APS Solar

Won't ever stop calling me

I have received 100+ calls this month on my business line. I don't want the calls amd asked politely to be taken off. They refuse and keep trying to call me. I will start billing your company for every call after this since my verbal warnings won't work I will leave it in writing. Any more calls from your business to my business line will result in bills and any lost revenue impacting my business for the calls.

WARNING: Sorry to say this company is in trouble. No longer bonded (bond cancelled 2/1/25) and their contractor's license is suspended. Now they are under investigation by the California State Licensing Board. They ghosted us also, and have not repaid our deposit despite promising to do so (in writing and verablly over the phone) back in October 2024. Buyer beware.

We had a frustrating experience with Alternative Power Solutions, Inc. (APS Solar) in Sonora, owned (currently or formerly) by Rick Burkhard. Nate and Hayden came out for an estimate to install backup batteries and suggested we apply for the SGIP program to subsidize the cost. We found an amazing company to help with the application, and after months of effort, we secured approval and notified APS. That’s when things fell apart. Communication from APS became sporadic at best. Nate and Hayden would occasionally respond with vague promises to start the installation "as soon as they finished their current project." The receptionist, Ashley, seemed unaware of any delays and repeatedly assured us we were on the schedule—but nothing ever progressed. Despite our $32,000 contract, APS showed little interest in following through. We made dozens of attempts to connect, but were met with excuses, silence, or—shockingly—hung up on when they realized who was calling. It’s baffling why APS would ghost us after a signed contract, especially for such a significant project. Whether it’s a lack of expertise or poor internal management, something is clearly wrong. After reading similar reviews about their ghosting behavior (unfortunately, after signing our contract), it’s clear this isn’t an isolated incident

The worst

We had a frustrating experience with Alternative Power Solutions, Inc. (APS Solar) in Sonora, owned (currently or formerly) by Rick Burkhard. Nate and Hayden came out for an estimate to install backup batteries and suggested we apply for the SGIP program to subsidize the cost. We found an amazing company to help with the application, and after months of effort, we secured approval and notified APS. That’s when things fell apart. Communication from APS became sporadic at best. Nate and Hayden would occasionally respond with vague promises to start the installation "as soon as they finished their current project." The receptionist, Ashley, seemed unaware of any delays and repeatedly assured us we were on the schedule—but nothing ever progressed. Despite our $32,000 contract, APS showed little interest in following through. We made dozens of attempts to connect, but were met with excuses, silence, or—shockingly—hung up on when they realized who was calling. Because of the lack of connection with APS Solar, the batteries approved by PG&E's SGIP program were discontinued. We went out of our way to secure these batteries through the inventory department. Guess what! Nate and Hayden ordered the batteries—and then continued their ghosting behavior. Did they get them for someone else? It’s baffling why APS, under Rick Burkhard’s leadership, would ghost us after a signed contract, especially for such a significant project. Whether it’s a lack of expertise or poor internal management, something is clearly wrong. After reading similar reviews about their ghosting behavior (unfortunately, after signing our contract), it’s clear this isn’t an isolated incident. Proceed with caution if you're considering working with APS.

2024: Rick has retired, and Nate has taken over the business and continues to run it well. Rick had refused to install a battery, saying the technology and market weren't there yet, but with the power outages up here and PG&E credits, a battery makes a lot more sense now. Nate was very professional and competent. One note, they do seem very busy, and have had some staffing issues, so it may be worth some patience getting a hold of him. We got a quote from multiple people to add a battery, and APS was by far the most competitive. 2021: Rick is extremely professional, competent, and easy to work with. When we moved into our house, our neighbor recommended Rick at APS solar. I was amazed at how fast the system went up and we were connected to the grid, and now we watch our meter run backward! Very professional and I would highly recommend!

APS provided us with a solar panel system six years ago. When my control unit bit the dust, Rick was out here quickly to diagnose it. He tried to repair the unit but was unable to, and it was out of warranty. He found a used replacement, and worked very hard with the factory to reprogram it, and then installed it in a different location in the house. His customer service was nothing short of amazing. My wife and I are very happy that we went with APS Solar.

APS installed 24 panels 2.5 years ago for us and did a great job in estimated our needs as well as cost. Great job, very happy with the results.

