Big Dog Solar Energy

I went solar back in 2019, during the government incentive. Back when it was "get 30% off your installation refunded". I was lied to and was told I would receive this incentive each year the government offered it (incentive back then was good for 3 years so, 11K each year. "Boom! See? Gov practically paid for your panels"). No. It is a one time only thing. After I signed the contract, the very next day, the same salesman came to me and apologized for his mistake. Not cool. I believe they also tacked on the knowledge they can dangle that 11K dollar kickback and increase the loan while still making it look worth it. Meaning, I feel they seriously overcharged me for the installation cost: My total bill for my 9.3Kw system (10kw being the largest you can get according to local laws), cost me 32K dollars. Getting a look at all the equipment they were installing (models numbers), I could have purchased all of it myself from Amazon at the time for around 12K dollars. Yet, I'll say again: being charged 32K dollars. Maybe solar is right for you. But please consider the following carefully: First off... I ended up trading a 60 dollar monthly utility Rocky MT power bill for a 230 dollar monthly bill, for the next 30 years. You need to consider if this is worth it. Second, How many months (years) will your solar power loan buy in utility monthly bills? My 32K dollar loan is 44 years worth of utility power. I ain't even gonna live another 44 years. Make sure this is worth it to you. Lastly, I will never see the money that I am 'gifting' back to the grid in surplus. In a matter of 3 years RockyMT Power owes me over 2K dollars. I won't see a dime of this. Not even if I close my account. Rocky MT Power owes you nothing for generating power. So please folks, be absolutely sure, that solar is right for you before agreeing to it. Do the math. Don't be an idiot like me who fell for the 3 year incentive every year lie. Or maybe a lie about how your power company will pay you for your surplus. The company has been a pleasure to deal with, but the salesman tricked me.

I went solar back in 2019, during the government incentive. Back when it was "get 30% off your installation refunded". I was lied to and was told I would receive this incentive each year the government offered it (incentive back then was good for 3 years so, 11K each year. "Boom! See? Gov practically paid for your panels"). No. It is a one time only thing. After I signed the contract, the very next day, the same salesman came to me and apologized for his mistake. Not cool. I believe they also tacked on the knowledge they can dangle that 11K dollar kickback and increase the loan while still making it look worth it. Meaning, I feel they seriously overcharged me for the installation cost: My total bill for my 9.3Kw system (10kw being the largest you can get according to local laws), cost me 32K dollars. Getting a look at all the equipment they were installing (models numbers), I could have purchased all of it myself from Amazon at the time for around 12K dollars. Yet, I'll say again: being charged 32K dollars. Maybe solar is right for you. But please consider the following carefully: First off... I ended up trading a 60 dollar monthly utility Rocky MT power bill for a 230 dollar monthly bill, for the next 30 years. You need to consider if this is worth it. Second, How many months (years) will your solar power loan buy in utility monthly bills? My 32K dollar loan is 44 years worth of utility power. I ain't even gonna live another 44 years. Make sure this is worth it to you. Lastly, I will never see the money that I am 'gifting' back to the grid in surplus. In a matter of 3 years RockyMT Power owes me over 2K dollars. I won't see a dime of this. Not even if I close my account. Rocky MT Power owes you nothing for generating power. So please folks, be absolutely sure, that solar is right for you before agreeing to it. Do the math. Don't be an idiot like me who fell for the 3 year incentive every year lie. Or maybe a lie about how your power company will pay you for your surplus. The company has been a pleasure to deal with, but the salesman tricked me.

I went solar back in 2019, during the government incentive. Back when it was "get 30% off your installation refunded". I was lied to and was told I would receive this incentive each year the government offered it (incentive back then was good for 3 years so, 11K each year. "Boom! See? Gov practically paid for your panels"). No. It is a one time only thing. After I signed the contract, the very next day, the same salesman came to me and apologized for his mistake. Not cool. I believe they also tacked on the knowledge they can dangle that 11K dollar kickback and increase the loan while still making it look worth it. Meaning, I feel they seriously overcharged me for the installation cost: My total bill for my 9.3Kw system (10kw being the largest you can get according to local laws), cost me 32K dollars. Getting a look at all the equipment they were installing (models numbers), I could have purchased all of it myself from Amazon at the time for around 12K dollars. Yet, I'll say again: being charged 32K dollars. Maybe solar is right for you. But please consider the following carefully: First off... I ended up trading a 60 dollar monthly utility Rocky MT power bill for a 230 dollar monthly bill, for the next 30 years. You need to consider if this is worth it. Second, How many months (years) will your solar power loan buy in utility monthly bills? My 32K dollar loan is 44 years worth of utility power. I ain't even gonna live another 44 years. Make sure this is worth it to you. Lastly, I will never see the money that I am 'gifting' back to the grid in surplus. In a matter of 3 years RockyMT Power owes me over 2K dollars. I won't see a dime of this. Not even if I close my account. Rocky MT Power owes you nothing for generating power. So please folks, be absolutely sure, that solar is right for you before agreeing to it. Do the math. Don't be an idiot like me who fell for the 3 year incentive every year lie. Or maybe a lie about how your power company will pay you for your surplus. The company has been a pleasure to deal with, but the salesman tricked me.

Feedback to Big Dog Solar: A bit of background, Big Dog Solar recommended a 4,000 watt system for our home based on their computer modeling of our usage for the previous 10 months of service (my wife and I have only lived in this home that long). So upon their recommendation we had ten 400 watt solar panels installed on our home in September of 2023 and started generating power on the 21st. We were lucky in the fact that the positioning of the solar panels were on the south side (back yard) of the home and got potentially direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Just a side note: their installation crew was top notch and got the job completed in less than a day with zero problems. The purpose of us installing solar panels is to give us independence from the power company and if our solar panels generate excess power and we can use that excess as credits for future short solar generations’ days/month because of inclement weather (clouds and snow). Because we had the solar installed late in the summer we did not generated any excess power because of a some cloudy days toward the end of month of September and had to pay the power company for 37 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power that we used from the grid. This carried on for the month of October (we paid the power company for 71 kWh); the month of November (we paid the power company for 128 kWh) and for December (we paid the power company for 278 kWh). For this feedback this is far as we will go with the data. We have not generated any excess power yet due to the fact that in winter there are so many days that are cloudy that the panels cannot generate enough power, no matter how many panels you have installed. The bottom line is that late spring and summer and early fall is when the solar panels will give out their maximum power and at that time we are anticipating that we will be getting excess power in our account to pay for the lack of sufficient generated power in the winter. I have created a spreadsheet that lists: 1) How much power is being generated on a daily basis from our ten panels. 2) The kWh that we are being charged from the grid (hopefully after spring comes that will always be 0). 3) The excess kWh our panels are generating (we should we get excess in the spring and summer and early fall and they should accumulate). 4) The average generated solar kWh/day that we are generating. 5) The average kWh/day that we use from the grid (hopefully by spring/summer that will also go to 0 and remain there). Is the spreadsheet overkill, probably, but it answers one big question? Do we have enough solar panels to do the job so we don’t have to get power from the grid? For this discussion I am only going to use the last quarter of 2023 kWh power amounts that I had to purchase from the gird. So from October through December I had to purchase 477 kWh’s of power. That means in the last quarter of 2024 if I use approximate the same amount as the last quarter 2023 I would need to make at least that 477 kWh’s excess power during spring, summer and fall (and that is not even considering the 1st quarter of 2024). Also, do I need perhaps 10 percent more panels than we have to insure that we have excess credit with the power company? If we have another bad winter like 2022-23 or a very cloudy summer then maybe a couple of extra panels would be nice. But again, if you have lots of excess credit saved up you would not need the extra panels. To get that answer will take a winter and a summer of using real data. My recommendation: For me I do not like to be dependent upon the power company. Their price will always being going up. Yes, there is a cost for installation but Big Dog has an answer to that and it will involve tax credits from the Federal and State governments. They have other incentives and ways to reduce your initial cost and you would have to ask and deal with them. So for me, I think it was a good deal. Big Dog Solar is a great company to work with. They will tell you honestly, up front, your options and let you decide. One thing that is great about Big Dog Solar is that they will NOT over sell you on what you need to get the power you need. This will save you money! That’s it for now. If Big Dog Solar want me to generate another feedback in spring and then again in summer, I could do that.

