California Solar Electric

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Updated: 20 December 2018
Installer

Installing solar since 1985

California Solar Electric logo

4.65 from 56 Reviews

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California Solar Electric reviews


5 stars

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Breakdown of consumer reviews

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Latest good review thumbs up

GAUSKU | Mission Viejo, CA | 11/15/2024

California Solar and Electric-Valencia

Today my solar project was completed awaiting SCE's processing. What an amazing company. As I stated in my previous review I researched solar and received many quotes over many months and it wasn't until I spoke with Mark Howe at CS&E did I commit. Mark was knowledgeable, friendly and a no BS kinda guy. Mark outlined options and features and pricing and committed to excellence if I selected CS&E. The value was there just in experience, pricing was competitive and the crews that came out were stellar. Luis the electrician was a master at the trade, David, Henry and all the others were dedicated to excellence and true performers at their trade. Elias the project manager was my go to and what a kind and professional individual. Elias is sincere and cares about the client satisfaction and did a fantastic job at scheduling and managing the project. The invoicing was handled by Vanessa at the office and the progress payment schedule and submittal were perfect. Chris the owner was excellent as well in corresponding to ensure overall satisfaction and to outline the goal and vision for the success of the project. This company is a Diamond in the business of Solar and Electric and I highly recommend them to anyone considering solar, battery backup, EV chargers and panel upgrades. This is the Gold standard and a Diamond in the industry. California Solar and Electric thank you!

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GAUSKU | Mission Viejo, CA | 11/15/2024

California Solar and Electric-Valencia

Today my solar project was completed awaiting SCE's processing. What an amazing company. As I stated in my previous review I researched solar and received many quotes over many months and it wasn't until I spoke with Mark Howe at CS&E did I commit. Mark was knowledgeable, friendly and a no BS kinda guy. Mark outlined options and features and pricing and committed to excellence if I selected CS&E. The value was there just in experience, pricing was competitive and the crews that came out were stellar. Luis the electrician was a master at the trade, David, Henry and all the others were dedicated to excellence and true performers at their trade. Elias the project manager was my go to and what a kind and professional individual. Elias is sincere and cares about the client satisfaction and did a fantastic job at scheduling and managing the project. The invoicing was handled by Vanessa at the office and the progress payment schedule and submittal were perfect. Chris the owner was excellent as well in corresponding to ensure overall satisfaction and to outline the goal and vision for the success of the project. This company is a Diamond in the business of Solar and Electric and I highly recommend them to anyone considering solar, battery backup, EV chargers and panel upgrades. This is the Gold standard and a Diamond in the industry. California Solar and Electric thank you!

Nel | 12/21/2018

Great Job!

Evan presented all options and thoroughly answered questions. Easy to work with! Alex and Jake installed in one day; were neat, efficient and kept us informed. Great job! Josh and Aaron provided excellent follow up. Thank you all!

John Schneider | Ojai, CA | 08/29/2018

Just Outstanding

We're up! Thanks to the entire California Solar Electric team. Start with Roger: clear presentation of the proposal, responsive to our questions and phone calls, and just a nice guy. The roof installers: Aaron and Gavin, and the electricians: Alex and Jake gave us a excellent neat appearing and serviceable system. Cody and Josh also did their important tasks. My wife and I feel like we have friends along with our new solar system. Thanks to you all and hope I didn't miss anyone because you all were great.

generubin | Ventura, CA | 04/17/2018

Superb Install from California Solar Electric

Due to the field of work I do, I am a perfectionist for detailed work from those that I hire. The guys from California Solar Electric did a fabulous job on my 4kw Sunpower system. Installers were Aaron and Gavin. Electricians were Cody and Jack. All conduit was run beautifully and the all black Sunpower panels look great. All work was done in one day! My sales guy Stephen definitely was knowledgeable about his recommendation and placement. Al in all, this was a really good experience with zero issues at all.

markystarky | 11/22/2017

Quick, professional, and friendly installation

Josh, Cody, Mike, and all the folks at California Solar Electric are very friendly and professional. I'm still surprised that it was less than a week from start to permission to operate.

