Sullivan Solar Power
4.0
6.0
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Sullivan Solar Power is no longer in business.
Per The San Diego Union-Tribune, Sullivan Solar Power is no longer in business as of December 2021. As such, the information in this review may be out of date. Current Sullivan Solar customers are encouraged to leave their review below, and reach out to another California-based solar provider for support or assistance.
Sullivan Solar Power was founded in 2004 by Daniel Sullivan, a San Diego native and electrician by trade who was inspired to lead a clean energy revolution in his hometown. When Sullivan started his company, only a handful of contractors were providing solar power systems in Southern California and the solar industry boom had not yet arrived. Today, Sullivan Solar Power still focuses on residential solar installations in the Southern California area and has installed more than 7,000 solar electric systems.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Turnkey Solar Contractor
- Warranty
- Payment Options
- Payback Period
- NABCEP Certified Installers
- Experience
Turnkey Solar Contractor
Sullivan Solar Power strives to offer the highest quality customer service possible. The company takes care of all aspects of the solar process and sees each project through from concept to completion, as well as provides free educational seminars and online resources for potential and current customers.
Warranty
The fact of the matter is, Sullivan Solar Power supplies it's client base with solar panels that withstand any weather and time itself. One of the reps we spoke to mentioned solar panel technology hasn't changed much over the past 50 years, but that doesn't mean the panels won't last a long time. In fact, that's why nothing has changed because panels have such a long lifespan.
Sullivan Solar Power knows the technology is sound, but even if you need the option, they back their installation and parts by a 20-year warranty. The company's 20-year workmanship warranty is 5 to 10 years longer than other solar companies.
Payment Options
When customers choose to lease the panels, they will pay a monthly amount to "rent" the system for 20 years. The capital firm owns the system on the roof, but even with the monthly payments, those who lease will still save money by lowering your electric bills.
If anything breaks, the company will come out and fix it for you. If you sell your home, you can sign the lease over to the new homeowners. Cash purchases are also an option. When you buy outright:
- You get a tax credit
- The company will give you a period to pay back if you can't provide the money upfront
Payback Period
This gives you a short payback period, generally, 4 to 6 years, meaning your system will pay for itself more quickly. Finance or cash purchases receive a 30% tax credit as well as a 25-year warranty on the inverter.
Also, Sullivan Solar Power offers a production guarantee for 10 years so if your system doesn't produce what they've claimed it will, you'll be paid for any lost energy. This provides you with the most savings, though it does require more money upfront. If not, lease and financing options will help you.
NABCEP Certified Installers
Not only does Sullivan Solar Power have a variety of payment options to help you get started with solar but you can be assured that your installation will be done properly since the company is NABCEP (National American Board Certified Energy Practitioners) certified.
Experience
While many solar energy companies have only been in business for a few years, Sullivan Solar Power has been installing solar for more than a decade and has had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the solar industry and the Southern California market.
The Bad
- Limited Availability
Limited Availability
Since 2004, Sullivan Solar Power has been a renewable energy staple in Southern California, but that's it-their services don't extend any further than that. Here is a short list of where their offices are located.
- San Diego
- Irvine
- Riverside
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for renewable solar energy from a company that has a strong foothold in a few local communities in California, you can't go wrong using Sullivan Solar Power. The company, which provides solar systems to Irvine, Riverside, and San Diego residents, offers several options to acquire their panels such as buying, financing, or a zero-down lease or PPA.
On average, panels take less than six years to pay off if you buy them outright. With Sullivan Sun Power, you'll also be able to take advantage of the kWh production guarantee and be compensated if your system doesn't generate electricity as promised. However, if you live outside Southern California, you'll need to check out other solar energy contractors.
