A1A Solar Contracting, Inc

A1A Solar did great for us. We love our system!

My husband and I bought solar from A1A, with two Tesla Powerwall batteries a little over a year ago. We love our system! The process was easy. Our sales guy, Sean, has been communicative and reachable the whole time, and explained everything to us, and we had lots of questions. Pete, the owner of the company, also spoke to us on the phone and answered a few questions. We like the fact that this is a local veteran owned business. Our system only took two days to put in, and the guys who put the panels on the roof were very professional. We got a big tax refund from the IRS because we went solar. Couldn’t be more thrilled!

Professional end Helpful

Nick and Carlos were so helpful, polite and professional. I had many questions about the installation of the solar panels and the electrical boxes. They explained so much to me. After turning off the power to my house they checked the power to make sure all went back to normal. Nick and Carlos were awesome.

wonderful company all around

A1A Solar was so professional from beginning to end. We are so happy with the results. We'd especially like to mention Nick, Carlos and Cliff who communicated with us throughout the process and always followed through. It was a fantastic experience and we are so happy we chose to go the solar route with Tesla power wall.

Finally got what I was expecting from a company

3 Years ago I contracted ECS Solar out of Gainesville to install my new pv system. Not only did they mess up the job, but I had an ongoing lawsuit with them until they successfully skipped town. So now I brought in A1A to fix that mess up and upgrade my system to be the way it should have originally been. I REALLY wish I had just gone with A1A in the first place because these guys got the job done right and in an orderly time.

Positive response to promised results

In 2018 I chose to review estimated costs on installing solar panels on my roof. After receiving several I met with ssles individuals from each. I decided to hire A 1 Solar primarily due to Sean Smith who said don’t hire A 1 Solar because we will not be your cheapest estimate hire us due to the contractors we use yo install the system. He was extremely honest, forthright and immediately available if I needed assistance. I would hire Sean in a heartbeat should I ever need a sales representative in the future

Service Excellence

The post-install customer service is excellent! We had an outage after a nasty summer storm. A1A came out within an hour of our call to help with our 22kw generator (lightning strike). No runaround, no long wait. They were all over it!

Best Idea I Had

I walked by a home in my neighborhood that installed solar panels for about a year. Finally I contacted the neighbor and he told me about A1A Solar. I contact the owner and he put me in touch with Sean Smith in July 2019. The first quote from Sean was the Cadillac quote but we settled on the Buick quote. I thought about it a long time but I do not regret my decision one bit. I signed the quote and the company took care of the rest. Virginia and Shannon in the office are great too. They answered my questions, helped with setting up installation and JEA inspection. I did not buy the batteries when my panels were installed. I have now purchased the Tesla batteries in 2020 and I am 100% self powered. I want to give a shout out to Nick and Carlos too who installed my batteries this past month. They were here when promised and completed the battery work in a timely manner. I would highly recommend A1A Solar for your solar energy needs. My son now is purchasing the solar system for his new home from A1A Solar.

Sunny and Satisfied

I just saw my Facebook Memories of my solar journey come up last week. It has been so exciting to see the sunshine and know that the meter is turning in my favor and not that of the local electric company. Living the GREEN life just makes me happy. Sean T. Smith of A1A came in January 2018 to talk about the possibilities and to get the information about past usage and what appliances and general information of our current needs. He took it to the office and they take a satellite view to see if your place is a good candidate for the solar panels. When I was still deciding, the owner Pete Wilking, invited me out to their central office and warehouse to see the operation and the setup they have and their installation procedures. I was satisfied that this company was indeed A1A, the best. I had a little roofing trouble but service after the sale is what sets this company apart from the rest. They stood by their product and their craftsmanship. The Enlighten App that I have on my phone, iPad and computer give me the ability to see the panels and the solar production frorm hour to hour, days to day or month to month. I wholeheartedly recommend A1A Solar for your solar needs.

We chose wisely

I’m not one to leave reviews for things, for the most part. That said, A1A Solar merits a rave review, mostly because my neighbor went with a different company, and I can now see how lucky we were. A1A was a little bit more expensive than the other companies we got bids from. One thing that impressed us right off the bat was their sales guy, Shawn Smith. He was honest about the system production and explained the tax credit and it never felt like he was trying to SELL us. My neighbor went with another company from out of town, signed the contract without shopping local. My system was installed within two months (we got installed in late 2018). It took eight months before he got installed, and then something malfunctioned. Short story is that they still do not have a functioning system, while mine’s been up and saving me money for a year with no problems. If you’re looking for solar, choose wisely. A1A knows what they are doing.