AJ17 | 11/01/2017

CSE Review

We just completed installation of our solar energy system by California Solar Electric. We selected them based on their excellent reviews and referrals. We were not disappointed. They did a great job. The attention to detail, professionalism and willingness to meet our HOA requirements was amazing. Our thanks to our installation team of Aaron, Mike, Jake, Gavin and Cody. Our Sales Representative, Ish took the time to assess our energy needs and answer all our questions. Great Company to work with.

Bluemoon | 10/30/2017

Professional, Quality and Friendly Service

The work was outstanding: from the initial quote (Roger House did a very professional and detailed analysis) to the flawless installation of the installation crew. I'm so glad that I had chosen California Solar Electric; they are very professional and have done an excellent job installing the solar panels. I highly recommend this company.

CLEM93003 | Ventura, CA | 08/24/2017

CLEM Ventura Solar Install

California Solar Electric is an excellent choice for solar install. Tom from California Solar Electric provided honest and direct answers/recommendations during the quote process. He even provided guidance to assist with Roof repair unrelated to the solar install. The process was very easy. The install team were excellent. They explained every detail for install prior to starting setting expectations for completion. I highly recommend California Solar Electric for residential Solar Install

ATE | 08/24/2017

Are you ready for this Jelly?

From the initial sales pitch to the financing and installation the folks at CSE have been nothing but polite and professional. "Ish" the sales rep seems to have a legitimate passion for solar. Alex, Jake and Aaron did an excellent installation (on the day of the eclipse lol). I wish I could find a contractor to do other work on my house that is as attentive, prompt and professional as these guys. The crew definitely deserves a bonus lunch after working all day on my black roof in the Oak View sun. When I say lunch I don't mean some crappy Jim and Robs Burrito either, these guys earned an OBC lunch at the very least. I wasn't initially sold on the project, but I'm glad my wife insisted.

Michaelojai | 04/25/2017

What a great company

Everybody at this company was so friendly, responsive, and professional. During the long permitting process I called Office and said I was confused about what was going on; right away that was a noticeable increase in their communication with me as a response to my concern. The installation itself went very smoothly in the office called me every day to tell me who would be coming out which I found very reassuring

Hi-there! | 04/12/2017

Peaker Plant Killer!

Just can't imagine how this would have gone smoother! In our area, Santa Barbara's Community Environmental Council (CEC) vetted the area's best solar installers, and we went with California Solar Electric, one of their two choices. From design to power-up, everything was easy-peasy; the process to install 10 panels took less than a day. We're now going head-to-head with NRG!

titanspeed | 10/20/2016

Power from the Sun...

By far the best honest straight forward bid. The timing was exactly on schedule, the installation was fast clean and efficient. They were testing the new system within three days of showing up. We added 12 panel system to our existing system.

Judah Kuper | 09/27/2016

I highly recommend this company.

I did a lot of shopping around, starting with the big national companies first. After I had those bids I looked through a lot of reviews to get a couple local companies to give me a bid. I expected the smaller local guys to be able to give me better tech but cost more. I was very pleasantly surprised to get better tech and a better price from California Solar Electric. Dealing with Tom and everybody else was way better of an experience than with the big guys and I was able to really geek out and look at lots of different options before deciding on what was really best for me. Josh, Alex and the rest of the installation crew were knowledgable efficient and in general just did a fantastic job. The permits and inspections were a breeze. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. Also it's nice to know they are monitoring my system on a daily basis and always readily available and nearby. I highly recommend this company.

Mark M. | 06/25/2016

CSE is among the finest!

