Kathy Ingram | Tenino, Washington | 07/10/2023
Fast & excellent service
Capstone was responsive & fast. They facilitated the lender & power company approval. The system also provides indirect benefits by reducing how much sun heats the roof; our house is cooler.
Thomas | Lakebay, Washington | 12/18/2022
Failure to plan, Failure to design, Failure to do diligent work
Capstone Review Investment in Solar Energy is a difficult and financially heavy burden. It was only after deep discussion and review that my wife and I decided to invest in future in regards to Solar Energy. We came across Capstone during a Home Show at the Tacoma Dome and were impressed at the time. After talking to Capstone’s representative at our home, we felt that Capstone was going to be a good call but, oh were we WRONG. At the end of March 2022, we committed and removed the funds for the Solar system from our retirement accounts. Knowing this would reduce our retirement income, but hopefully be offset by having a greatly reduced monthly electrical bill. After receiving 65% down for the solar system Capstone Solar, set about designing and installing the solar system for our home. The design of the system went quickly within a month we had the solar system design. Then we were informed at first that the system should be installed between May and June. Then the months changed July-August, October-November, then finally December. Capstone representatives came out three times, the first being the “sales” visit. The second was the assessment of the land for design purposes, a technician used a drone to assess with photos, video, and GPS the land. Then finally the third time, when a Capstone Representative came out to make final measurements and make ground markings for the installation. Then on December 5, 2022, the install crew was to arrive and start the installation. Here is the timeline for that day: 0820 – The excavator is delivered by a rental company 0930- Equipment truck arrives with one worker driving. 1000 -1015 - A second and third workers arrive. At this time they look at the land and do some measurements, checking the access to the property for electrical installation. However, they do not do anything else because the escalator operator has not arrived to clear the property and dig the electrical trench. 1215 – The excavator operator arrives and starts clearing the land for the installation of the solar system. 1530 – All the workers and the excavator operator are reviewing plans and equipment to discover that the initial and follow-up surveys did not take into account the lay of the land for the installation of the Solar Panels. It was discovered that the solar panel mounting poles would not work. We are informed that the design where the Solar panels were to go will not work due to the slope of the land. Even after Capstone had representatives come out twice to assess the land and solar panel placement. 1600 – Capstone workers start packing up to depart. The Capstone on-ground supervisor informs me that designers on the east coast have been informed, they should have the issue redesigned by tomorrow and the crew should be back out around 0930 am the next day. December 6, 2022 0806 – I received a call from a Capstone Representative informing me that the Solar system has to be redesigned and the install crew would need to reschedule installation for the next week. Which is the week we were planning on going on vacation. I informed the Capstone Representative what the on-ground supervisor had told me the day before. 0900 – I received a call from a Capstone Representative informing me that the Solar System has to be redesigned, and the install crew would not be back today. Also, the excavator rental company picked up the excavator machine at 0845. 1400 – I receive a call from a Capstone Representative informing me that the company could not go forward with the project. They informed me the solar system would have to be fully redesigned, to include major landscaping, which also meant a requote of the price of the solar system. However, Capstone informed us that they prefer to cancel the project and provide a full refund of the funds paid and are sorry about the length of time it got to this point. December 7, 2022 1000 A Capstone representative called me (after I texted asking them to). They informed me that a Capstone accounting representative would call today to arrange the full refund. No Capstone accounting representative contacted me on this day. Cost to us, 8 months of wasted time. Lost retirement income, lost interest on retirement funds, had to pay 20% tax on funds removed from retirement, major stress throughout the year, and at this time we do not know the impact on taxes, loss of possible solar federal and state discounts, this does not include the preparation work of removing landscaping plants, moving fences. Oh, and they left the hillside bare down the dirt and a large bush pile for us to deal with. All of this tells me that Capstone Solar failed to do diligent work/research in preparing the estimate for our solar system. Failed diligent work/research on scheduling installation of the solar system. Failed to do diligent work/research in preparing for the installation of the Solar system. A very small example: On installation day December 5, 2022: One employee showed up at 0930, two more at 1000, then the fourth at 1200. They stayed till 1600. That equals 16.5 man-hours. What did they accomplish? Clearing of bush approximately 30 yards x 20 yards. That is all! No trench work, no electrical work. Now we have a large bald area of land on the side of the hill, with mud tracks. We would not recommend Capstone Solar for any solar installation and would highly discourage anyone to contact even for an estimate after this experience. Just look at the time, the cost, how they left the situation, and just nothing to say “their sorry”. WOW.
Lee and Lynn Hennings | Tacoma, Washington | 05/28/2022
Lowering our Carbon Footprint
The reasons for going with solar power are many and the time is now. Electricity is the common denominator. As home owners we feel we can make a small difference by owning our power production. It will off set the electrical consumption of the home as well as the hybrid vehicle we are purchasing. We can also convert other power tools to rechargeable batteries. Forest Zachary, with Capstone Solar, made the decision easy by analyzing our power consumption and the savings we would incur with the solar panels. The Capstone Team then took care of the design work, load calculations, permits and inspections by the government agencies. Upon arrival of the solar panels a date was set for installation. The crew was here promptly and within two days the panels and electrical hook up were ready for inspection. Working with Forest and Capstone Solar was a pleasure and we're looking forward to lowering our carbon footprint.
Kelly B | 98501, WA | 11/30/2021
Highly recommend Capstone Solar!
I couldn't be more satisfied with Capstone Solar and their installation of solar panels on my home. The sales/marketing rep, Forrest, was very helpful and answered every question. Meeting with him via Zoom was convenient and Forrest was able to explain the system, demonstrate plans, and modify them in real time according to my preferences. My project manager, Karin, was incredibly supportive and kept me notified at every step. She was very helpful to me in providing the information that my Homeowner's Association required and went way beyond the level of service I've experienced with other providers. The installation crew was also terrific - friendly, happy, respectful of my home, and careful in keeping the worksite safe and clean. They started on time, made good use of their time, and kept me informed. This company's experience shows in everything they do. I highly recommend Capstone Solar!
SBehrend | OLYMPIA, WA | 11/25/2021
Great Company
Capstone provided excellent responsive professional service from start to finish. Highly recommend them
Dan and Anna | Lacey, WA | 11/25/2021
Professional from start to finish!
We could not be happier with our decision to go with Capstone solar. The salesman was low key and let the product speak for itself. The site manager was involved from day one and moved the project along..from project design to permits to install and final inspection. Everyone was professional and courteous. This company really puts the customer first. We are telling all of friends and family about the merits of solar power and specifically Capstone.
Sarah C. | Olympia, WA | 11/08/2021
Call Capstone!!
From the first bit of contact I had with capstone through the install, the communication and experience was excellent. They have a great team of folks that walk you through the process and make it effortless! I tossed over getting solar for years but this company was the reason I went for it!
Steve Byers | Olympia, WA | 11/08/2021
Residential installation
We are quite satisfied with the whole design, permitting, and installation process coordinated by Capstone. In particular, the installation process was entirely smooth. The team was very pleasant to work with and they left no trace, other than installed solar panels!