Feedback to Big Dog Solar: A bit of background, Big Dog Solar recommended a 4,000 watt system for our home based on their computer modeling of our usage for the previous 10 months of service (my wife and I have only lived in this home that long). So upon their recommendation we had ten 400 watt solar panels installed on our home in September of 2023 and started generating power on the 21st. We were lucky in the fact that the positioning of the solar panels were on the south side (back yard) of the home and got potentially direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Just a side note: their installation crew was top notch and got the job completed in less than a day with zero problems. The purpose of us installing solar panels is to give us independence from the power company and if our solar panels generate excess power and we can use that excess as credits for future short solar generations’ days/month because of inclement weather (clouds and snow). Because we had the solar installed late in the summer we did not generated any excess power because of a some cloudy days toward the end of month of September and had to pay the power company for 37 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power that we used from the grid. This carried on for the month of October (we paid the power company for 71 kWh); the month of November (we paid the power company for 128 kWh) and for December (we paid the power company for 278 kWh). For this feedback this is far as we will go with the data. We have not generated any excess power yet due to the fact that in winter there are so many days that are cloudy that the panels cannot generate enough power, no matter how many panels you have installed. The bottom line is that late spring and summer and early fall is when the solar panels will give out their maximum power and at that time we are anticipating that we will be getting excess power in our account to pay for the lack of sufficient generated power in the winter. I have created a spreadsheet that lists: 1) How much power is being generated on a daily basis from our ten panels. 2) The kWh that we are being charged from the grid (hopefully after spring comes that will always be 0). 3) The excess kWh our panels are generating (we should we get excess in the spring and summer and early fall and they should accumulate). 4) The average generated solar kWh/day that we are generating. 5) The average kWh/day that we use from the grid (hopefully by spring/summer that will also go to 0 and remain there). Is the spreadsheet overkill, probably, but it answers one big question? Do we have enough solar panels to do the job so we don’t have to get power from the grid? For this discussion I am only going to use the last quarter of 2023 kWh power amounts that I had to purchase from the gird. So from October through December I had to purchase 477 kWh’s of power. That means in the last quarter of 2024 if I use approximate the same amount as the last quarter 2023 I would need to make at least that 477 kWh’s excess power during spring, summer and fall (and that is not even considering the 1st quarter of 2024). Also, do I need perhaps 10 percent more panels than we have to insure that we have excess credit with the power company? If we have another bad winter like 2022-23 or a very cloudy summer then maybe a couple of extra panels would be nice. But again, if you have lots of excess credit saved up you would not need the extra panels. To get that answer will take a winter and a summer of using real data. My recommendation: For me I do not like to be dependent upon the power company. Their price will always being going up. Yes, there is a cost for installation but Big Dog has an answer to that and it will involve tax credits from the Federal and State governments. They have other incentives and ways to reduce your initial cost and you would have to ask and deal with them. So for me, I think it was a good deal. Big Dog Solar is a great company to work with. They will tell you honestly, up front, your options and let you decide. One thing that is great about Big Dog Solar is that they will NOT over sell you on what you need to get the power you need. This will save you money! That’s it for now. If Big Dog Solar want me to generate another feedback in spring and then again in summer, I could do that.

Feedback to Big Dog Solar: A bit of background, Big Dog Solar recommended a 4,000 watt system for our home based on their computer modeling of our usage for the previous 10 months of service (my wife and I have only lived in this home that long). So upon their recommendation we had ten 400 watt solar panels installed on our home in September of 2023 and started generating power on the 21st. We were lucky in the fact that the positioning of the solar panels were on the south side (back yard) of the home and got potentially direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Just a side note: their installation crew was top notch and got the job completed in less than a day with zero problems. The purpose of us installing solar panels is to give us independence from the power company and if our solar panels generate excess power and we can use that excess as credits for future short solar generations’ days/month because of inclement weather (clouds and snow). Because we had the solar installed late in the summer we did not generated any excess power because of a some cloudy days toward the end of month of September and had to pay the power company for 37 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power that we used from the grid. This carried on for the month of October (we paid the power company for 71 kWh); the month of November (we paid the power company for 128 kWh) and for December (we paid the power company for 278 kWh). For this feedback this is far as we will go with the data. We have not generated any excess power yet due to the fact that in winter there are so many days that are cloudy that the panels cannot generate enough power, no matter how many panels you have installed. The bottom line is that late spring and summer and early fall is when the solar panels will give out their maximum power and at that time we are anticipating that we will be getting excess power in our account to pay for the lack of sufficient generated power in the winter. I have created a spreadsheet that lists: 1) How much power is being generated on a daily basis from our ten panels. 2) The kWh that we are being charged from the grid (hopefully after spring comes that will always be 0). 3) The excess kWh our panels are generating (we should we get excess in the spring and summer and early fall and they should accumulate). 4) The average generated solar kWh/day that we are generating. 5) The average kWh/day that we use from the grid (hopefully by spring/summer that will also go to 0 and remain there). Is the spreadsheet overkill, probably, but it answers one big question? Do we have enough solar panels to do the job so we don’t have to get power from the grid? For this discussion I am only going to use the last quarter of 2023 kWh power amounts that I had to purchase from the gird. So from October through December I had to purchase 477 kWh’s of power. That means in the last quarter of 2024 if I use approximate the same amount as the last quarter 2023 I would need to make at least that 477 kWh’s excess power during spring, summer and fall (and that is not even considering the 1st quarter of 2024). Also, do I need perhaps 10 percent more panels than we have to insure that we have excess credit with the power company? If we have another bad winter like 2022-23 or a very cloudy summer then maybe a couple of extra panels would be nice. But again, if you have lots of excess credit saved up you would not need the extra panels. To get that answer will take a winter and a summer of using real data. My recommendation: For me I do not like to be dependent upon the power company. Their price will always being going up. Yes, there is a cost for installation but Big Dog has an answer to that and it will involve tax credits from the Federal and State governments. They have other incentives and ways to reduce your initial cost and you would have to ask and deal with them. So for me, I think it was a good deal. Big Dog Solar is a great company to work with. They will tell you honestly, up front, your options and let you decide. One thing that is great about Big Dog Solar is that they will NOT over sell you on what you need to get the power you need. This will save you money! That’s it for now. If Big Dog Solar want me to generate another feedback in spring and then again in summer, I could do that.