We were very happy with the solar installation at our home by California Solar Electric, led by Dan Maher and Josh Cauley, and 100% recommend CSE. They have the best customer service ever, and we also loved that they're local to our Ventura home, based in Ojai. We were unimpressed (even put-off) by the marketing and proposal efforts by at least 3 other companies before we luckily found out that CSE had been vetted by the City of Ventura in 2014 to be one of just two companies selected by the Solarize Ventura program. From CSE's professional proposal (offering a choice of SunPower or SolarWorld panels) to their installation and follow up, they didn't miss a beat. I won't go into all of the details here, but when there was a non-trivial issue with our roof after the installation of our solar system, Dan again surpassed our expectations with his communication and project management, taking responsibility on behalf of his company. Dan wrote, "This is the right thing to do given the circumstances, and despite the occasional problems that inevitably arise when interacting with reality, you can count on me to at least do the right thing when given the appropriate insight and opportunity." It is increasingly rare to find honesty and performance like that in today's business world, so needless to say, we are strong advocates for CSE, there employees and work are among the finest!

Serenity Acres | 01/08/2016

Finally a top notch contractor!!

We cannot say enough about this company! Our system is great, working beautifully, installed professionally, and most important all the employees treated our property with respect and cleaned up after themselves!!! Our entire experience with CSE was positive, we knew we made the right choice, starting with Dan Maher who was our contact from the beginning. Dan is extremely knowledgable and has been right there to guide us through this process. He is always available for any questions, concerns, and he is still there if we need him. Cody has been our primary tech and he is very knowledgeable, as is everyone we have worked with from this company, Cody is neat and organized and everything works the first time, and works well! And again, to come home and find the work area completely cleaned up was remarkable.....as it should be, but not what we have experienced sadly. So in summary.....great company to work with if you choose to make a difference and go solar!

reed | 09/01/2015

Solar Installation Great

They did a great job - speedy too. We've been up about 3 weeks and no problems. We are quite satisfied with everthing.

Bill Woods | 08/27/2015

My private piece of the sun

The crew was very professional. The crew were well informed and kept me in the loop at all times. The crew cleaned up after each days work. I was very happy with the service and installation.

Yohan | 08/11/2015

Great Job!

We talked to other solar companies, but California Solar Electric was the only one who would come to our house for an evaluation without signing a contract or agreement. The salesman, Tom Burt, was on time, answered our questions, returned all email and phone calls in a timely manner. Another company told us solar wouldn't work on our house because of the trees on the south side, but Tom worked out a plan for panels on the west and east sides. They were installed quickly, efficiently and on time. Everyone we dealt with from sales, installation and office were friendly, efficient, and professional. Highly recommend this company. Our panels are up and running and we are very happy!

asylumslave | 06/15/2015

My excellent solar experience.

All aspects from purchase to installation were handled without a hitch. All conduct was consistently professional to the highest degree--great price, great and honest communication, prompt email and phone contact, courteous and efficient installation crew for my sloping, ground-mount location. I wish all my construction projects could be this easy.

Deakin | 05/22/2015

Outstanding Review

Highest praise for Tom Burt and crew! And I've turned away about four installers (from other companies) before choosing them. When two neighbors praised them, I went ahead. I could not be more happy.

JohnP | 04/22/2015

Unitarian Universalist Church

We spent months deciding on which installer would be the best fit for our church. California Solar had the most cost effective plan. We had 65 panels and three inverters that should produce 18.2K. From start to finish I found them very professional. I would recommend them for any project small or large. General contractor John Puccetti

Bob and Lin | 11/19/2014

Efficient, neat and professional

I selected California Solar Electric after attending a presentation by Solarize Santa Ynez Valley in Solvang. I was impressed by the answers that Tom and Sam gave to the questions posed by myself and several of the other attendees. The crew did a great job on our installation. They had even thought to bring matching paint for the exposed conduit leading to the panels. When they finished each day they cleaned up so there was no debris left behind. Cannot remember all of their names, but Cody, Alex and Mike answered all my questions and explained how to operate the system. We are hoping to receive authorization to turn on our new system from PG&E very soon. We would definitely recommend them to anyone contemplating a new solar system. Bob and Linda Solvang

Lin | 11/19/2014

Get it done right and with care!

