Certasun

Regretted my choice

It’s been more that 4 months that this whole process started, they installed the panels in the third month, wait one month for the inspection, and they did not do it right, because the inspection didn’t pass, 2 weeks after still waiting for them to fix the issues. I regretted picking this company for my solar system. Today like many sunny days for the past 44 days the panel in the roof not producing anything they are just getting the sun for nothing.

Satisfactory when good, horrendous when bad

*this review will be updated* This may be an OK company to work with at some point after all of the dust settles with their previous, exclusive systems supplier, SunPower. When we got the system installed originally in November of 2023, everything was rather smooth. The buying process with Certasun and a 3rd party lender was somewhat cumbersome since everything wasn't handled in-house but it wasn't unlike finding your own lending solutions for other large purchases. Our system worked as-advertised and out-performed specs during the early summer months--a common expectation during long, sunny days. Until one day, I noticed our system seemed to be hit-or-miss. My customer experience (CX) in dealing with post-sales support has been horrendous. Our system has had complete, catastrophic failure going into its 4th consecutive month (as of the author date of this review), we have had 2 separate crews from Certasun out here to reaffirm proper installation. Then they have the audacity to give me an excuse that the power supplied from ComEd is outside of spec (how can they explain that when it's the very same supply ComEd was providing us and those around us earlier?). Now, I'm here waiting on 2-3 day response times to emails to their customer success manager (Bill Wayne) and owner of the company (Josh Lutton) on copy. It's pathetic and such a shame because I contracted with CertaSun due to a handful of recommendations from nearby neighbors in Grosse Pointe Village--their systems are several years older and must've been using batches of equipment prior to SunPower's downfall. I have requested that our system built out of the defunct SunPower panels, inverters, monitoring equipment, etc. be replaced with their latest vendors to which they've declined to respond to in any of my inquiries. It won't be long until I build a case to bring against the firm.

Perfect start to finish

This was our second solar installation. The first was with a different company, which gives me a little basis for comparison. From the start, our salesperson at CertaSun was very knowledgeable, but more importantly, very frank and un-pushy. The conversation was just us asking questions, him generously sharing his time and information, and us both figuring out what makes the most sense for us. It was clear he was not trying to railroad us into the biggest system he could, which I really appreciated. After that, everything went smoothly. The biggest difference between CertaSun and the company that did our first installation is the level of communication. CertaSun responded right away to emails and, better yet, they gave us a lot more information and contacted us whenever there was any update, so we just had fewer questions as the process unfolded. The installation all happened on schedule. CertaSun facilitated easy financing so that we didn't pay out of pocket for the amount that will be reimbursed through tax credit. CertaSun took care of the permitting and inspection through to switching on the panels. I'm confident that we have a reliable partner that we'll stick with for any needs going forward.

Immediate response

Great company, first class! Less than a month from deposit to operating system. They did all the legwork, permits, inspections, and follow-up. Very responsive to the small issue I had. System sized properly and electric bill now at the minimum possible (~$15).

Great company, great service, follow through as promised.

Really great experience. They followed through as promised. Very quick response, very quick service, following the time guideline. They worked with ComEd, helped me with the rebates etc. Their app is pretty good, panels are pretty good as well producing really good energy as promised. I have had it for about 8 months and have no issues so far. They only thing they didn't mention is that you are paying taxes for the rebate money you received and it was a lot (close to $4000 for $18,304 rebate that I received from the state). I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

I was very happy with Certasun and their work in designing and installing my solar power system. Questions I had were answered very quickly. It took less than a day for the installation and then less than 2 weeks to have the system inspected and approved and then have the power company comvert my account to net metering. Certasun handled all of the permitting process and all interactions with the power company and it all went smoothly. Overall it was a very good experience with Certasun.

Excellent company and people to work with. I was kept upto date throughout the project. Highly recommended.

Amazing company

Everyone involved from the first person we spoke to, the project manager and the installers were friendly, knowledgeable, explained the process each step of the way, helped us understand some problems and gave us options for fixing some issues . . . I would recommend Certusun to any friends and family.

Solar Power operational per plan

Sales contract was very clear and understandable. I didn't need a lawyar to understand it. Timeline for solar energy was close to that predicted, about 10 weeks. Solar installation is working fine since it was turned on about a month ago.

Owner

Jon kroft my sales person was very helpful from beginning to the end of installation process. He was present T time of the installation to make sure everything is going good. Good team work. Happy with the company and staff.

From excellent to barely mediocre

I had CertaSun install solar panels a couple of years ago and had the best experience, above anything I could have expected. The sales portion answered all my questions, and I had considerable questions from my research leading up to my contact with them. I couldn't have expected a better experience. However, now, about a year ago, I wanted to add a SunVault battery for storage. My sales contact was slow to respond, didn't seem to want to answer any of my questions and I had to continuously keep after him to get to where I am today. I ended up going to the original sales rep, who was promoted, to get any kind of answers. I was so deep into it by then, I struggled with it, but decided from my first experience to proceed. Now, SunVault installed and operational for a little over 2 months and there's a problem with it. It's been 2 weeks since I was told I'd have answers for availability of the defective/non functioning part and still no response from the 2 emails I've sent. No one seems to know if or when the replacement part will be available to bring my storage to where it should be. IDK what happened, but CertaSun went from a company I would recommend to everyone, to a company I'm fed up with and hate the thought of having to deal with them again for anything. No communication from the team onsite, little or no communication from my "success manager", so here we are. I work far enough away and have to make arrangements for them to access the equipment, but cannot do that when I have no information or timelines.