Second Time's a Charm

I had left a review after I was misled by the sales guy and I felt I was taken. I would like to update this rating. I used A1A solar a second time to remove and replace my panels and am very pleased. Their engineer contacted me to do a better layout than originally done and he was great to work with. They have a good staff and their communication was very good as I always knew what the next step was and where we were in the process. It is nice to get a call from them that they have detected an issue and are taking care of it, handling the RMA and scheduling the fix around my schedule. I will just sit back and enjoy the sun! It was also nice having no electric bill for March, April and May 2018. JEA actually credited me!

Thrilled

After doing extensive research and meeting with five companies over a period of a year, we took the plunge with A1A last year. Our system actually makes more power than we were promised, and this spring we had negative electric bills. The install was quick and clean. Office staff has always been quick to respond.Our salesman, Shawn Smith, has been patient and professional. We are thrilled to be green, and saving money every month!

Solar doesn't work

First of all, sale rep has lied to us about efficiency of the system (we have all calculation on how much system suppose to produce watts, signed by sale rep). After some time, not getting result, we have submitted request to the company; problem wasn't solved. Company excuse was that their computer shows that everything is working/producing fine. It was like talking to the wall, you are showing to company electrical bills with very low system production, and getting the same answer, that 'our system is working just fine'. Now we have solar for about two years and have to live with it, no promised results, no solutions, no money back. It is a big scam!!!

Happy in a Ponte Vedra Beach

I couldn’t be happier with the products offered, the professionalism and service orientation of the staff, and the final product. There were no surprises and all my questions and concerns were promptly addressed. As a testimony to the commitment to service that everyone seemed to share, some of my questions were answered by the president of the company, to my surprise. Highly recommended.

GOING SOLAR

On a whim, I decided to go solar. I didn't need any convincing, however my concern was which company to choose for the install and how would post install customer service be? Well, I couldn't have chosen any better than A1A Solar!!! Their sales team, followed by finance team followed by install professionals couldn't have done anything better, and I am very sensitive towards promises not delivered or services not provided. On time, as promised and clean, precise work! Since installation, I have had one panel not function as it should, which A1A solar detected from their remote monitoring service AND replaced without me even asking for it!!! Unbelievable service from this A1A team all the way up to Pete Wilking himself, who followed up with a personal phone call after all was done. For seven years now I have had a trouble free, hands-off system that I forget is even there. Only when I see my electric bill each month, I am reminded by the 80% reduction in cost, that I have a 6KW system on my roof... Thanks A1A Solar!!!

ROI is absolutely terrible. Do not trust them or anybody else.

I bought a 11.4 KW system... VERY pricey, but was promised it would be a great ROI. I'm being forced to sell off my house and quite literally am LOSING over 10k than what I paid INTO the house because the system is adding absolutely no value. Needless to say, I'm livid and pissed off and would NEVER recommend these guys or any other solar company...

5 Stars for A1A Solar!

The word that comes to mind for me is PROFESSIONALISM. From start to finish A1A SOLAR ‘s entire team was highly organized. From the salesperson, sales support staff, installation team, and Tech person on staff, they were always there to help me throughout the entire process. A1A SOLAR knows what they are doing and has a professional team to back it up. I can see why A1A SOLAR was involved in putting up the solar panels for IKEA in Jacksonville. Installation was exceptional, a crew of 6 people showed up at my house. Like a well oiled machine each person had their specialized duty. 2 people did all the electrical installations, another 2 people put up the solar scaffolding, and the others installed the panels. Those guys knew what they were doing, which gave me a high level of confidence. During the whole process A1A SOLAR did everything from permitting, financing, installation, and service after the sale. They even have a Tech Person you can call for advice or questions. He will answer all questions no matter how big or small. I also, like the free Solar App, “Enlighten Solar”, which comes with the package. It shows your solar production in Real Time. It gives you solar production reports, every 15 minutes, daily, monthly, and annually. One of my favorite features is it shows me how much carbon offset my solar panels have saved. For example, my carbon offset for June, 2018 was 971 pounds! I also want to put my 2 cents worth into why everyone should go solar. 1. It is essentially Free! Once you have solar panels, you become an Energy Producer. The more energy you produce, the less you pay in utility bills. The savings from your electricity bill goes to pay for the loan on the solar panels. One way or the other, you will pay roughly the same amount, whether it is the electric bill OR the solar loan. Yes, it will take 10 years to pay off the solar loan, but the savings from your electricity bill pays for the loan. The solar panels have a 25 year lifespan. So once your 10 year loan period is up, you are on the 15 year free electricity gravy train. 2. You get a 30% tax credit on the solar panels and installation. Not a tax deduction but a TAX CREDIT! You get 30% off the solar panels and installation, refunded back to you when you file your taxes. 3. You are helping the environment. By having solar, your carbon footprint becomes smaller. It makes me feel good that I am doing my little part to decrease carbon emissions. There is a Value for that and should be considered in your decision. 4. The Value of your house will increase. It makes your house more marketable and differentiates you from the pack. 5. Let’s not forget about the “Coolness Factor”! It’s just super cool to have solar panels on your roof. I feel like someone from Silicon Valley just moved into my house. It shows that you are on the vanguard of technology. As you can see, I love talking about my solar panels. I can assure you will feel the same. 5 stars to Pete and his crew at A1A SOLAR, they know what they are doing, and will make you feel confident about your decision to buy solar.

