg work to find out if you should buy, lease, or only pay for what you use, with the option to buy out at a depreciated cost. Further more if you can not fully read a contract, and understand it why would you sign or agree to anything? Be adults and take some responsibility, and stop passing the blame!
10 years ago
Eric G San Bernardino, CA
Customer representative was amazing to work with. Showed personal interest in our needs, helped us navigate several unforeseen obstacles (we were the first in our apartment complex to install solar), and kept in touch with us after installation to ensure the transition was smooth. Customer support since then has been awesome. Forget saving money, we produce more power than we use most months so we're MAKING money on average. Can't recommend SolarCity's lease program enough (we pay about $45/mo to lease a 2.3kWh system). Everyone aught to have them on their roof.
10 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.
5 years ago
loretta pramick New Castle, DE
I love my experience with Solar City and its employees. My panels are producing as promised and I am saving lots of money. I have recommended to friends and family and they are pleased also.
The panels look good on my house and there were no issues with the installation.
5 years ago
Joseph Monaco Palmdale, CA
After about 5 years with Solar City they have always been top notch in all areas of the company. Everything the salesman told about on our 1st meeting was correct.
I have recommended this company to family and friends and everyone are happy customers.
6 years ago
Alan Salcido` Bakersfield, CA
I'VE BEEN WITH "SOLAR CITY" 2 SOLID YEARS NOW...SO FAR SO GOOD...I feel i did save some money, what sucked is the sales rep that signed me up, she never told me about the "TRU-UP's" bill with PG&E at the end of the year with "Solar City" which is about $1,220.00 which I think that was a sneaky trick so she could get her commission on the sale.
But still after breaking it down I'm still saving a little bit.
BUT now "TELSA" is taking over, I'll see if there crooked or not, I'm monitoring my bill closely now, ANY SCREW -UPS with these characters, trust me I'll shut them down, and fire them.... and I'll start up with my local vendors like "SUN-SOLAR" which does has very high and good ratings. I just might still make that move anyways...LOL. But I'll give "TELSA" the benefit of the doubt.
I'll see what their up to for now and see if I do save $$$ or not.
If not,,,,then ADIOS!!! SEE YA~~~~~~~~
Alan S. Bakersfield,Ca
6 years ago
Craig Las Vegas, NV
Our system has been operational since 1/15. It's a smaller Lease system. No real issues and everything has been addressed in a reasonable amount of time. This is the first time the whole system has gone down.
2 minor installation issues and SC addressed them without problems. Usually about a week (5-7 days). 8/11/18 our Inverter went south. It's in the 3rd year of its 10 year warranty. (Not a real good sign) And I was thinking of the Power Wall? Lets see how this issue plays out. Of course it goes on a weekend, and one of the hottest months here in Las Vegas. Their guesstimate is up to 2 weeks, a lengthy time considering the inverters should be a standard in stock item and a 10 year warranty, 3rd year out of a 10 year warranty.....It should last PAST the 10 year time frame, not the other way around. Yes I know there are different sizes for larger systems. Or a range of systems.
As a retired maintenance manager these components should be in inventory if they were operating under the premise that Customer Service First. What I've found out is..... there ISN'T a service department in Las Vegas. They rely on private companies to perform most if not all their service repairs, this just adds a layer of bureaucracy to overcome. Their performance guarantee kinda falls flat, no sense of urgency.
Remember, a company is only as good as its customer service.
6 years ago
Ralph Mavilla
SolarCity installation was first class came in put 20 panels in 5 hours in oct of 2016 was up and running by Feb. 2017 their customer service does need improvement but horrible waiting for 2 back up walls to be put in Aug. 3
6 years ago
Julie
We are extremely pleased with our experience with Solarcity From start to finish, the process was very smoot. Our solar system was installed July 2017 and we are looking forward to much more affordable electricity bills this summer. I would highly encourage everyone who qualifies, to move forward with solar with SolarCity/Tesla.
6 years ago
peter mcloughlin Fresno, CA
I reviewed all major suppliers in my area before choosing SC.
I have no complaints and only praise for the advice, support, installation and operation of the system I chose.
We are making substantial savings and when there has been a technical issue SC has be proacative in responding.
Highly recommended!
6 years ago
Karen Portland, OR
My system is highly productive. The product and the service have been good. The problem is the installation! Installers anchored to to the roof by driving nails directly through the shingles. So many people walking around on a hot day took a 20 year roof down to a seven year roof. There are more than 26 holes in my roof that were merely caulked at the end of the job. Caulking is only good for three years! A couple places had metal shingles slipped under before the caulking. It will cost me three thousand dollars to replace the upper portion of my roof where it was nearly worn down passed the tar.
6 years ago
