Simply Solar - Petaluma, California

SPIRE A. B. D. D.

As an architect and general contractor working on high-end design-build projects, I’m always looking for reliable, high-quality companies to work with. Two years ago, we decided to explore solar energy for our home in Mill Valley, built in 1982. Our house was significantly underpowered, and we wanted to avoid the major expense and disruption of upgrading the service panel. After a lot of research, including discussions with our neighbor, who had done a deep dive into solar options, we decided to go with Simply Solar to design and install our system—and it has been a game changer.

Since installation, our electric bills have dropped dramatically from an average of $270 per month to zero. The system has worked seamlessly and has exceeded our expectations.

Three months ago, we added a hot tub, which requires a 50-amp service and draws about 32 amps. Even with the new demand on our system, our second electric bill was just $10! I anticipate that winter months with less sunlight may raise the bill slightly, so I plan to add a few additional panels to compensate for the extra load, and next year, I’ll be installing a battery backup system to make sure we’re fully covered.

Simply Solar has been a fantastic partner throughout the entire process. They are organized, communicative, and truly professional. We couldn’t be happier with how our system is performing, and we strongly recommend Simply Solar to anyone looking to make the switch to solar.

Jill L.

I researched and talked with many solar companies before I chose Simply Solar based on their reviews. During the installation when they hadn't been paid fully they were responsive. What I didn't expect was the poor customer service after installation.
Our first encounter was when we got audited by the IRS for the tax credit. The IRS wanted a manufacturer certification that the system was legit and installed by a reputable company. I was told (after calling numerous times and leaving messages with no call back) this document didn't exist. Our tax credit was reversed with penalties and interest.

Several months later one of our inverters went out. I called for service. Again no call back. I finally reached Mark in customer service via email. I was told he would contact Solar Edge (the manufacturer) and find out how to solve the problem. I contacted Mark weekly for 6 weeks and was told in a not so nice way that I was on the list and I would have to wait for an appointment.

After waiting another month for an answer and to get on the repair schedule, with no results, we called Solar Edge directly. While talking with Solar Edge we asked about the manufacturer certification.Turns out there is such a thing as a manufacturer certification which we sent to the IRS which satisfied them.
At the time we asked Solar Edge for another company to service our system. We called them and they sent someone out the next day.

I originally contacted Simply Solar on November 2nd and they are just now (January 8th) getting around to offering an appointment that is not a last minute cancellation for them.

Our system is now fixed by the other company.

Claudiu A.

I don’t recommend this company for any kind of services. They are a nightmare to work with. We recently had to replace our roof to our home. We have had solar panels on the roof prior that were bought and installed by Simply Solar. In our contract with Simply Solar we had a free solar panel removal and re installation. When I first called them on 10/9/24 I was told that they are currently very busy so the lead time for them to take down the panels was 2 weeks. They would take down the panels and re installat as soon as the roofing company was done installing the new roof and inspection was passed. I communicated with the roofing company and had them scheduled for 11/4/24 with a completion/inspection date of 11/12/24 I wanted to give simply solar plenty of time to schedule the crew as I knew they were busy. They were able to take down the panels in a timely manner(day before the scheduled roof install). On 11/12/24 I called Sara which deals with client services to let her know that we passed the roofing inspection and that we were ready for the install. She told me that the crew was so backed up that she can’t give me a specific date to when the panels will be reinstalled. A few weeks past and I kept getting the runaround. Blaming the weather/ holidays/ people calling out sick/no staff/the install manager could not get her a definitive answer. A bunch of fluff. When asked to speak to a manager, I was getting the run around as well. Finally on 12/11/24 a crew of two came out and installed the panels. The next day a technician came out to wire everything. Took them 1 month from the time the roofing company finished to re install the panels.

On 12/30/24 I reached out via email to Sara to let her know that the panel box is showing error message of "insulation resist check generator". I was told that she would talk to her install manager and schedule someone to come out and fix the issue. She also mentioned that she would would prioritize the issue since our solar has been out since 11/4/24. I have yet to hear back with a scheduled date nor any updates I called them today to speak to a manager or to talk to Jake or Shaw the Managing Partners and was told that they are not available to talk.

If you don’t want to go through the same nightmare experience as I did please don’t use them. There are plenty of other solar companies out there that are responsive and actually take care of their customer.

They charged about 40k in 2015 for the installation and because we had to replace the stilts when replacing the roof that the panels were attached to we have to spend another $3400 as that is not included in their free take down/ reinstallation.

I know that is a lot of information, but I want to share how bad of an experience I’ve had with them.

Update: 1/13 tech came out to fix the issues. After the job was done, he guaranteed me that the panels are in full working condition. Needless to say they are generating some power but not to full capacity. we have 26 panels on the house and it has full sun this since 1/13. We are currently generating 2.8 KWH per day.

I called Sara back to pay the $3400 that I owed for them reinstalling the stanchions for the panels. When I received the invoice, I noticed that they charged an extra $200, so instead of $3400 I paid $3600. I called Sara back the next day. She was very apologetic and mentioned that she would reach out to finance right away and call me back with an update.

Days passed with no communication once again. I called 1/16 to check on status. Was told that they would send a check in the mail for a refund.

In regards to solar generation Sara mentioned that she was not able to check and see if all solar panels were working properly as she did not have access to the system. She also mentioned that we are on her list of things to follow up on but she has not had a chance to get to it.

Monish B.

I selected Simply Solar based on their claims of expertise with flat roofs, but I'm disappointed with the unsightly racks they installed, leaving my house looking unattractive. Additionally, despite assurances that they would handle the main electrical service panel installation, they're now blaming the previous service provider and PG&E for minor issues and want me to go deal with the city of Campbell on approvals, delaying service commencement for two months. Despite reaching out to their CFO and production team three times, I've received no response. I strongly advise against using this company.

Bob P.

We were delighted to find Simply Soar and Rockin’ Roofers for our project. From start to finish they were professional. Starting with our initial contact and discussions about our options through the installation of our roof and then the solar system we were kept informed. The workers did a great job! Thank you one and all.

Jesse S.

Simply Solar just installed their second system for me, this time with 2 backup batteries, and their work is immaculate. Dean, the go-to guy for me and the guy who sold me on simply solar for my first system, made everything easy to understand and has been an email or phone call away for as long as I've had my system. Bobby and his crew are as professional as can be and do pristine work. Everything is straight and level and clean and nice to look at. This is a rare company that does everything right from the beginning to the end. I can't recommend them enough if you're looking for a new solar set up or battery backup system.

Gary K.

Simply Solar added a backup battery to my existing solar panel setup. Price was fair and they even fast tracked permitting in December so I could get the federal tax rebate in.

Dean explained my options and let me choose without any pressure. Adam was super responsive on the admin side. Brandon and Jesse installed the system on the dates agreed. They were all professional, knowledgeable and friendly.

I'm glad I went with Simply Solar as I know I have a solid product that is already saving me money.

Recomended.

Jennifer F.

We've had a wonderful experience working with Simply Solar. We first worked with David Frank who patiently explained everything we needed to know about solar. Once we decided to move forward, we were in great hands with the production team led by Jack Fitchie who continued to keep us in the loop on next steps and the overall process. The team who installed our system this week (Logan, Craig and Keven) was exceptional - very professional, communicative and reassuring about the install. Overall, we are very happy with our experience with the Simply Solar team from start to finish! Highly recommend!