Universal Solar Direct
5.0
8.6
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Universal Solar Direct provides solar services to residential and commercial clients in various areas across the United States. The company specializes in creating both cost-effective and energy-efficient products and services for clients looking to not only reduce their carbon footprint, but also their monthly utility bills. The dedicated and professional staff at Universal Solar Direct is experienced in helping clients navigate the solar process and finding the perfect solution for their property.
Universal Solar Direct is responsible for successfully completing over 5,000 solar system installations since its founding in 2015. The Universal Solar direct team will help each individual client work through the purchasing decision process in an effort to identify the best solar panels, batteries, EV car charging stations, inverters, and other energy-efficient products to create the best energy foundation possible.
From start to finish, Universal Solar Direct will make the process as simple and streamlined for the consumer as possible. A dedicated professional will work hand-in-hand with clients to understand the energy usage in order to create an ideal system that will pay dividends for decades to come.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Variety of Services Offered
- Mounting Options
- Custom Solutions
- Broad Service Area
Variety of Services Offered
Universal Solar DIrect provides a number of energy efficiency solutions to clients looking to become more energy independent while also cutting monthly costs associated with rising utility rates. Services available through Universal Solar Direct include the following:
- Residential installation (solar, battery/storage, EV charging)
- Commercial installation
- Repair and cleaning
- Investment programs/solutions
Mounting Options
A vast majority of solar installation companies only take on roof mounted solar projects. While this setup may work for a number of interested solar clients, it is not always an ideal case for all properties. Depending on how the home is situated, a roof mounted system will mean reduced sun exposure which will require reliance on the utility grid for supplemental energy.
Universal Solar Direct offers expanded mounting solutions which include ground mounted systems. Depending on the desires of the client and the property alignment, Universal Solar Direct can provide a mounted system that will maximize sun exposure and increased rates of harnessed energy.
Custom Solutions
A growing number of solar installation companies operate as dealers for manufacturers or have relationships with specific companies that restrict access to other solar products. That means that customers that decide to work with these types of companies will be restricted in terms of what solar products are available and can only provide simple, cookie-cutter solutions.
As an independent solar contractor and installer, Universal Solar DIrect provides completely customized solutions. The professionals at Universal Solar Direct will consider a number of factors to determine the best possible solar products and tailor each aspect of the system to fit the needs of the property. This will maximize energy generation as well as potential savings.
Broad Service Area
One stark difference between Universal Solar Direct and its competition in the solar installation space is the fact that it offers services in five different states. Most solar companies are restricted to one state or a select few cities in order to operate as a start to finish solar contractor. That is not the case for Universal Solar Direct. The company currently offers installation services in the following states:
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Arizona
- Indiana
While there are a few solar contractors that have expanded operations to cover multiple states, most of those providers enlist the help of third-party services to meet the needs of its geographically expanded service area. That is not the case with Universal Solar Direct. Clients that utilize the company can rest assured that all work will be completed by experienced and trained professionals hired by Universal Solar Direct.
The Bad
- Undisclosed Equipment Information
- No Warranties/Guarantees
- Limited Universal Solar Direct Reviews
Undisclosed Equipment Information
Most companies that operate as a dealer or equipment partner will publicly disclose its associated manufacturing information. Universal Solar Direct is unable to provide this level of transparency until a client enlists its services and starts the solar purchasing process.
No Warranties/Guarantees
While Universal Solar Direct takes care of its customers by offering a repair and cleaning service in an effort to extend the lifespan of an installed system, that is where its protections of services end. Additionally, clients will have to pay to utilize this repair and cleaning service, it is not part of the installation package.
Almost all solar installation companies offer warranties including equipment and workmanship coverage. This offers a level of protection to clients who are making a substantial financial investment. Unfortunately for Universal Solar Direct clients, it appears that these warranties are not available.
Limited Universal Solar Direct Reviews
As of November 2023, Universal Solar Direct has received fewer than five verified reviews on Best Company, but has earned a number of reviews on other platforms like Google, many of them positive. That said, many customers expressed frustration over what they perceived as misleading information provided during the sales process. Some reported encountering difficulties in reaching out to the company, citing slow response times to emails and calls, and a lack of availability for support when needed.
Additionally, customers raised concerns about the quality of the solar installation, with reports of equipment damage and functionality issues with solar panels and inverters.
It’s important to note that Universal Solar Direct has made a concerted effort to respond to and address as many of these customer complaints as possible
The Bottom Line
Universal Solar Direct offers a number of energy efficiency services to both residential and commercial clients. Those interested can take advantage of installation, cleaning and repair solutions, and even investment programs to bolster energy independence.
Through Universal Solar Direct, clients can have systems roof or ground mounted depending on the best possible exposure scenario. Since Universal Solar Direct is an independent installer and not a dealership for a manufacturer, clients can truly access custom solar system solutions.
Universal Solar Direct provides a localized service, but on a broader scale. The company has operations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Indiana.
While there are a number of reasons to strongly consider utilizing the services available through Universal Solar Direct, there are items that prospective clients should be aware of prior to making a final decision. There are no known equipment partners of Universal Solar Direct so it is hard to determine the quality of the solar equipment available to Universal Solar Direct clients.
Despite offering a repair and cleaning service for ongoing sustainability, there are no warranties available directly through Universal Solar Direct.
For those looking for a truly customized solar system with varying mounting possibilities and professional guidance through each phase of the installation process, Universal Solar Direct would be a viable option. Homeowners are encouraged to read available Universal Solar Direct reviews thoroughly before reaching out to the solar provider.
