Solar Optimum Review: Costs, Quality, Services & More (2024)

Solar Optimum Services and Installation

Solar Optimum offers solar energy and battery back-up systems and roof installations for homeowners as well as commercial customers in California. The company offers components from some of the best manufacturers in the world, including giants like Tesla, Enphase, and Panasonic. These service and product options translate to excellent solar power systems that are long-lasting and perform well. In addition, the company has noteworthy customer service that is readily accessible.

Solar Installation Experience

Going solar with Solar Optimum involves four basic steps:

Step 1: Initial Consultation, Site inspection and Design

Once you provide your phone number and address on the Solar Optimum website, you will be scheduled for a consultation. When you meet with a representative, they’ll go over recommendations for how many solar panels you need and the approximate cost of your system. If you decide to move forward, an engineer will visit your home for a detailed site inspection. They will evaluate your roof layout to create your custom solar system design. They will also scan for any shading problems due to trees and check your electrical box and its capacity.

Step 2: Permits, Paperwork and Preparation

This step involves applying for permits and paperwork needed to operate a solar power system, including permission to connect to the grid for net metering. The installer will handle most of the work in this step. Solar Optimum will also apply for incentives and rebates you’re eligible for.

Step 3: Installation

Once the permits are received, Solar Optimum will schedule an installation date convenient for you. The installation team will install the racking, solar panels, inverter, wiring and other necessary components. This usually takes one whole day, but can take more based on the project’s size and complexity.

Step 4: Inspection and Activation

Your solar energy system can only be switched on if the local governing body approves. It will send an inspector to check the project for safe operation. Once you receive the approval, you can start using your clean energy right away.

Solar Optimum Customer Service

Solar Optimum has earned thousands of positive reviews, while negative reviews are difficult to find. The company states that it focuses on “real relationships and honest talk,” and customer feedback shows the company walks the talk in this area.

Rating:

Great Customer Service

4/5

Get Quote

Regional Service

Solar Optimum Costs and Financing

Even though the cost of solar equipment has declined dramatically, cost is still the biggest consideration for most customers thinking of going solar. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the cheapest choice is not always the best. 

The cost of solar panels varies based on project size and complexity. There have been instances of Solar Optimum’s pricing being higher than that of other companies in the area, but quite a few customers state Solar Optimum’s prices were competitive. The company also offers a $500 referral bonus.

Financing Options Through Solar Optimum

Despite the rapid decrease in solar panel pricing, your solar investment will still run into the thousands of dollars, and not everyone prefers to pay up-front. With that in mind, Solar Optimum offers two purchasing models, as shown below:

While cash purchase guarantees maximum savings, loans offer convenience. Solar Optimum does not offer any solar loan or power purchase agreement (PPA) options. Check out our solar financing guide for a detailed description of the variety of solar buying methods out there.

Solar Optimum Solar Panel Warranty

Solar Optimum’s warranty programs outshine almost all other installers. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Equipment warranty: Solar Optimum uses top-tier equipment in its projects and passes on the warranties offered by the manufacturer. For instance, REC/Panasonic solar panels and inverters come with 25-year warranties and performance guarantees. The Tesla Powerwall home battery comes with a 10-year warranty. Solar Optimum also offers a valuable 25-year warranty on both the racking and roofing, an unusual bonus.
2. Workmanship warranty: The workmanship warranty protects the system from flawed installations that may damage the system or prevent it from performing ideally. Solar Optimum offers a whopping 25-year warranty on all of its residential installations, scoring high marks for reliability.

The warranty program also includes an unusual perk: If your system falls short of production estimates, the company pledges to resolve the issue immediately and compensates you for the shortfall.