Ours was a little different installation in that we per-constructed a patio lattice with the intent that the solar panels would be the roof. This would provide shade for our southern exposure but also provide solar power. Since there were few installations of this kind to look at, or review, Sam Elias (California Solar Electric) worked with us to find a licensed contractor to build the patio frame. Once the frame was completed CSA scheduled the panel installation. Sam and Josh Cauley kept us informed as to scheduling and equipment arrival so we could plan for when their work would be on site. On installation day the crew worked together to install the panels on our frame (slightly different than their normal installation) so that the bottom of the panels would be our view of the trellis roof. Since the wood frame trellis was independent from the house they installed a flexible connection to the house in case of a seismic event. All work was done with our goal in mind. Very well done by them and appreciated by us. If anyone is thinking about a similar installation, contact Sam and/or Josh at California Solar Electric and you are welcome to see or inquire about our trellis roof installation.

tlowe | 10/24/2014

Service and Installation

The crew did a terrific job installing our solar panels. Sam Elias worked with us extensively on the location of our panels before installation. Due to the fact, we didn't like the curb side view of our neighbor's solar panels. Sam worked out a location on our roof that would hide most of the panels from view and provide an area where our solar panels would obtain sufficient sunlight throughout the day. A neighbor came over to ask us about our solar panels. The first thing said was how they were hidden from view. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the installation and the day SCE no longer sends me a bill!

Trails Galore | 09/28/2014

Professionalism at its Finest

In July of 2014 we made the switch to solar. The crew-Cody, Ramiro, Alex, Dale, and Trenton-were outstanding. They worked nonstop, communicated with one another professionally, kept me apprised of all installation steps, and we're very respectful. We were extremely satisfied with their service and highly recommend them.

Bos | 09/12/2014

Excellent Job

California Solar Electric did an excellent job throughout the project at our house. From the straight forward sales meeting to scheduling to installation to approvals to SOLAR ENERGY! They followed through ane did everything they had committed to. They were very friendly and courteous to work with. They very flexible with the placement of the equipment and met our schedule. Overall the earned an "A" grade.

Goldy | Ventura, CA | 07/07/2014

A Job Well Done

We are the new proud owners of a residential solar system, because of the efforts and guidance of Mr. Sam Elias. Mr. Elias gave us a thorough presentation of our options, and enabled us to understand the workings and benefits. He was very careful to attend to the details, and personally and completely supervised the one day installation. Immediately after the utility company approval, he activated the system. We are grateful to Mr. Elias and California Solar Electric for all their help.

piggy | 07/07/2014

INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS

Samir Elias was our first contact person with CA. Solar. We were very impressed by his presentation. His honesty, and detailed explanation were much apprecialted. We signed up immediately. The dates set were adhered to; the workers were on time. The entire operation was completed in one day. All workers were friendly and courteous. Samir was present throughout the entire operation. He also kept in constant contact with us to keep us updated on the progress and time schedule of all operations. This was done even after the panels were installed Samir is a very personable person with a lovely disposition. I would recommend him to anyone interested in installing solar panels

Lesley | 06/26/2014

Mark Residence Bluebell St., Oxnard, CA

I highly recommend Calif Solar Electric for solar system installation. Calif Solar Electric was recommended to me by JL Bell, Oak View. Owner Roger House worked up several exhaustive detailed quotes and alternatives for my consideration. He explained everything very clearly and always asked if I understood. NO high pressure or evasive answers at all; just honest answers, pertinent, easily understood information. CA Solar Electric was one of several companies I reviewed and received solar installation quotes from. They are by far head and shoulders above all others. They have just completed the installation for my home. The entire installation crew is extremely professional, clean, efficient, and very courteous. They answered all my questions during the installation process and showed me how to operate the system. I couldn't be more pleased with the appearance and workmanship. They get a score of 10 out of 10!

Ojai Guy | 01/20/2014

Seamless, professional and supportive from A to Z!