Big solar company that doesnt disclouse all information. I was told if I moved I could take them with. I was basic sold a dream and ended up with a $500. This company sucks.

Big solar company that doesnt disclouse all information. I was told if I moved I could take them with. I was basic sold a dream and ended up with a $500. This company sucks.

Big solar company that doesnt disclouse all information. I was told if I moved I could take them with. I was basic sold a dream and ended up with a $500. This company sucks.

Communication was consistent and reliable. System was installed within 10 days of schedule. Inspection was done the day after. OK! xcel energy took about six weeks to put the required meter in. Big Dog Solar and I regularly bugged Xcel. System up and running production a little low, perhaps weather?

Communication was consistent and reliable. System was installed within 10 days of schedule. Inspection was done the day after. OK! xcel energy took about six weeks to put the required meter in. Big Dog Solar and I regularly bugged Xcel. System up and running production a little low, perhaps weather?

Communication was consistent and reliable. System was installed within 10 days of schedule. Inspection was done the day after. OK! xcel energy took about six weeks to put the required meter in. Big Dog Solar and I regularly bugged Xcel. System up and running production a little low, perhaps weather?

Where to start in my review of Big Dog Solar? First, I signed the installation agreement on 9/23/22 and they were supposed to completed the installation by 10/28/22. The installation was complete and online around 1/2/23, so roughly 2 months late. Unfortunately, Big Dog Solar requested payment before the installation was complete and the loan company, EnerBankUSA paid them and hence started my repayment schedule. So, I ended up making two months of payments before the system was operational. The second issue I had with Big Dog Solar is the way they left my property when they were done. I have a large gravel area next to the shop where the solar panel were installed, they asked if they could turn around their trucks in the gravel lot, which I allowed, however I explained to them not to drive on the area next to the fence where the septic drain field was located. Not only did they drive on it, but they left huge ruts in the gravel. The soil underneath the gravel is soft in that area, especially when it’s wet, which is the reason I asked them not to drive on it. No mention of the huge ruts left in the gravel. Fortunately for me, I have a great neighbor who knew I was gone and fixed the ruts for me. They were so bad, he had to bring in farm equipment to level them. The third issue I had with Big Dog Solar is the quality of some of their workmanship. On the inside of the shop ceiling is an electrical connection form the solar panels to the inverters. This connection has a metal housing around it. It is approximately 9 or 10 inches square. There are over 20 screws in that housing, to me it looks like since the metal housing is attached to the steel roof, there should be at least a wood backing instead of screwing into just the metal roof, see picture below. When I inquired about the installation, I was told that is the way they do it and since they agreed it didn’t look good, they would be happy to install a cosmetic cover. I declined the offer, since installing a cosmetic cover would also hide any potential water leaks. Finally, their customer service is awful. I’ve called the customer service line multiple times and at least 75% of the time nobody answers the phone. You are asked to leave a message and a number and they will get back to you. They have never returned my call. My current method of getting customer service is to email the individual that sent me their installation warranty and request a warranty issue be initiated for my installation. Then and only then I have received a call from the customer service department.

Where to start in my review of Big Dog Solar? First, I signed the installation agreement on 9/23/22 and they were supposed to completed the installation by 10/28/22. The installation was complete and online around 1/2/23, so roughly 2 months late. Unfortunately, Big Dog Solar requested payment before the installation was complete and the loan company, EnerBankUSA paid them and hence started my repayment schedule. So, I ended up making two months of payments before the system was operational. The second issue I had with Big Dog Solar is the way they left my property when they were done. I have a large gravel area next to the shop where the solar panel were installed, they asked if they could turn around their trucks in the gravel lot, which I allowed, however I explained to them not to drive on the area next to the fence where the septic drain field was located. Not only did they drive on it, but they left huge ruts in the gravel. The soil underneath the gravel is soft in that area, especially when it’s wet, which is the reason I asked them not to drive on it. No mention of the huge ruts left in the gravel. Fortunately for me, I have a great neighbor who knew I was gone and fixed the ruts for me. They were so bad, he had to bring in farm equipment to level them. The third issue I had with Big Dog Solar is the quality of some of their workmanship. On the inside of the shop ceiling is an electrical connection form the solar panels to the inverters. This connection has a metal housing around it. It is approximately 9 or 10 inches square. There are over 20 screws in that housing, to me it looks like since the metal housing is attached to the steel roof, there should be at least a wood backing instead of screwing into just the metal roof, see picture below. When I inquired about the installation, I was told that is the way they do it and since they agreed it didn’t look good, they would be happy to install a cosmetic cover. I declined the offer, since installing a cosmetic cover would also hide any potential water leaks. Finally, their customer service is awful. I’ve called the customer service line multiple times and at least 75% of the time nobody answers the phone. You are asked to leave a message and a number and they will get back to you. They have never returned my call. My current method of getting customer service is to email the individual that sent me their installation warranty and request a warranty issue be initiated for my installation. Then and only then I have received a call from the customer service department.

Where to start in my review of Big Dog Solar? First, I signed the installation agreement on 9/23/22 and they were supposed to completed the installation by 10/28/22. The installation was complete and online around 1/2/23, so roughly 2 months late. Unfortunately, Big Dog Solar requested payment before the installation was complete and the loan company, EnerBankUSA paid them and hence started my repayment schedule. So, I ended up making two months of payments before the system was operational. The second issue I had with Big Dog Solar is the way they left my property when they were done. I have a large gravel area next to the shop where the solar panel were installed, they asked if they could turn around their trucks in the gravel lot, which I allowed, however I explained to them not to drive on the area next to the fence where the septic drain field was located. Not only did they drive on it, but they left huge ruts in the gravel. The soil underneath the gravel is soft in that area, especially when it’s wet, which is the reason I asked them not to drive on it. No mention of the huge ruts left in the gravel. Fortunately for me, I have a great neighbor who knew I was gone and fixed the ruts for me. They were so bad, he had to bring in farm equipment to level them. The third issue I had with Big Dog Solar is the quality of some of their workmanship. On the inside of the shop ceiling is an electrical connection form the solar panels to the inverters. This connection has a metal housing around it. It is approximately 9 or 10 inches square. There are over 20 screws in that housing, to me it looks like since the metal housing is attached to the steel roof, there should be at least a wood backing instead of screwing into just the metal roof, see picture below. When I inquired about the installation, I was told that is the way they do it and since they agreed it didn’t look good, they would be happy to install a cosmetic cover. I declined the offer, since installing a cosmetic cover would also hide any potential water leaks. Finally, their customer service is awful. I’ve called the customer service line multiple times and at least 75% of the time nobody answers the phone. You are asked to leave a message and a number and they will get back to you. They have never returned my call. My current method of getting customer service is to email the individual that sent me their installation warranty and request a warranty issue be initiated for my installation. Then and only then I have received a call from the customer service department.

