Utah Solar Incentives (Rebates, Tax Credits & More in 2024)
By Dan Simms /
Here’s what we’ll cover in this Encor Solar review:
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
In 2016, a small group of experienced solar salespeople came together and decided to start a solar power company in Utah, and thus Encor Solar was born. This Encor Solar review will give an overview of the company’s services, pricing, customer experiences and more.
Key attributes of a good solar company include informative salespeople, high-quality equipment and good customer service. Going by the majority of its customer reviews, Encor ticks most of these boxes. It has extensive experience, having installed tens of thousands of solar panel systems in 17 states across the country. It has also received recognitions like the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. and Utah Business Fast 50.
Encor Solar was founded by a group of salespeople in Utah, branding the company as a “reincarnation” of what used to be Evolve Solar. Evolve Solar did $52 million worth of business in 2015 and was SolarCity’s largest retailer.
Although only founded in 2016, Encor has since installed tens of thousands of solar systems across 17 states.
Encor Solar Fast Facts | |
Year Started | 2016 |
Service Areas | OR, CA, NV, ID, UT, AZ, CO, NM, TX, KS, MO, OK, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL |
Services Offered | Solar panel and solar battery installations; roofing services; energy efficiency upgrades |
Types of Solar Equipment Offered | LG Solar, SolarEdge, Enphase, Unirac |
Certifications | Technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP); accreditation by the Better Business Bureau |
Better Business Bureau Rating | A+ |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Encor is a full-service solar company that offers solar panel and battery installations. It also offers roofing services and energy efficiency upgrades.
While every experience may differ, this is the installation process you can expect to have with Encor solar.
Based on your energy bills and satellite imagery of your house, Encor will put together what it calls a “dynamically customized quote,” which will include what the system will look like and how much solar can save you over 20 years (including the federal tax credit). The company’s solar sales team will explain the initial design to you over a phone call or in person.
If you’re satisfied with the initial design and numbers, you’ll have a more detailed solar consultation with Encor’s engineers. The team will put together a design tailored to your energy consumption and roof shape and size to create an optimal layout for your home.
Encor will prepare a personalized agreement with you, which, upon signature, will lock in your solar rate for the next 20 years.
Once you’ve signed the agreement, Encor’s site engineers will come to your home to conduct a detailed survey, including taking measurements for a precise system design. This final design will take you to the next step.
Encor’s team handles all permitting, including for net-metering, solar incentives and rebates as available in your area. Once permits are secured the appointment setter will set an agreeable time with you and the experienced installation crew will complete the solar panel installation. The company claims most installations take only a day.
Once your jurisdiction has approved your new system, you’re ready to flip the switch and start enjoying your energy savings.
With Encor’s extensive service area and vast experience installing solar systems, you might expect its customer service to be top-notch. Unfortunately, it can’t be described as among the best. Many customers have reported issues with communication, especially after their purchases were completed.
The cost of a solar energy system from Encor will vary based on several factors including location, size and complexity of the system. On average, Encor’s costs can be described as somewhat on the lower side.
Encor offers a $0-down financing option, but doesn’t not offer leasing or PPA (power purchase agreement) options. It does offer a $250 referral bonus.
Here’s a quick overview of the two buying options with Encor Solar:
Cash Purchase | Solar Loan | |
System Ownership | ✓ | ✓ |
Upfront Cost | ✓ | ✓ |
Added Property Value | ✓ | ✓ |
Eligible for Tax Credit | ✓ | ✓ |
Payment Due to | Solar Installer | Loan Provider |
Choosing the right buying model can be difficult, especially when some salespeople use the “free solar panels” gimmick to sell leased systems. You can check out our solar financing guide for a complete understanding of how each purchasing option works, including loan payments and respective pros and cons for owning versus leasing your solar panels.
Encor Solar provides two types of warranties. The first is the equipment warranty, which is passed on from the original equipment manufacturer. Solar panels typically come with a 25-year performance guarantee, while a SolarEdge inverter comes with a 12-year warranty.
Although not transparent on their website, research has found that Encor provides a 5- or 10-year workmanship warranty on its systems. Ten years is usually standard, but Encor falls short of the industry-leading 25-year warranty many solar installers are now offering. Because it’s not explicitly mentioned, we suggest you ask your Encor Solar sales representative for details about the workmanship warranty — and make sure it’s written in the contract.
Encor Solar’s customer reviews highlight some positive aspects of the company, such as speed of installation and its teams’ expertise. However, there is a significant number of negative reviews that cite lack of communication, less-than-optimal customer service and aggressive door-to-door sales practices. Let’s take a look at some examples.
“Dealing with Encor has been a breeze. The panels were quickly delivered and installed. The system has quit producing a couple times [due to] storms and Encor was quick to send a technician to fix the problems. Very happy after nearly 3 years.”
– Patrick B. via BBB
“From the salesman to the installers we are very satisfied and impressed with their ability to work with Idaho Power and the city for inspections and permits. We highly recommend Encor Solar over other companies due to their professional behavior and care of their customers.”
– TH via Google
“This company’s sales team is practically harassing me at this point. They show up at least once or twice a week. I have a clearly posted ‘no soliciting’ sign and they still knock on the door and ring the doorbell until someone comes to the door (5 min. in one case). Every one of them has the same lame story that they are installing on either my neighbor across the street or the one beside me… ”
– Phillip P via BBB
“We used Encor solar to install panels this year. We had only been in our new house 5 wks but the sales guy created a system without asking for historical bills or waiting like he should have. Since the panels were turned on, our kWh usage has doubled and even tripled for some months. … I cannot get timely return emails or phone calls…“
– Kimberley M. via Yelp
A wise way to shop for solar panel installers is to compare multiple companies. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Encor and two other similarly sized solar providers:
Encor Solar | Momentum Solar | Trinity Solar | |
EcoWatch Rating | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4 |
Year Started | 2016 | 2009 | 1994 |
Services Offered | Solar panel and solar battery installations; roofing services; energy efficiency upgrades | Solar panel and solar battery installations | Solar panel, solar battery, EV charging and solar roof shingle installations |
Service Areas | OR, CA, NV, ID, UT, AZ, CO, NM, TX, KS, MO, OK, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL | U.S. | NJ, NY, CT, MA, PA, MD, RI & DE |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A+ |
Payment Options | Cash, loan | Cash, loan, lease | Cash, loan, lease, PPA |
Below we’ve answered some of the most common questions customers ask about Encor Solar. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Encor Solar was registered with the local authorities as a licensed solar company at the time of its formation. It has a track record of legal operations over the past few years and has served thousands of customers in a legit manner.
Encor offers affordable solar power systems using reputable equipment installed by trained staff. It also has a remarkable amount of experience in the solar industry. Encor might not set the best example when it comes to communication or customer experience, but aside from that it is a good deal for homeowners.
Using Encor Solar, or any experienced renewable energy company for that matter to install a solar system, can lower your electricity bill. In some cases, homeowners can even offset 100% of their energy consumption — sometimes eliminating their power bills altogether — through the process of net metering.
Encor Solar is one of the less expensive brands in the U.S. when it comes to solar panel installations.
Encor Solar is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, and serves 16 other states: New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, North Carolina, Oregon, California, Idaho, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. Its website is encorsolar.com and the phone number is 888.543.6267.