Excellent Service and Product

From the time Rick came to give us a thorough overview of the system, through the instillation by a great crew, to the final wrap up meeting, we could not have been happier with the service and product. We are now online and enjoying the benefits of Solar generated power. We would not hesitate to recommend APS Solar.

Residential Installation

APS Solar helped us decide which size installation (how many panels) would be best for us. They went on the roof to help select the best location of panels. Interfaced with PG &E and County Officials to obtain proper permits and permission to operate. Installation was completed efficiently. We are very satisfied.

Great company

We could not be happier than with the job done by APS. They were accurate with their estimates and professional in all they did. They brought in a large crew on time and were finished quicker than they said. We have finished our first year of production, and their estimate of our cost for the year was accurate within $32. We highly recommend this company.

Great Investment

My wife and I had debated over the last couple of years whether or not to install a solar system, but finally decided the price and benefit justified the decision to do so. Upon recommendations from family members, we chose APS Solar. We are very pleased with the quality of work and the ease of having it done. They did all of the paperwork, and the install only took a couple of days. We are excited to start the savings! I would recommend APS Solar.

Awesome system and installation

I chose APS Solar and Rick Burkhard as he was the most professional and knowledgeable person I spoke to in my search for a solar company. The project was completed without a single hiccup or delay, Rick explained everything about the system and it's operation in clear terms. His 10 year service and installation warranty is a great value. I found him and his staff personable and a pleasure to do business with. APS solar is highly recommended.

Gibson Family Home

Rick Burkard and his office staff headed by Mona Sims are first class people. From my first contact until the project was complete everything was done quickly and efficiently. With Rick being an electrical engineer all phases of the installation, permits, etc were done expertly.Rick found problems in the house wiring system that he repaired at no extra cost to me even though I had requested the additional correction after the bid was submitted. His comment to me was 'it need ed to be fixed, it was a danger to you and your household'.IOf you live in the Sonora area you wil not find a better company to install your solar. thanks APS Solar

Very Happy

The people at APS Solar were very helpful in making sure I received the best system for my needs. I had two possible locations to install the system. Rick took the time to do shading and energy production calculations on both locations as well as a cost analysis. He then explained all of the information gathered so I was able to make an informed decision on what size system to install and where to install it. The installation crew was very professional and completed a very clean looking installation. My situation took a little extra time to receive the permit to operate from PG&E. APS Solar stayed in contact with me as well as PG&E until everything was in place and I was "on the grid." Thank you very much to Rick, Mona, and the installation crew for a job well done. I highly recommend APS Solar!!

Outstanding

As a retired engineer and business analyst analyzing the benefit of installing a solar system over the past ten years I found the time was now to do so. For over two months I analyzed the benefits of purchasing versus leasing and DIY versus hiring a contractor. After a decision to purchase and hire a contractor I did extensive vetting of big companies and local contractors and decised on APS. The decision was helped by APS having more completed more than six installations in my neighborhood. Once the decision was made and a simple contract signed my solar system was up and running within 30 days. Installation started Aug 29th was completed August 31st and by Sep 1st I was getting credit from PGE for excess power. The owner Rick Burkhart was a pleasure to deal with as were the two workmen, John and Bryan who completed the project.

Very happy customer

It took me a while to getting around to doing this review so I can report with a couple of years of use under my belt. System installed in early Dec 2013. We had a glitch in the system at start-up and Rick dropped everything to apply all his effort to get us going. It turned out to be a faulty connector which was easily corrected once detected. The manufacturer of the Sunny Boy Inverter was very accessible and responsive with their assistance in the trouble-shooting. Since that was sorted out we've been humming along without a hitch. We produce a bit more than we use, but exactly what Rick determined we would get from his design. Sweet!

Best in the West

If you want to go solar, then APS Solar is really the best choice. They are on time, efficient and install a great system. Mona, at the admin office, is right on top of all the paperwork necessary from start to finish. Rick fields every question you might have and he takes the time to ensure you understand the answers. The installer crew is fast and clean. They are in and out with no muss and no fuss. To top it off, the price is right. I highly recommend this company.