I called in for a quote, and received a verbal quote over the phone a week later. Since I never received a visit or a written estimate, I put one together myself (below) using online resources. Step 1: Link for determining how many panels you will need: (use your electric bill and zip code): https://www.gogreensolar.com/pages/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need Step 2: Link for determining your system cost: https://www.fixr.com/costs/400-watt-solar-panel Online estimate using this link for my system cost: $50K avg. 400-Watt Solar Panel Cost Calculator 400-watt solar panels can be found in nearly all types, including thin film, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline cells. Each type typically has a range of costs based on efficiency, performance, and production difficulty. Of these, some types of thin-film and polycrystalline panels are the lowest cost, while other thin film and polycrystalline panels, along with mono-si monocrystalline panels, have moderate costs. The highest quality is generally reserved for PERC monocrystalline cells. Below are the average costs for 10 400-watt solar panels of varying qualities. 400 Watt Solar Panels Costs Zip Code 83422 Panels needed: 80 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost (Material Only) Basic $19,800 - $23,760 Standard: $29,700 - $33,660 Best: $39,600 - $49,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Installation Cost (Labor Only) $16,800 - $20,160 (low) $25,200 - $30,240 (mid) $33,600 - $42,000 (high) Total Costs Low end: $36,600 - $43,920 Medium quality: $54,900 - $63,900 High end: $73,200 - $91,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost per Panel $366 - $439 (low) $549 - $639 (mid) $732 - $915 (high) Solar Panel Information: I was told the panels came out of Georgia (USA), which would mean they are manufactured in Dalton, GA at the Hanwha Facility. I wasn't told of the panel efficiency or quality. I assume average quality. The Hanwha product sells at retail for $410/panel and produces 400W. Here is information on that product: Q CELLS 400W Solar Panels 132 cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G10+ Rated Power Output 400 W Voltage (VOC) 45.3 Cell number 132 cell Cell Type Monocrystalline Pickup at 4 locations or US shipping Link to the Hanwha online store to purchase panels: https://a1solarstore.com/solar-panels/hanwha-q-cells-usa-solar-panels.html Link to mounting hardware: $75/each https://www.bougerv.com/products/4-pairs-41-in-adjustable-solar-panelt-brackets Summary: My project materials cost estimate from Big Dog: $100,000 My own estimate of what it will cost if I do it: $42,000. Online estimate calculator: $36K (low end) to $64K (mid) to $91K (high end). I am not sure what differentiates high end, but I think the Hanwha product would be considered low to mid range based on research. It is an affordable substitute to other manufacturers. My do-it yourself quote: Panels: $32,000 Mounting Hardware: 80 x 75=$6,000 Wiring: $1,500 Electrician: $2,500 for final tie-in. Total materials: $42,000 (That leaves $58,000 for the labor to install) Installation Time: I assume a 4 man crew, this would require 2.5- 10 hour days plus an added 4 hour round trip travel time per day of 12 hours additional per employee. 80 + 48=128 labor hours for the project: Assuming the retail cost/labor hour of $80/hour charged $80x128=$10,240 My system estimate based on retail costs in the market: $52,240. The quote from Big Dog: $100,000 (92% higher). The rep told me my system would never pay for itself. Apparently the market lacks efficiency (competition). I noted the ROI periods below. Big Dog Quote: $3.125/watt x 32000 watts=$100,000; ROI 20 yrs Online Estimator: $1.63/watt x 32000 watts=$52,240; ROI 10 yrs. Do-it-yourself price: $1.31/watt =$42,000; ROI =9 yrs I agree with a $10,000 premium to hire a professional and add another year to the ROI, but not a $47,000 premium and 10 years, at which time the system will be antiquated. I understand if there is plenty of work to choose from. I suggest greater transparency in your estimating rather than turning people away from an informed sustainable energy decision.

I called in for a quote, and received a verbal quote over the phone a week later. Since I never received a visit or a written estimate, I put one together myself (below) using online resources. Step 1: Link for determining how many panels you will need: (use your electric bill and zip code): https://www.gogreensolar.com/pages/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need Step 2: Link for determining your system cost: https://www.fixr.com/costs/400-watt-solar-panel Online estimate using this link for my system cost: $50K avg. 400-Watt Solar Panel Cost Calculator 400-watt solar panels can be found in nearly all types, including thin film, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline cells. Each type typically has a range of costs based on efficiency, performance, and production difficulty. Of these, some types of thin-film and polycrystalline panels are the lowest cost, while other thin film and polycrystalline panels, along with mono-si monocrystalline panels, have moderate costs. The highest quality is generally reserved for PERC monocrystalline cells. Below are the average costs for 10 400-watt solar panels of varying qualities. 400 Watt Solar Panels Costs Zip Code 83422 Panels needed: 80 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost (Material Only) Basic $19,800 - $23,760 Standard: $29,700 - $33,660 Best: $39,600 - $49,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Installation Cost (Labor Only) $16,800 - $20,160 (low) $25,200 - $30,240 (mid) $33,600 - $42,000 (high) Total Costs Low end: $36,600 - $43,920 Medium quality: $54,900 - $63,900 High end: $73,200 - $91,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost per Panel $366 - $439 (low) $549 - $639 (mid) $732 - $915 (high) Solar Panel Information: I was told the panels came out of Georgia (USA), which would mean they are manufactured in Dalton, GA at the Hanwha Facility. I wasn't told of the panel efficiency or quality. I assume average quality. The Hanwha product sells at retail for $410/panel and produces 400W. Here is information on that product: Q CELLS 400W Solar Panels 132 cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G10+ Rated Power Output 400 W Voltage (VOC) 45.3 Cell number 132 cell Cell Type Monocrystalline Pickup at 4 locations or US shipping Link to the Hanwha online store to purchase panels: https://a1solarstore.com/solar-panels/hanwha-q-cells-usa-solar-panels.html Link to mounting hardware: $75/each https://www.bougerv.com/products/4-pairs-41-in-adjustable-solar-panelt-brackets Summary: My project materials cost estimate from Big Dog: $100,000 My own estimate of what it will cost if I do it: $42,000. Online estimate calculator: $36K (low end) to $64K (mid) to $91K (high end). I am not sure what differentiates high end, but I think the Hanwha product would be considered low to mid range based on research. It is an affordable substitute to other manufacturers. My do-it yourself quote: Panels: $32,000 Mounting Hardware: 80 x 75=$6,000 Wiring: $1,500 Electrician: $2,500 for final tie-in. Total materials: $42,000 (That leaves $58,000 for the labor to install) Installation Time: I assume a 4 man crew, this would require 2.5- 10 hour days plus an added 4 hour round trip travel time per day of 12 hours additional per employee. 80 + 48=128 labor hours for the project: Assuming the retail cost/labor hour of $80/hour charged $80x128=$10,240 My system estimate based on retail costs in the market: $52,240. The quote from Big Dog: $100,000 (92% higher). The rep told me my system would never pay for itself. Apparently the market lacks efficiency (competition). I noted the ROI periods below. Big Dog Quote: $3.125/watt x 32000 watts=$100,000; ROI 20 yrs Online Estimator: $1.63/watt x 32000 watts=$52,240; ROI 10 yrs. Do-it-yourself price: $1.31/watt =$42,000; ROI =9 yrs I agree with a $10,000 premium to hire a professional and add another year to the ROI, but not a $47,000 premium and 10 years, at which time the system will be antiquated. I understand if there is plenty of work to choose from. I suggest greater transparency in your estimating rather than turning people away from an informed sustainable energy decision.