Excellent Service

I recently had solar panels installation on our home. From the consultation step to the final installation, Certasun was always very prompt, informative and professional. All staff members were knowledgeable and detail in answering any questions that I had. Each step in the long process was listed out in the contract, tracked and communicated along the way. I am very happy with the work the whole team performed to complete this project. The final result is beautifully installed panels without any visible conduit on the roof top. The system so far has performed as expected. I will have no hesitation if I have a chance to refer anyone who wishes to install solar to Certasun. Sincerely thanks to the whole team, you did a great job!!

Simple excellent solar

The whole certasun process is simple and straightforward. They designed the system, got all the approvals from city and HOA. Installation was easy, and now the solar system is up and running just as promised. I would do it again without hesitation. The team has been available to answer questions and help explain the timeline and steps along the way

Very happy with CertaSun and SunPower

After extensive research and a few sales presentations, we selected CertaSun to install our solar system. Their use of industry leading panels and hardware from SunPower was a factor in our choice. Perhaps more importantly, CertaSun believes that exposed conduit is ugly and I AGREE!! Whenever feasible, conduit should be hidden from view. Much can be run in the attic space eliminating any ON the roof. In my home, I have a hollow chase creating an architectural boxout in the dining room which aligned with my electric meter. I was able to run a conduit from the attic to basement within that chase, this eliminated the visible exposure of the vertical conduit from solar panels to exterior mounted meter box. CertaSun poked a pipe from this basement junction box directly outside to their equipment mounted next to the electric meter. While I installed this hidden conduit for their use, I am sure that Certasun could install pipe hidden in this manner (given a similar situation in your house) and it would rightfully be an added charge, but IMO well worth the ask. The sales and installation process was great. There were some slight delays in some communication. However, it was not TOO delayed and I chalked it up to a busy office in a busy industry in the busy season. And frankly, I want my chosen vendors to be busy. Overall, I was VERY happy with our choice of CertaSun and I suspect you will be as well!

Excellent service

Excellent serivice with timely installtion with cheaper rate than other solar energy providers.

Outstanding Service and Product

Certasun was truly outstanding! From the salesperson to the project manager to the installation team, everyone was professional and responded immediately. We received weekly email updates on our project so we always had updates. I will recommend that company to my closest friends and my family because I was that impressed.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Certasun for the installation of my residential solar power system, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. From the very beginning, their team displayed exceptional knowledge and professionalism. The communication, starting from the sales team and extending to the project manager, site assessment experts, installation crew, and final approval process, was outstanding. What truly impressed me was the efficiency of their installation crew, who completed the entire project in just one day. Their attention to detail was evident throughout the process, ensuring that every aspect of my solar system was meticulously handled. Certasun took care of everything, from city permitting to inspections, and even the setup of my net-metering account with my utility company, which was approved remarkably quickly. Despite some initial scheduling challenges due to my work commitments, once the site assessment was complete, the project proceeded seamlessly and was even completed ahead of schedule. The fact that I purchased my system directly from Certasun made the entire process incredibly hassle-free. All I had to do was sign a purchase contract, be present for a few key appointments (site assessment, installation, and final inspection), and pay as the project progressed. I can't recommend Certasun enough if you're considering solar power for your home. Their honesty, efficiency, and comprehensive service make them an exceptional choice in the solar industry. Thanks to Certasun, I now have a reliable and environmentally friendly source of energy for my home, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Certasun has been an excellent company to work with. My main reason is their excellent communication with me about what stage our solar project was in and what to expect in the next steps. My project manager, Holly, was outstanding with her keeping me informed. The installation team was very courteous and answered any questions I had. Overall a great company to work with and great customer experience.

Install completed within expected timeframe, great communication

We signed our loan in April, panels were installed in early July, and following the city inspection they're now on in mid-August. Certasun communicated about timeframes really well, and answered all of our questions as they arose. Installation took half a day and we didn't have any issues.

Professional installation

Company was very professional with system installed well ahead of schedule and performing well.

Installation and follow up

Certasun team has been responsive and professional through our the entire process of installing of my solar system. I'm very satisfied with their work and would recommend them to anyone in Illinois that is considering solar.

Smooth process from start to end, took less than 3 months to have my solar system installed.

Great experience

I found the experience to be positive from start to finish. The sales rep was knowledgeable and non-pushy for the most part. He was patient with my questions, and offered me different designs based on my requests. Because of the panels I chose, I was given an honest timeline of 6months wait, but they were able to deliver and install after just 3 months. Install and post install experiences were both incredible. Someone from their office sent me weekly updates which was also much appreciated.

Great Experience

Very knowledgeable, ahead of schedule, great installation team, very attentive to details

A Good Company that it was a please to deal with

We were extremely pleased with the experience in every way. Straightforward and totally transparent. Excellent timely communication about everything from start to finish and in between. We had our solar billing reduce our COMED electricity bill to nothing in about 3 months from signing the agreement! We may have been lucky with some of the appointments but all the paperwork (permits, Certificate of completion, etc.) done professionally and hence we had no delays whatsoever. I signed with them purely on personal recommendation of a neighbor and am glad that I did.