Solcoast Solar
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Solcoast Solar is a solar brokerage provider that helps residential homeowners qualify for solar systems and have them installed in a timely manner. Each client that goes through Solcoast Solar will have a dedicated solar specialist that will remain as the head point of contact throughout the duration of the process. Whatever questions a prospective client may have regarding solar or the installation process, a Solcoast Solar professional will be available to answer or address those concerns.
Based in Southern California, Solcoast Solar was started to help homeowners navigate what can sometimes be a confusing process. With so many solar companies to choose from, Solcoast Solar wanted to streamline the process and eliminate the extra noise so many interested customers feel bombarded with when determining what company to go with for installation.
Each homeowner that goes through the Solcoast Solar platform will immediately find out what sort of programs, incentives, and financing options the property qualifies for. From there, a mock design will be drawn up and approved prior to passing on the project to third-party installers to carry out the remainder of the workload.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Free Consultation
- Broad Service Area
Free Consultation
The first step of the Solcoast Solar process is the free consultation. Prospective solar clients that end up utilizing Solcoast Solar or not can take advantage of this initial step as a way of comparison or to have general questions answered. During this consultation, a Solcoast Solar professional will go over current and future energy needs, answer questions and address concerns, and calculate potential savings.
In this process, the Solcast Solar expert will also find a $0 upfront solution to having a solar system installed and inform clients about what eligible tax incentives can be considered. There are many solar companies that offer “free consultations” but they are more of a sales pitch than an informative meeting where specifics are discussed like Solcoast Solar does it.
Broad Service Area
Solcoast Solar's operational platform enables the company to offer an impressive service area reach. Most solar companies can only service one state or a select few cities within a state. The Solcoast Solar network allows it to offer solar solutions in the following states:
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The service area for Solcoast Solar will also continue to expand as relationships and the installer network continue to grow.
The Bad
- Third-Party Providers
- Young Company
- Unknown Equipment Information
- Undisclosed Warranty Details
Third-Party Providers
The business model of Solcoast Solar requires third-party involvement in order for the solar process to be a success. Solcoast Solar experts help with the initial stages of a solar project before it is then handed off to a trusted installer to complete.
Some clients prefer this third-party involvement while others are more comfortable working with a start-to-finish solar provider. There seem to be shorter wait times with end-to-end providers, which is something Solcoast Solar simply doesn’t offer to its clients.
Young Company
The Solcoast Solar process is also relatively new. The company itself is made up of solar professionals that have experience in the industry, but the business provides limited experience or past project information. The Solcoast Solar business was formed in August 2022, so it does not have the experience that many solar companies can draw from and use to show clients past work.
Unknown Equipment Information
Since Solcoast Solar utilizes a “broker” model to perform solar services, it is unclear what equipment Solcoast Solar clients will actually have access to. Most solar companies will pattern with or operate as a dealer for a tier-1 solar equipment manufacturer. That information is then publicly disclosed as equipment information is of great importance to those researching what solar provider to go with.
Unfortunately for Solcoast Solar clients, there is no information regarding what equipment or technology is available. There is also no definitive answer as to whether or not the equipment installed will be considered tier-1 grade technology.
Undisclosed Warranty Details
Warranties are generally a standard offering among solar providers. The equipment manufacturer will generally back the equipment or production warranty. However, it is unknown what manufacturer or equipment brand is utilized in the Solcoast Solar project. The workmanship warranty is then backed through the installation provider itself.
Since each project will be handled by a different contractor within the Solcast Solar network, these details are also undisclosed. For many prospective clients, warranties create the peace of mind needed to take the plunge into solar. That being said, it is unclear whether or not these warranties are available to Solcoast Solar clients are not.
The Bottom Line
Solcoast Solar operates somewhat as a middle man for homeowners interested in solar but unsure of where to start or who to turn to for help. Each interested solar client can take advantage of the free consultation which will likely answer many questions or concerns a homeowner may have. Due to its vast network of installers, Solcoast Solar is able to offer its services in 27 states across the country. This differs from the “traditional” solar model allowing Solcast Solar to reach homeowners on a greater scale.
There are a number of redeeming services and features associated with the Solcoast Solar platform; however, there are limitations and unknown variables prospective clients should be aware of too. Solcoast Solar does not provide installation services, but rather contracts that out to third-party contractors. The Solcoast Solar business itself is also brand new, having been formed in August of 2022. It is not disclosed what equipment or manufacturing partners the company has, if any, and the same applies to warranty arrangements and details.
Taking into consideration all of the missing items of typically disclosed aspects, it is difficult to recommend Solcoast Solar at this time. Clients looking for an end-to-end provider will have to go elsewhere for solar services.