Simply Outstanding

We got solar through A1A Solar in 2017, after some friends recommended the company. Sean, the sales rep, came to our home, and gave us a detailed proposal and presentation. He was professional knowledable, and never pushy. He’s been fast to respond to questions long after the sale. We financed the system, and got a refund from the IRS, exactly as promised. Our electric bill dropped from around $175 per month to almost nothing. Some months, we have a negative bill. The crews were polite and quick, and the people at the office are always helpful. Great company, and have told our friends about them.

Large Commercial Install

Pete, I write this letter with great admiration to you personally and your organization. Your firm was chosen by REC Solar to do the largest rooftop Solar Renewable Energy job in the Jacksonville, Florida market to date. The competition your company faced during the RFP process was very formidable. Your firm was the smallest, but since you were local we gave you a shot to compete. During the RFP process I spoke to a successful business owner for whom you built a Solar Renewable system. During the conversation he made a comment that stayed with me. “If Pete makes a commitment to get something done, he will regardless of the cost to him and he will meet his obligations and be successful”. The Job you did for REC was second to none. It has been a real pleasure to be associated with you and your strong management team. Your organization brings true professionalism to the table. Your firm’s workmanship and the follow-up to detail as well as your published schedule are commendable. I am glad to make the following statement with respect to A1A Solar; “Both I and REC Solar appreciate what you and your organization has been able to accomplish for REC Solar.” Sincerely, William “Bill” Rogove

Very happy with A1A Solar

Outstanding team and customer focused operation. Highly efficient process. Really happy with the final outcome. My company has a business relationship with A1A Solar. And that's how I first explored doing rooftop solar panels for my home. I'm pleased to mix business with pleasure by doing business with our clients. I'm proud to work with them and their fast-growing, combat veteran-owned green tech company.

Delighted with A1A Solar

My solar installation was complete in December 2017. I was beyond pleased with the entire process. Larkin Wood took the time to explain everything in great detail...From the concept, features and benefits, financial, tax implications, etc. I just received my second electric bill since installation… both bills were $15 ( The service fee charged by the utility company) which is what I have been told to expect. I just filed my taxes and the tax credit, supported by paperwork from A1A, Was exactly what I expected. The installation was efficient, attractive, and timely. Every person I worked with was professional. For Other reasons, I had a real estate appraisal done after the installation, and it supported the fact that the solar substantially increased the value of my home. And I feel like I am doing my part, in some small way, to help protect the environment.

North Jacksonville Installation

A1A was very forward and clear with all the steps of the design and installation process. Jim Schwed was my initial point of contact and stayed involved throughout every phase. I am extremely satisfied with not only the professionalism and workmanship, but also the attention to detail that the office staff showed when getting all my paperwork pushed through with City of Jacksonville and JEA. Whole Heartedly recommend!

Great job!

Glad that our Co-op chose A1A Solar and that we decided to have A1A Solar install our system. Very happy with all of the A1A crew, but want to give special thanks to: Larkin Wood, Solar Specialist; Peter Arnold, PV System Designer, and to Kareem and his partner, solar panel installers.

Enjoyed working with Jim and the installation crew!

It was a pleasure working with Jim. He provided us with a plethora of information and we never felt pressured into purchasing the system. The installation crew did a good job and the entire process was very smooth.

Great Service and System

A1A was extremely professional and delivered a system that has produced enough electricity to completely power my home and charge my electric vehicle. I have not paid the power company for electricity since my system was installed. My system also made it through Hurricane Irma with no damage. The A1A team, including each person on the installation team, has been a pleasure to work with.

Happy to Report

We are very satisfied with the results on our electric bill but not happy with the fact that JEA sent us a tax bill for the IRS in the savings we have incurred. We utilized the tax write off this year and are planning to use the rebate for 2017. The quality of the product is very good and the installation very good as well. The only complaint we had was in the way the finances were handled at the very end of our process. The personal at the end were very demanding even after we had paid 3/4 of the total bill. We had to sell stock & it was a complicated process but the company was impatient and made the end process very unpleasant. Otherwise it was a good process.