Certasun

Updated

After posting my review last week, I was contacted by an executive concerning my experience. He informed me that ComEd had changed the rules for the rebate from the time I was quoted and when the installation had completed. Initially, my rebate was approved for payment before ComEd went back and rejected it. Certasun had been trying to get ComEd to reverse their decision with no success. The main issue was the total lack of communication from Certasun, which the exec assures me will be changed. In order to make me whole, Certasun has sent me a check to cover the rebate.

Great overall, with 1 large exception

The sales process, site assessment, and installation were all excellent, with all of my questions & concerns quickly, easily, and earnestly answered. However, 3 weeks after the inspection the program manager informed us that we'd need a new electrical panel since ours needed to be more than 100 amps and therefore we wouldn't pass inspection. Our panel & wiring were 125 amps, and when I repeatedly asked what was the problem with the panel, I couldn't get a reasonable answer. There were ancillary issues that were detailed - proper grounding & a new meter enclosure; but when $4,000 in additional work is reduired, I think proper details are required, especially when some of their assertions were incorrect. We used our own electrician to do the required updates, who charged a fraction of the estimate and was incredulous of the project manager's assertion about our main panel. This delayed the project by 2 months, which was a reasonable trade-off rather than paying the inflated price for the additional work. As stated earlier, we're very happy with the sales process & installation quality, while we can only hope that Certasun will handle the processing and return of the utility and REC rebates according to schedule. The after sales support is still TBD, so a star rating hasn't been done for that section.

Prep, installation, and completion were fantastic. The office was very helpful until after turn on. I have asked twice after turn on the status of the Illinois Shine Program. It’s been three weeks without a response.

Great

Everything was done well. Everything was explained. Installation was delayed for multiple reasons (some my fault), but eventually completed in a timely manner. A window was damaged in the process, but Certasun has promised to fix it.

Great product, excellent installation services

I have had the Certasun/SunPower product for nine months and have had no problems. I chose this team because they were professional and had the best quality of panels at the time I purchased. I found it really difficult to get customer service feedback right before and after the installation, but the team that performed the installation was excellent, and I have had no reason to call with any problems since then.

Best product on the market

I chose them for the best production, support, maintenance and guarantees, their mounting system, designs and panels are the best you can get. With that however, they aren't very customer oriented or accurate, my plans were designed but in actuality the panels would not fit as planned, they had to be moved and when I the owner had concerns I was given BS excuses, straight up talking in circles. I like the look, so far the production is great and Im hoping I never have to actually deal with a person from the company again.

Very easy to work with. Certasun did all the work on time.

Very easy to work with. Certasun did all the work including informing the state agency thereby ensring our getting the tax credits,

Great install, communications need improvement

Our sales person did a good job of managing expectations as to when the system would be installed. We signed the contract later in the year and with many people trying to catch the federal tax credit before it was scheduled to decrease and potential permitting delays it’d likely be 2021 before the install. But we got a surprise call that they could install the system at the end of December. The install team were great and everything went well. Two issues though. First they were didn’t commit to an inspection date so the system would be turned on and eligible for the tax credit (and, surprise, we were anxious for a system we’d spent a lot of money for to be turned on). Second, the portal that shows the system working didn’t work for more than 2 weeks. In the end, these are minor issues as the system was working. On the other hand, they were two easy things to nail to make the experience the best for the customer. So, they lose one star.

Very good to work with

After interviewing for other companies. They sounded like the one I wanted. My only disappointment is the reluctance to let me view several times a day each panel/microinverters performance. It was explained at signing I would be able to. All the previous companies allow it, and it was the one thing I've been wanting to observe. Had I known, it would have been a deal breaker. Other than that the system appears to be working when there is no snow and ice on the panels. Cloudy days, no problem.

Job was done fine

Job was done professionally and in a timely manner. Happy with the result.

The process was easy it does take some time so you have to be pa

If you live in Aurora you have to wait on multiple inspections and the permits can really slow everything down.

Helpful and considerate

I was considering four companies and selected Certasun for several reasons. 1.) They were truly local to the Chicago area. 2.) They were responsive to my inquiries and requests in a timely fashion. 3.) They offered good equipment and a coupon. 4.) The customer I spoke with was very enthusiastic about them. 5.) They offered me a chance to pay off the remainder of my expenses with referrals.