I called in for a quote, and received a verbal quote over the phone a week later. Since I never received a visit or a written estimate, I put one together myself (below) using online resources. Step 1: Link for determining how many panels you will need: (use your electric bill and zip code): https://www.gogreensolar.com/pages/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need Step 2: Link for determining your system cost: https://www.fixr.com/costs/400-watt-solar-panel Online estimate using this link for my system cost: $50K avg. 400-Watt Solar Panel Cost Calculator 400-watt solar panels can be found in nearly all types, including thin film, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline cells. Each type typically has a range of costs based on efficiency, performance, and production difficulty. Of these, some types of thin-film and polycrystalline panels are the lowest cost, while other thin film and polycrystalline panels, along with mono-si monocrystalline panels, have moderate costs. The highest quality is generally reserved for PERC monocrystalline cells. Below are the average costs for 10 400-watt solar panels of varying qualities. 400 Watt Solar Panels Costs Zip Code 83422 Panels needed: 80 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost (Material Only) Basic $19,800 - $23,760 Standard: $29,700 - $33,660 Best: $39,600 - $49,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Installation Cost (Labor Only) $16,800 - $20,160 (low) $25,200 - $30,240 (mid) $33,600 - $42,000 (high) Total Costs Low end: $36,600 - $43,920 Medium quality: $54,900 - $63,900 High end: $73,200 - $91,500 400 Watt Solar Panels Cost per Panel $366 - $439 (low) $549 - $639 (mid) $732 - $915 (high) Solar Panel Information: I was told the panels came out of Georgia (USA), which would mean they are manufactured in Dalton, GA at the Hanwha Facility. I wasn't told of the panel efficiency or quality. I assume average quality. The Hanwha product sells at retail for $410/panel and produces 400W. Here is information on that product: Q CELLS 400W Solar Panels 132 cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G10+ Rated Power Output 400 W Voltage (VOC) 45.3 Cell number 132 cell Cell Type Monocrystalline Pickup at 4 locations or US shipping Link to the Hanwha online store to purchase panels: https://a1solarstore.com/solar-panels/hanwha-q-cells-usa-solar-panels.html Link to mounting hardware: $75/each https://www.bougerv.com/products/4-pairs-41-in-adjustable-solar-panelt-brackets Summary: My project materials cost estimate from Big Dog: $100,000 My own estimate of what it will cost if I do it: $42,000. Online estimate calculator: $36K (low end) to $64K (mid) to $91K (high end). I am not sure what differentiates high end, but I think the Hanwha product would be considered low to mid range based on research. It is an affordable substitute to other manufacturers. My do-it yourself quote: Panels: $32,000 Mounting Hardware: 80 x 75=$6,000 Wiring: $1,500 Electrician: $2,500 for final tie-in. Total materials: $42,000 (That leaves $58,000 for the labor to install) Installation Time: I assume a 4 man crew, this would require 2.5- 10 hour days plus an added 4 hour round trip travel time per day of 12 hours additional per employee. 80 + 48=128 labor hours for the project: Assuming the retail cost/labor hour of $80/hour charged $80x128=$10,240 My system estimate based on retail costs in the market: $52,240. The quote from Big Dog: $100,000 (92% higher). The rep told me my system would never pay for itself. Apparently the market lacks efficiency (competition). I noted the ROI periods below. Big Dog Quote: $3.125/watt x 32000 watts=$100,000; ROI 20 yrs Online Estimator: $1.63/watt x 32000 watts=$52,240; ROI 10 yrs. Do-it-yourself price: $1.31/watt =$42,000; ROI =9 yrs I agree with a $10,000 premium to hire a professional and add another year to the ROI, but not a $47,000 premium and 10 years, at which time the system will be antiquated. I understand if there is plenty of work to choose from. I suggest greater transparency in your estimating rather than turning people away from an informed sustainable energy decision.

We would never recommend this company, nor will use them on our next project for our mountain property. First problem. Unknowingly to us, Big Dog was using a 3rd party rep for our system design & installation. They do not disclose this clearly, nor require the reps to clearly disclose, that they are 3rd party reps. More on this later here. Second problem is that our design & install 3rd party rep (who is no longer with B.D. Solar) designed the system too small to keep up with our usage and it burns through our credits too fast from early fall through the winter. Third, problem since the system is too small, we have never not had an Idaho power bill, and for 5-6 months a year, we get an Idaho Power bill is 100.00+, sometimes as high as $120.00+. Fourth problem. Everyone knows that solar is marketed that one replaces their power bill payment with a solar system payment, with maybe a few small bills here and there, especially in the first 8-10 months depending on time of installation. Once credits are accumulated you are supposed to have a net zero power bill. Once your system is paid off you have free electricity. Because our system is too small, we not only have 5-6 months where we have our solar system bill, 140.00, we also have a $100.00+ Idaho power bill those 5-6 months. So effectively all solar did for us, due to the size being too small, is added an extra $600.00-900.00 a year to our cost of electricity. Even once the panels are paid off, we will still be paying for those 5-6 months of Idaho Power bills as we will not ever have a power bill. Our bill for January 2022 from Idaho power was $101.00+ So with solar our electrical cost was $240.00+ Fifth, problem. B.D. Solar blamed 3rd party designer, so claimed no liability to them, especially since he no longer works for them as a contractor. B.D. Solar solution to help us with our problem (not caused by us), was to have us pay them another 13-16K more (on top of the 17K we spent originally) & add to our system. The 3rd party rep simply referred us back to B.D. solar as he is no longer contracted with the company. We requested some type of price break on adding to the new system since the rep was representing B.D. Solar, that request was denied. As consumers who know nothing about these systems, one would think that all reps would be required to be responsible to some degree for the system designs they are selling, as well as the company contracting with 3rd parties. Consumers have no way of really knowing how big of a system they need. Our rep reassured us many times our system was plenty big enough, and even claimed that he had added "extra" panels for our very small two-person hot tub. BUYER BEWARE! Our experience is that B.D. Solar takes zero responsibility for their 3rd party reps who are acting on the companies’ behalf, and they do not confirm that the design systems submitted are accurate. Result consumer screwed over. All B.D. Solar has done for us has cost us more money & pass the buck to the 3rd party rep, who in turn passed the buck back to B.D. Solar. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Apparently, it is time to get a lawyer involved.