I was introduced to California Solar Electric by our town's non-profit community environmental organization - the Ojai Green Coalition and I'm so pleased that I chose to contract with California Solar to install a high-capacity system representing the very latest and best technology (no fear of getting some inferior Chinese-made panels here) on my home's slanted Spanish-tiled roof. From the first contact by California Solar Electric through the entire process: the initial evaluation of what level of solar panel and converter I'd need, an analysis of my Edison bills to see how long it would take to pay for the system from my energy savings, to safely remove a significant amount of Spanish tiles on a very slanted roof and prepare the roof for solar panel installation - leaving a small "walking path" that can't be seen on the roof but will facilitate future cleaning of my solar panels - the way in which the conduit was positioned and then finally taking care of all the Edition rebate paperwork for me - these people really took as much care in making me a satisfied customer as they took when working and installing on my home's new solar electric system. I wholeheartedly and highly recommend them. They've even followed up TWICE to be sure that I was satisfied and pleased!

dksven | Ojai, CA | 11/13/2013

Highly Recommend

These guys delivered what was promised, and really know the business. Gave a competitive turn key price without expensive add ons or change orders, and took the time to be sure we knew how these systems work and what to expect going in. What more can you ask?

Ojaigal | 407 Palomar Rd. Ojai, CA | 10/11/2013

Great job!

These guys were great. Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. They also went above and beyond to work out an unrelated problem for us on a pre-existing system.

DrivingOnSunshine | 09/09/2013

Great experience

Aaron, my sales consultant, was very easy to work with and no pressure and the installation crew was very friendly and conscientious while working on my property. I now am saving tons of money with a solar system that powers my house and my electric car. I'm loving the feeling of driving on sunshine and highly recommend this company!

Jeff Zuck | 08/27/2011

Vern Novstrup | 08/27/2009

Elaine Krankl | 01/28/2009

Bob Sanders | 07/29/2008

Dan LaPorte | 07/28/2008

Jeff Thatcher | 06/26/2007

I refer this co. all the time. Just yesterday I called the co. and told them of 4 new leads. I am a Gen.Contractor and these guys are low maintenance!

Bill Reed | 06/09/2007

Jason did an excellent job on presenting the system and executing the contract. Tef and the installation crew were outstanding and their attention to detail was perfect. Cam was personally involved to ensure customer satisfaction. The only suggestion would be that someone at CSS should do a follow up call a few months after installation to see how it is performing. Other than that, CSS knows their business and gets an A+++ from me.

Jim Downer | 06/01/2007

California Solar is a great company selling a great product. The incentive for Solar was the high cost of electricity and the high return on solar investments.

Dr. Robin Bernhoft | 05/30/2007

My only complaint is about three feet of trench behind some bushes was not filled in. Otherwise excellent. I suspect they will fill it in happily when I get around to calling them

Amy Girling | 05/29/2007

Nawang Lhautara | 02/08/2007

Len Block | 02/07/2007

Joe Levy | 02/06/2007

Work was neatly done and clean up was best I`ve ever seen a contractor do.

Robert Huizenga | 11/04/2006

It was more convienent for me to deal with the final inspections because I had other final inspections of my own to have done and I wanted them all done at once.

Bill Evenden | 10/30/2006

Brian and Patty Hunt | 09/24/2006

Sooz Glazebrook | 09/22/2006

The manufacturers were late in delivering the panels, to ojai Electric-due to Wrorld Wide demand- however as soon as they got them they were installed.

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Service types


Residential solar - Grid tied

Commercial solar - Grid tied

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California - Ojai

302 N Montgomery Street, Ojai CA, 93023

California - Lynwood

3630 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood CA, 90262

California - El Segundo

143 Main St, El Segundo CA, 90245

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- Ventura

1932 Eastman Ave, Ventura California, 93003

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Licenses


CALIFORNIA C-10 #486924

Contact California Solar Electric


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Head Office
302 N Montgomery Street, Ojai CA, 93023