Sun Collectors

• Zero-Down Financing
• Available in 3 States

Zero-Down Financing

Following the free in-home or online energy consultation, Solar Collectors will engineer a custom-designed solar panel system along with accompanying financing options. As no two solar energy systems are the same, specific financing terms will vary from house to house; however, regardless of these differences, Sun Collectors provides every customer the option to finance their system for no money down, and as little as $49 per month.

Considering solar loan financing options, like direct purchase, qualifies homeowners for state rebates and other incentives like the Federal Solar Tax Credit, a zero-down option can be an incredibly cost-effective way to make the switch to solar power.

Available in 3 States

Sun Collectors is available in Virginia, North Carolina, and Illinois, and has installed more than 1,600 unique solar PV systems across these three states, and saved customers an estimated total exceeding $3.7 million. While current Sun Collectors reviews are limited, customers reported high levels of professionalism among the company’s customer service staff and solar installation experts.

• Unclear Company Organization
• Vague Panel and Warranty Details
• Not NABCEP Certified

Unclear Company Organization

One area that could use greater clarity is Sun Collectors’ business structure. The company mentions having partnered with an array of “approved vendors” with years of solar panel installation experience under their belts, while also stating the company uses only “tier one” solar panels. This information may spark confusion among customers as to which entity — Sun Collectors or its approved vendors — will actually be responsible for installing the solar project itself.

And while Sun Collectors is quick to praise the expertise of these approved vendors, the identity and role of said vendors is less apparent. Per Best Company data, homeowners who have to work with multiple points of contact report lower satisfaction ratings, and whether this is the case with Sun Collectors remains to be seen.

We were unable to obtain data concerning the year Sun Collectors was actually established.

Vague Panel and Warranty Details

Sun Collectors mentions it only installs “tier one solar panels backed by industry-leading warranties and efficiency”; however, specifics as to the makes and models of the solar panels, as well as the terms and lengths of accompanying warranties, is not disclosed.

All solar panels, even panels identified as “tier one,” run a spectrum of energy efficiencies, performance decay rates, and equipment warranties. Leading solar modules, like those produced by SunPower, report an average efficiency exceeding 22 percent, are guaranteed to perform at peak output levels for 25 years, and come with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Speaking of warranties, details of Sun Collectors’ workmanship or labor warranty (if one is offered) are also not offered. The workmanship warranty covers errors made during the installation process as well as accompanying system maintenance. While most companies warranty their labor for 10 years, industry leaders do so for 25 or more years.

Not NABCEP Certified

Sun Collectors does not appear to be certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The NABCEP is an industry-recognized organization responsible for the most advanced and sought-after technician training programs in solar. Companies with this designation set themselves apart as true solar installation experts.