We would never recommend this company, nor will use them on our next project for our mountain property. First problem. Unknowingly to us, Big Dog was using a 3rd party rep for our system design & installation. They do not disclose this clearly, nor require the reps to clearly disclose, that they are 3rd party reps. More on this later here. Second problem is that our design & install 3rd party rep (who is no longer with B.D. Solar) designed the system too small to keep up with our usage and it burns through our credits too fast from early fall through the winter. Third, problem since the system is too small, we have never not had an Idaho power bill, and for 5-6 months a year, we get an Idaho Power bill is 100.00+, sometimes as high as $120.00+. Fourth problem. Everyone knows that solar is marketed that one replaces their power bill payment with a solar system payment, with maybe a few small bills here and there, especially in the first 8-10 months depending on time of installation. Once credits are accumulated you are supposed to have a net zero power bill. Once your system is paid off you have free electricity. Because our system is too small, we not only have 5-6 months where we have our solar system bill, 140.00, we also have a $100.00+ Idaho power bill those 5-6 months. So effectively all solar did for us, due to the size being too small, is added an extra $600.00-900.00 a year to our cost of electricity. Even once the panels are paid off, we will still be paying for those 5-6 months of Idaho Power bills as we will not ever have a power bill. Our bill for January 2022 from Idaho power was $101.00+ So with solar our electrical cost was $240.00+ Fifth, problem. B.D. Solar blamed 3rd party designer, so claimed no liability to them, especially since he no longer works for them as a contractor. B.D. Solar solution to help us with our problem (not caused by us), was to have us pay them another 13-16K more (on top of the 17K we spent originally) & add to our system. The 3rd party rep simply referred us back to B.D. solar as he is no longer contracted with the company. We requested some type of price break on adding to the new system since the rep was representing B.D. Solar, that request was denied. As consumers who know nothing about these systems, one would think that all reps would be required to be responsible to some degree for the system designs they are selling, as well as the company contracting with 3rd parties. Consumers have no way of really knowing how big of a system they need. Our rep reassured us many times our system was plenty big enough, and even claimed that he had added "extra" panels for our very small two-person hot tub. BUYER BEWARE! Our experience is that B.D. Solar takes zero responsibility for their 3rd party reps who are acting on the companies’ behalf, and they do not confirm that the design systems submitted are accurate. Result consumer screwed over. All B.D. Solar has done for us has cost us more money & pass the buck to the 3rd party rep, who in turn passed the buck back to B.D. Solar. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Apparently, it is time to get a lawyer involved.

We would never recommend this company, nor will use them on our next project for our mountain property. First problem. Unknowingly to us, Big Dog was using a 3rd party rep for our system design & installation. They do not disclose this clearly, nor require the reps to clearly disclose, that they are 3rd party reps. More on this later here. Second problem is that our design & install 3rd party rep (who is no longer with B.D. Solar) designed the system too small to keep up with our usage and it burns through our credits too fast from early fall through the winter. Third, problem since the system is too small, we have never not had an Idaho power bill, and for 5-6 months a year, we get an Idaho Power bill is 100.00+, sometimes as high as $120.00+. Fourth problem. Everyone knows that solar is marketed that one replaces their power bill payment with a solar system payment, with maybe a few small bills here and there, especially in the first 8-10 months depending on time of installation. Once credits are accumulated you are supposed to have a net zero power bill. Once your system is paid off you have free electricity. Because our system is too small, we not only have 5-6 months where we have our solar system bill, 140.00, we also have a $100.00+ Idaho power bill those 5-6 months. So effectively all solar did for us, due to the size being too small, is added an extra $600.00-900.00 a year to our cost of electricity. Even once the panels are paid off, we will still be paying for those 5-6 months of Idaho Power bills as we will not ever have a power bill. Our bill for January 2022 from Idaho power was $101.00+ So with solar our electrical cost was $240.00+ Fifth, problem. B.D. Solar blamed 3rd party designer, so claimed no liability to them, especially since he no longer works for them as a contractor. B.D. Solar solution to help us with our problem (not caused by us), was to have us pay them another 13-16K more (on top of the 17K we spent originally) & add to our system. The 3rd party rep simply referred us back to B.D. solar as he is no longer contracted with the company. We requested some type of price break on adding to the new system since the rep was representing B.D. Solar, that request was denied. As consumers who know nothing about these systems, one would think that all reps would be required to be responsible to some degree for the system designs they are selling, as well as the company contracting with 3rd parties. Consumers have no way of really knowing how big of a system they need. Our rep reassured us many times our system was plenty big enough, and even claimed that he had added "extra" panels for our very small two-person hot tub. BUYER BEWARE! Our experience is that B.D. Solar takes zero responsibility for their 3rd party reps who are acting on the companies’ behalf, and they do not confirm that the design systems submitted are accurate. Result consumer screwed over. All B.D. Solar has done for us has cost us more money & pass the buck to the 3rd party rep, who in turn passed the buck back to B.D. Solar. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Apparently, it is time to get a lawyer involved.

I got big dog solar in September of 2019. Was told my payment would be around 130. It ended up being 150. I live in Idaho Falls so we have snow usually starting around the end of October and I was told that with the 30% pitch the snow would slide off just like it does on a metal roof. Well it doesn't so from November to mid March my solar panels produced next to nothing. So my power bill went from 177 a month to 500 + and keep in mind I'm still paying 150 for the panels. I next had me taxed done and tried to get the tax credit that I was told I'd get. Well I guess there are certain stipulations to get that as well so I didn't qualify for hardly any of them. So now my solar panels will now cost me 190 a month. So now I've gone from a level pay on rocky mountain power to paying at least 240 a month for my panels and electricity. Now I'm not at all happy about this. So I'm sitting in my house and I get a phone call from big dog for a survey on how I like my panels and I tell them I don't like them. Well the guy didn't believe me about the winter time and the panels not shedding the snow and he looked it up. He said I was right and produced next to nothing. He then said he'd look into it and he would call me back. He never called back. Then about 6 months latter I had a lady from big dog call me to see how it was going and she told me the same thing that she would look into it and would call back. That was 2 months ago but I do have to tell you that I'm not surprised because if I can tell you anything about big dog solar it's that there communication is virtually non existent and once they have your money you are nobody to them. So if you are thinking of getting solar id tell you to not do it.

I got big dog solar in September of 2019. Was told my payment would be around 130. It ended up being 150. I live in Idaho Falls so we have snow usually starting around the end of October and I was told that with the 30% pitch the snow would slide off just like it does on a metal roof. Well it doesn't so from November to mid March my solar panels produced next to nothing. So my power bill went from 177 a month to 500 + and keep in mind I'm still paying 150 for the panels. I next had me taxed done and tried to get the tax credit that I was told I'd get. Well I guess there are certain stipulations to get that as well so I didn't qualify for hardly any of them. So now my solar panels will now cost me 190 a month. So now I've gone from a level pay on rocky mountain power to paying at least 240 a month for my panels and electricity. Now I'm not at all happy about this. So I'm sitting in my house and I get a phone call from big dog for a survey on how I like my panels and I tell them I don't like them. Well the guy didn't believe me about the winter time and the panels not shedding the snow and he looked it up. He said I was right and produced next to nothing. He then said he'd look into it and he would call me back. He never called back. Then about 6 months latter I had a lady from big dog call me to see how it was going and she told me the same thing that she would look into it and would call back. That was 2 months ago but I do have to tell you that I'm not surprised because if I can tell you anything about big dog solar it's that there communication is virtually non existent and once they have your money you are nobody to them. So if you are thinking of getting solar id tell you to not do it.

