10/30/2015
Anonymous
Had been shopping around for solar companies around for purchasing a roof-mounted photovoltaic system at home in Albany, NY beginning 2014. After extensive research, we had decided to choose RGS, a company with HQ based in Colorado. The system was completed only recently & PTO issued after 11 months from design stage.<br /><br />Designer I worked with was from Colorado and designed us a system over the computer & phone. Pretty knowledgeable but aggressive in earning your business. In fact, so much that when he had proposed me the price after rebates and tax credits, the calculations made were inaccurate and rather illegal. <br />.... NYS has NYSERDA rebates and state tax credits (25% as of 2015) on top of federal tax credits (30% , as of 2015). Tax credits are based off of the total out of pocket expense cost to customer . i.e. Say system pre-rebate costs $20,000, after a $4,000 rebate, the tax credits are calculated based on the $16,000 cost. <br />The designer proposed to me the final cost based on 25% of the pre-rebate cost, and not the post-rebate cost. Despite me telling him this is not how it is calculated, as a designer out in Colorado, he insisted he's seen this "many times" where homeowners would apply the tax credit his cheaper way. <br />(1) This was rather unethical ; to file taxes illegally to save hundreds of dollars would not be worth it.<br /><br />During the design stage:<br />(2) Because their closest office was 2 hours away in Westchester NY, their service in Albany NY had been poor and response time was long. Often times I got their voicemail, but did not hear back from them until 2+ days later via phone or email.<br />(3) Response time too long resulted in RGS losing out on some NYSERDA rebate that had been based off of Watt-Blockage Structure, thus higher up-front cost incurred to us.<br />(4) One too many design changes: When the final price was agreed upon, few months later RGS submitted a change order for a 280W panels as opposed to their 275W, resulting in price increase. Told initially by the designer this would not result in increase, I was shocked to find out when invoice price was contradictory to what the designer had claimed!<br />(5) Having sought and received approval for an exemption from my town to have panel arrays arranged to override "3 feet fire set-back", RGS has refused to accept it and would do so at $1,000 addition for design changes. <br /><br />Install Stage:<br />(6) RGS subcontracted their work out. D&M alternative was the contractor and they had previously done a few solar install jobs.<br />(7) The subcontractors D&M Alternative Energy were knowledgeable, friendly, and relatively local ~ 1 hour away (Catskills, NY). Worked really hard. However, they had left a few trash behind, including pallets and packaging waste.<br />(8) Wiring conduit job from panels to distribution box was OK. The panels alignment was needed. Upon pointing this out, D&M took action promptly to resolve this.<br /><br />Post-Install:<br />(8) Enphase inverters 250W used. The MyEnlighten App that tracks the energy production is cool. However, the support to Enphase software team is poor as I have been waiting 5 days from them via email for their response.<br />... thought that each individual panel performance may be tracked via the app. <br />(9) Who to contact if something goes wrong? Closest RGS office is 2+ hr away.<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />1.5 stars<br />(-) Lies by designer & poor customer service & long wait all added up to the final score.<br />(+) Finally getting the job done 11 months later!<br />(+) Black SolarWorld panels are made in America and look awesome on the roof. <br /><br />Had I a second chance, I would have done more shopping and considered more of the local or bigger name companies - that work hand-in-hand with you and give you a sense of comforting peace of mind knowing people would be around to quick respond to your needs and service your solar system.<br /><br />Our RGS System: 4.2 kW , 15 280W SolarWorld Panels , 15 250W Enphase Micro-inverters