Valley Solar, Inc.
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Valley Solar offers both installation and design services for photovoltaic systems. Since 2005, the company has worked to provide clients with an alternative energy source that stabilizes and reduces monthly utility costs while drawing from renewable energy sources. Valley Solar will handle all aspects of the solar project from initial sale, to the design, to the ultimate installation of the system.
The Valley Solar team is led by president Brad Price who has worked for nearly two decades in the solar industry. He even teaches solar PV design and engineering at a local community college, American River College, helping new generations of students realize the potential of solar energy.
Since its founding, Valley Solar has racked up a number of certifications. The professional installation services offered through Valley Solar are overseen by a NABCEP-certified installation professional. Other certifications include the following:
- Certified Solar PV Installer with the Environmental Protection Agency
- Photovoltaic Design and Installation certification from Solar Energy International
- State of California Contractors License
- Certified SunPower Solar Professional
- Certified in Advanced Photovoltaics by SEI
- Advanced PV Design and Installation from SMUD/Brooks Engineering
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Wide Variety of Solar Panels
- Storage and Battery Solutions
- Services Residential, Commercial, and Agricultural Properties
- Power and Product Warranties
Wide Variety of Solar Panels
With its relationship with SunPower, Valley Solar has access to a number of solar panels. This allows the project head/engineer some flexibility when designing a solar system and provides clients with multiple options. Many solar installation companies only offer cookie-cutter solutions, even if the panels are not the idea fit for a property.
With multiple solar panels to choose from, Valley Solar clients are likely to find what works best for the make and structure of their roof.
Panel options include the following:
- SunPower Equinox
- SunPower A-Series
- SunPower X-Series
- SunPower InvisiMount Panels
Depending on what a client is looking for in terms of production and aesthetic, Valley Solar will likely have a solution with its array of solar panel options.
Storage and Battery Solutions
A specialty of the Valley Solar team is its ability to install and integrate solar battery backup and storage solutions. Battery systems allow for clients to have increased energy independence as clients are no longer at the mercy of the utility grid’s performance. Battery backup solutions available through Valley Solar include the Tesla Powerwall system and the sonnenBatterie eco system.
Valley Solar will help clients identify the best backup solution for their needs and seamlessly integrate the system with the installed solar panels and inverters.
Services Residential, Commercial, and Agricultural Properties
Most solar installation companies target residential clients. There are multiple reasons for this, but a main contributing factor is that many solar installation companies are not capable of taking on projects larger than a residential property. That is not the case for Valley Solar as the company can service residential, commercial, and agricultural customers.
Even solar installation companies that can help with commercial efforts are unable to take on large-scale agricultural projects. With its experience, manufacturing relationships, and design capabilities, Valley Solar is able to take on the project regardless of size or mounting needs.
Power and Product Warranties
Due to its manufacturing relationships, Valley Solar is able to offer clients some of the best warranties available within the solar industry. The Valley Solar and SunPower warranties beat out the industry average in both coverage and term length. Warranties available include the following:
- Power Warranty — 25-year coverage, 95% guaranteed power for first 5 years and -0.4% year to year decline
- Product Warranty — 25-year coverage that covers both panel replacement costs and workmanship
Valley Solar clients can rest assured that the equipment and work performed by Valley Solar is backed by industry-leading warranties.
The Bad
- Limited Service Area
- Local PACE Programs
Limited Service Area
Valley Solar offers services to those in the greater Sacramento, California area.
While it is not uncommon for solar installation companies to offer localized services, companies that operate as dealers for solar manufacturers are generally more restricted.
It should also be noted that despite being in business for nearly two decades, Valley Solar has yet to expand its service operations into neighboring areas despite other companies making these expansion efforts.
Local PACE Programs
Not all clients are able to purchase a solar system upfront and outright, which is why most solar installation companies offer some sort of alternative financing. Whether the solar company itself provides the financing solutions, or it partners with a reputable source, clients often have a choice of financing options, including loans, leases, and power purchase agreements.
However, Valley Solar has chosen to partner with local PACE programs to offer financing. While these types of loans may work for some clients, they do not provide the same flexibility other solar installation companies offer.
The Bottom Line
Valley Solar offers design and installation solutions to clients looking to increase their energy independence. Clients will get to choose between a number of solar panel options available through the SunPower partnership.
Valley Solar specializes in solar storage and battery solutions, offering a number of systems to interested customers. Valley Solar has the capability to address the solar needs of residential, commercial, and even agricultural clients. Lastly, the warranties available to Valley Solar clients rivals even the best power and product warranties available on the market.
Despite offering a reliable and reputable service, there are limitations to what Valley Solar offers to its clients. For example, the service area of the company is strictly limited to the greater Sacramento area meaning clients outside of this geographic area will need to look elsewhere for solar installation services. Clients in need of financing assistance may be disappointed by the limited options available through the local PACE programs that Valley Solar has partnered with.
Those interested in utilizing solar to power their home, business, or farm in the greater Sacramento area will likely benefit from the service and equipment available through Valley Solar. However, those in need of more flexible financing options should consider other solar installation providers.