I got big dog solar in September of 2019. Was told my payment would be around 130. It ended up being 150. I live in Idaho Falls so we have snow usually starting around the end of October and I was told that with the 30% pitch the snow would slide off just like it does on a metal roof. Well it doesn't so from November to mid March my solar panels produced next to nothing. So my power bill went from 177 a month to 500 + and keep in mind I'm still paying 150 for the panels. I next had me taxed done and tried to get the tax credit that I was told I'd get. Well I guess there are certain stipulations to get that as well so I didn't qualify for hardly any of them. So now my solar panels will now cost me 190 a month. So now I've gone from a level pay on rocky mountain power to paying at least 240 a month for my panels and electricity. Now I'm not at all happy about this. So I'm sitting in my house and I get a phone call from big dog for a survey on how I like my panels and I tell them I don't like them. Well the guy didn't believe me about the winter time and the panels not shedding the snow and he looked it up. He said I was right and produced next to nothing. He then said he'd look into it and he would call me back. He never called back. Then about 6 months latter I had a lady from big dog call me to see how it was going and she told me the same thing that she would look into it and would call back. That was 2 months ago but I do have to tell you that I'm not surprised because if I can tell you anything about big dog solar it's that there communication is virtually non existent and once they have your money you are nobody to them. So if you are thinking of getting solar id tell you to not do it.

I've been very happy with the service from this company. Jessica called me almost every week with an update. Everyone showed up when they said they would. Work was completed on time and looks good. They even called me 2 weeks after the install and said they were monitoring things and will replace one panel because it low.

I've been very happy with the service from this company. Jessica called me almost every week with an update. Everyone showed up when they said they would. Work was completed on time and looks good. They even called me 2 weeks after the install and said they were monitoring things and will replace one panel because it low.

I've been very happy with the service from this company. Jessica called me almost every week with an update. Everyone showed up when they said they would. Work was completed on time and looks good. They even called me 2 weeks after the install and said they were monitoring things and will replace one panel because it low.

It took 8 months to get my solar up and running. Numerous phone calls, rare follow through in return of questions. More than a month where a ladder was left attached to the gutter blocking the driveway, at least 5 visits from inspectors to clarify what they needed to do(or fix), no shows many times for when they were coming,. I will say that I was compensated for each month but only after ai pursued it with a lot of calls. so beware....

It took 8 months to get my solar up and running. Numerous phone calls, rare follow through in return of questions. More than a month where a ladder was left attached to the gutter blocking the driveway, at least 5 visits from inspectors to clarify what they needed to do(or fix), no shows many times for when they were coming,. I will say that I was compensated for each month but only after ai pursued it with a lot of calls. so beware....

It took 8 months to get my solar up and running. Numerous phone calls, rare follow through in return of questions. More than a month where a ladder was left attached to the gutter blocking the driveway, at least 5 visits from inspectors to clarify what they needed to do(or fix), no shows many times for when they were coming,. I will say that I was compensated for each month but only after ai pursued it with a lot of calls. so beware....

After over a decade of dithering, my wife and I finally decided to go solar. We solicited bids from three companies. Big Dog seemed to be the best fit for us of the three. They were local and their people did everything from bid to install--no subcontractors, so we went with Big Dog. We gave the salesman a 50% deposit, and then we never heard from him again. After two months of no action we decided to cancel the install. Every time we called we either got a bogus story (“the electrician was out on Monday” -- Which was not true), a false promise (“the electrician will be out this coming Monday” -- No show) or a fabrication (“You declined the upgrade, which terminated your project” – we never discussed an upgrade). We canceled the project because of the poor communication, lack of follow through, disorganization, and constantly changing stories. They lost the paperwork we gave them with quotes for roof replacement and tree trimming which were to be included in the Solar package. After we cancelled the project, you would’ve thought the salesman would be contacting us immediately to find out why, and try to resolve the issue. We never heard from him. Following the cancelation, we received all our deposit back less the permit money. We argued they were the ones that dropped the ball and should pay for the permit. They said it was our responsibility because we had ordered the solar system. We asked who really owned the permit. If it was ours, we wanted a copy so we would not have to get another permit when we started working with another solar company. The Big Dog office said they would look into it and get back to us. After over a month, we have heard nothing. No response appears to be one of their main tactics. We cannot understand how these guys are still in business. So, if you are considering Big Dog Solar, consider again. We strongly recommend reading other reviews … we should have paid more attention to them ourselves.

After over a decade of dithering, my wife and I finally decided to go solar. We solicited bids from three companies. Big Dog seemed to be the best fit for us of the three. They were local and their people did everything from bid to install--no subcontractors, so we went with Big Dog. We gave the salesman a 50% deposit, and then we never heard from him again. After two months of no action we decided to cancel the install. Every time we called we either got a bogus story (“the electrician was out on Monday” -- Which was not true), a false promise (“the electrician will be out this coming Monday” -- No show) or a fabrication (“You declined the upgrade, which terminated your project” – we never discussed an upgrade). We canceled the project because of the poor communication, lack of follow through, disorganization, and constantly changing stories. They lost the paperwork we gave them with quotes for roof replacement and tree trimming which were to be included in the Solar package. After we cancelled the project, you would’ve thought the salesman would be contacting us immediately to find out why, and try to resolve the issue. We never heard from him. Following the cancelation, we received all our deposit back less the permit money. We argued they were the ones that dropped the ball and should pay for the permit. They said it was our responsibility because we had ordered the solar system. We asked who really owned the permit. If it was ours, we wanted a copy so we would not have to get another permit when we started working with another solar company. The Big Dog office said they would look into it and get back to us. After over a month, we have heard nothing. No response appears to be one of their main tactics. We cannot understand how these guys are still in business. So, if you are considering Big Dog Solar, consider again. We strongly recommend reading other reviews … we should have paid more attention to them ourselves.

After over a decade of dithering, my wife and I finally decided to go solar. We solicited bids from three companies. Big Dog seemed to be the best fit for us of the three. They were local and their people did everything from bid to install--no subcontractors, so we went with Big Dog. We gave the salesman a 50% deposit, and then we never heard from him again. After two months of no action we decided to cancel the install. Every time we called we either got a bogus story (“the electrician was out on Monday” -- Which was not true), a false promise (“the electrician will be out this coming Monday” -- No show) or a fabrication (“You declined the upgrade, which terminated your project” – we never discussed an upgrade). We canceled the project because of the poor communication, lack of follow through, disorganization, and constantly changing stories. They lost the paperwork we gave them with quotes for roof replacement and tree trimming which were to be included in the Solar package. After we cancelled the project, you would’ve thought the salesman would be contacting us immediately to find out why, and try to resolve the issue. We never heard from him. Following the cancelation, we received all our deposit back less the permit money. We argued they were the ones that dropped the ball and should pay for the permit. They said it was our responsibility because we had ordered the solar system. We asked who really owned the permit. If it was ours, we wanted a copy so we would not have to get another permit when we started working with another solar company. The Big Dog office said they would look into it and get back to us. After over a month, we have heard nothing. No response appears to be one of their main tactics. We cannot understand how these guys are still in business. So, if you are considering Big Dog Solar, consider again. We strongly recommend reading other reviews … we should have paid more attention to them ourselves.