Great Company

Thanks to Rick, Mona and the crew for a great job. Great communication and attentive to our needs and questions. Highly recommend this company for your solar needs.

APS - Excellent company

We are very pleased with APS Solar! We found the entire operation professional, reliable and clearly focused on the customer. The entire staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Rick was great and readily available to answer all our questions and explained everything clearly and completely. Working with Mona was a pleasure, she kept us well informed and made doing the paperwork painless. When the installation began Rick and his team, Brian and Jake, arrived when promised. They were efficient workers, worked hard and cleaned up the end of each day. Not only did they begin right on time, but also completed the project right on time. It was a pleasure doing business with Rick and his staff. We love our solar and are already recommending APS to all our friends – thanks APS!

Great job at competitive price

Purchasing a residential solar system from APS was an overall good experience. They are a local company that provided good service. I would recommend you consider using APS if you are looking to install a solar system. My experience: Research: I originally called Rick Burkhard (APS president) to discuss general residential solar system questions and installation scenarios as I was still deciding if purchasing a solar system was appropriate for me. Rick seemed very knowledgeable in his responses. He was also patient with me even though it was clear I was still in the investigative mode. The quote provided was clear and provided me a baseline for comparison with other solar companies. Decision: After completing further investigations and deciding where I wanted the solar arrays installed, I decided to have APS provide me a final/detailed estimate. Rick was prompt in his response. We agreed to equipment & final price (competitive with other solar companies) and installation schedule. Installation: The two-man installation crew did a great job. Brian and Doug were professional, friendly and easy to work with. They arrived each day as scheduled and kept their work locations clean. All aspects of the installation were done in a professional manner (racking, solar panels, inverter and all associated wiring). Once installed, the system was placed in service with no issues. Permit & PG&E: Rick with Mona (APS Office Manager) completed all the permit and PG&E paperwork. Eight days after the system was installed, we were notified by PG&E that we had official “permission to operate”. Follow-up: Rick made a final call to review the warranty information (APS installation 10yr, Inverter 10yr manufacturer, solar panels 25yr manufacturer). He also discussed the systems on-line monitoring and other details related to the system.

Purchase and installation of Solar System

Excellence in every aspect of the process! Knowledgable advice on size and placement of system, seamless installation process and great price. You can't get any better.

Totally turn-key and knows their stuff!

Very smooth process. APS Solar knows the business well and is a well established local company. We had a small gliche in the design/install process which was quickly and professionally handled. Would highly recommend use of this company.

Great home solar installation

APS solar did a great job of fully explaining the system and were very flexible in designing a system to meet our needs. They were timely in their installation and had the system up and running in a few days. They took care of all permits and PG&E communication. I just had to sign a few papers and a check and bam - $10 a month PG&E bill. Great service and great results.

Solidly sold on selecting solar

Absolutely the best experience I've had in dealing with a company. Rick, the owner of APS Solar is a personable, no-pressure kinda guy who is very knowledgeable and honest in his business dealing. He explains everything and makes it easy to understand for those of us who are unfamiliar with solar. The installation was done professionally by skilled workmen that take tremendous pride in the finished product. To say we're pleased would be an understatement. In this day and age with so many unscrupulous charlatans out there, dealing with Rick was a real pleasure.

Loving Solar

This company is A1 in my book I called several other companies who gave me the run around. The owner Rick was honest and answered all my questions.He delivered exacly what we wanted.Appointments were kept and time frames were met.Great company!!!

Residential solar

Great company, the whole process was much simpler than expected. We were very pleased with the end result. Rick and Mona were very efficient and knowledgeable, a pleasure to work with.

Review of APS Solar Install

They were very professional. and kept me informed on all the different stages of the project

High quality local solar company with good customer service

This is a high quality solar company that provides good installation practices, personalized technical explanations and good followup customer service. We are happy with the company owner, office staff and installation crew. We are very happy with the appearance of the system and the crew did a great job of cleanup after the install. The system is performing well and we like seeing the negative amount electricity consumed on our electric bill.

Owner

Rick Burkhard talked to us and explained the system. When he couldn't get our panels from the company that we wanted, he ordered a better panel (more watts) at no extra cost to us. Now that is service!

APS solar review

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