I wish that I had read reviews before going with Big Dog. There is little to no communication. We signed paperwork back in May. The first day they were supposed to start installation nobody showed up. When we called they rescheduled installation. It actually took three different "scheduled" dates before they truly showed up to install the solar panels. If I wanted to know what was going on I had to call them, and they do not return phone calls. Our solar panels have finally been installed but they did not pass inspection. I have called every day since the inspection to ask when they will be back to complete the work and they will not commit to a date or call back when they say they will. If you are looking to hire a company with solid customer service keep shopping. Big Dog is not the answer.

I wish that I had read reviews before going with Big Dog. There is little to no communication. We signed paperwork back in May. The first day they were supposed to start installation nobody showed up. When we called they rescheduled installation. It actually took three different "scheduled" dates before they truly showed up to install the solar panels. If I wanted to know what was going on I had to call them, and they do not return phone calls. Our solar panels have finally been installed but they did not pass inspection. I have called every day since the inspection to ask when they will be back to complete the work and they will not commit to a date or call back when they say they will. If you are looking to hire a company with solid customer service keep shopping. Big Dog is not the answer.

I wish that I had read reviews before going with Big Dog. There is little to no communication. We signed paperwork back in May. The first day they were supposed to start installation nobody showed up. When we called they rescheduled installation. It actually took three different "scheduled" dates before they truly showed up to install the solar panels. If I wanted to know what was going on I had to call them, and they do not return phone calls. Our solar panels have finally been installed but they did not pass inspection. I have called every day since the inspection to ask when they will be back to complete the work and they will not commit to a date or call back when they say they will. If you are looking to hire a company with solid customer service keep shopping. Big Dog is not the answer.

The reviews at the time were okay and the company said it could move ahead on the timeline we wanted. The salesman seemed believable. But this is a clown car. We signed our contract just after Thanksgiving, and today, nearly eight months later, we have precisely the same solar energy capacity we had that day. It took five months to sort out the paperwork—the county kept rejecting it for simple errors—and another six weeks (so far) to do work we were assured would take a week. There is no continuity between crews, so that when a crew shows up to continue the work it has only the vaguest idea of what needs to be done that day. Crews repeatedly arrive without requisite tools and or components, which figures because they leave tools and supplies (not to mention cigarette butts) all over our property and then disappear for days at a time. They must have stuff strewn all over the state. We have heard at least a dozen times some variation of “You’ll be up and running by the end of the day,” and as of this writing the installation is in its sixth week. The organization is spread out over at least two states, and not one of its constituent parts has demonstrated competence or reliability. They don’t return calls or show up when they promise they will. Clearly the company has sufficient cash flow that it doesn’t need to finish projects so it can get paid. We're giving a 1-star rating for after-sales support, for price charged as quoted and for product quality because after all these months, we still have no way of measuring those things.

The reviews at the time were okay and the company said it could move ahead on the timeline we wanted. The salesman seemed believable. But this is a clown car. We signed our contract just after Thanksgiving, and today, nearly eight months later, we have precisely the same solar energy capacity we had that day. It took five months to sort out the paperwork—the county kept rejecting it for simple errors—and another six weeks (so far) to do work we were assured would take a week. There is no continuity between crews, so that when a crew shows up to continue the work it has only the vaguest idea of what needs to be done that day. Crews repeatedly arrive without requisite tools and or components, which figures because they leave tools and supplies (not to mention cigarette butts) all over our property and then disappear for days at a time. They must have stuff strewn all over the state. We have heard at least a dozen times some variation of “You’ll be up and running by the end of the day,” and as of this writing the installation is in its sixth week. The organization is spread out over at least two states, and not one of its constituent parts has demonstrated competence or reliability. They don’t return calls or show up when they promise they will. Clearly the company has sufficient cash flow that it doesn’t need to finish projects so it can get paid. We're giving a 1-star rating for after-sales support, for price charged as quoted and for product quality because after all these months, we still have no way of measuring those things.

The reviews at the time were okay and the company said it could move ahead on the timeline we wanted. The salesman seemed believable. But this is a clown car. We signed our contract just after Thanksgiving, and today, nearly eight months later, we have precisely the same solar energy capacity we had that day. It took five months to sort out the paperwork—the county kept rejecting it for simple errors—and another six weeks (so far) to do work we were assured would take a week. There is no continuity between crews, so that when a crew shows up to continue the work it has only the vaguest idea of what needs to be done that day. Crews repeatedly arrive without requisite tools and or components, which figures because they leave tools and supplies (not to mention cigarette butts) all over our property and then disappear for days at a time. They must have stuff strewn all over the state. We have heard at least a dozen times some variation of “You’ll be up and running by the end of the day,” and as of this writing the installation is in its sixth week. The organization is spread out over at least two states, and not one of its constituent parts has demonstrated competence or reliability. They don’t return calls or show up when they promise they will. Clearly the company has sufficient cash flow that it doesn’t need to finish projects so it can get paid. We're giving a 1-star rating for after-sales support, for price charged as quoted and for product quality because after all these months, we still have no way of measuring those things.

After we made the decision to go with solar every thing went so easily and quickly. Turned it on today and works great. Everyone from Hidy to Jalisa to the installers have been a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Big Dog

After we made the decision to go with solar every thing went so easily and quickly. Turned it on today and works great. Everyone from Hidy to Jalisa to the installers have been a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Big Dog

After we made the decision to go with solar every thing went so easily and quickly. Turned it on today and works great. Everyone from Hidy to Jalisa to the installers have been a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Big Dog

The office staff was great, installers knowledgeable, and sales guy Mike was always available to answer my questions. Whole process was very easy and quick. I am very pleased with my decision to go with Big Dog

The office staff was great, installers knowledgeable, and sales guy Mike was always available to answer my questions. Whole process was very easy and quick. I am very pleased with my decision to go with Big Dog

The office staff was great, installers knowledgeable, and sales guy Mike was always available to answer my questions. Whole process was very easy and quick. I am very pleased with my decision to go with Big Dog

7 months of promises broken. I went from reliable energy to power failure all day long. They will not back up what they claim to provide. Nobody in this fly by night company takes responsible for their actions.

7 months of promises broken. I went from reliable energy to power failure all day long. They will not back up what they claim to provide. Nobody in this fly by night company takes responsible for their actions.

7 months of promises broken. I went from reliable energy to power failure all day long. They will not back up what they claim to provide. Nobody in this fly by night company takes responsible for their actions.

They were prompt, professionals and kept their promises! Ive already given them 3 referrals. I highly recommend Big Dog solar!

They were prompt, professionals and kept their promises! Ive already given them 3 referrals. I highly recommend Big Dog solar!