Nelnet Renewable Energy (formerly GRNE Solar)

Verified profile
Updated: 25 January 2024
Installer

Installing solar since 2012

Nelnet Renewable Energy (formerly GRNE Solar) logo

2.91 from 9 Reviews

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SolarReviews Expert Rating Score:

A score we give a solar company out of 100 based on 13 criteria that our SolarReviews industry experts believe are the best criteria to separate good and bad solar companies.

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Rating breakdown

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Nelnet Renewable Energy (formerly GRNE Solar) reviews


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2.91

Avg. rating

Breakdown of consumer reviews

Sales Process

3.4

Price as quoted

3.7

On schedule

3.1

Installation quality

3.4

After sales support

3.6

Latest good review thumbs up

Allison | Indianapolis, Indiana | 07/21/2022

GRNE makes going solar feel easy!

We have had an excellent experience with GRNE Solar! When our local solar co-op selected the company prior to us joining we hoped for a good experience and were pleasantly surprised at each step in the process. From the team’s initial proposal and personalized meeting to lay out the system design and details, to the smooth communication, to an efficient and professional installation team, GRNE’s work was comprehensive and very customer friendly. We had a tight timeline to get our system installed, and they pulled it off without a hitch. Amy has been extremely helpful in answering all of our questions promptly and thoroughly. Even after our installation was complete, the team has been available and helpful when we had an issue with our inverter connecting properly to the monitoring app. GRNE truly made going solar feel easy!

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Latest bad review thumbs down

John doe | Lake Zurich, Illinois | 03/19/2024

Sales team and Sales manager are so bad at getting back to you

A few years ago, I had GRNE install solar on my roof, and I did not want to be out of warranty from them, so I asked them for quote for 4 to 5 solar panels on my roof and would like a quote. It's been 3 weeks, and quote. I have also called them and emailed them. Also, the person I am talking about is a manager. I am disappointed in how bad the customer service is.

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Stan A | Willow Springs, Illinois | 01/25/2024

Poor installation experience

I recently had a solar system installed at my house working with GRNE Nelnet. The sales person (Ryan Suchsland) was fairly okay given he was responsive and didn’t employ high pressure tactics as typical with other solar sales people. The installation on the other hand has been super frustrating. The project manager for my site (Sam Evans) has been very dismissive of several issues I’ve encountered and overly defensive. He barely reads the email messages with a goal to understand but too quick to be dismissive. One of the issues I repeatedly raised eventually got fixed by one of Nelnet electricians that came to my house for a different reason. The electrician was patient enough to listen, acknowledged the issue and resolved the issue. Sam for whatever reason refuses to acknowledge that there is an issue and would rather argue to the ends. This has left a bad taste in my mouth and I wouldn’t be recommending working with Sam Evans if you have to work with Nelnet. If you value your time, look elsewhere as I was forced to micromanage the process almost every step of the way. Now I’m probably still going to have to continue micromanaging this process to ensure the SREC paperwork is filed correctly as some other reviewers indicate the potential for mismanagement there. I certainly wouldn’t trust that Sam would do a mistake free job on mine. The reason I have not given this review a one star is because there are some other decent people in the company that have done their jobs well, alas a few bad eggs have ruined my experience overall.

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Lauren B | Naperville, Illinois | 10/17/2023

Very bad experience thus far

To get me to hand over my money, they said 90-120 days to install at time of consultation. Then, once they hand you the contract it changes to one year until install. Now- they won’t commit to a date at all. I am extremely dissatisfied and recommend seeking a different company to work with. Other alarming details - they REQUIRE you have their permission to take down the solar panels that you OWN. They also demand 75% of payment before an install date is anywhere on the horizon. It just seems like a racket at this point and that we were lied to.

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Chelsea H. | Danville, Illinois | 06/22/2023

Terrible customer service

Terrible experience. I would say look around at other companies if you can. We signed up with them at the beginning of the year and they said that’s a “perfect time to sign up so we can get our solar panels installed and crediting our power account all summer while it’s sunny to help with the bill in the winter.” Now they have pushed back our installation date twice. Even though they said we’re up to be scheduled soon. Now they have pushed installation back to the end of summer so we’re worried we’re not going to get enough credit to help in the winter. ALSO when you sign a loan from them, they give you a year before you start making payments. Now half a year has gone by and we have nothing to show for it. And the news says that the state of IL is taking forever to give out the government refund checks for installation that GRNE said would take our loan (and our payments) way down. So far all I see is that they are screwing us over on a bad deal and we’re going to pay for it. More interest and money for them if we don’t get the money from the government right? We have been pushed back twice (so far) and who knows how many more time before they of ever come out and do what they claim they will actually do. My father in law went with another company AFTER we signed up with this one. He’s had his solar panels set up and working for months now and GRNE just keeps pushing our date back. GRNE never reaches out and keeps us updated, once we sign for the loan we don’t hear from them. We have to keep emailing and asking for updates. I would suggest going with another company!!

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C Gotschall | Evanston, Illinois | 05/29/2020

Highly recommend GRNE

I went with GRNE for our solar install last fall based on vetting done by Solarize Chicagoland. So glad I did! I couldn't recommend them more highly. Every person I've had contact with has been professional and extremely helpful every step of the way, very conscientious and patient with all my questions. The install went great and the panels have been up and running for months now, working like a dream. Thanks GRNE!

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Reuterman | Elgin, Illinois | 01/10/2019

The BEST of the BEST !

My search for a reliable Solar installer were realized by my tour of the GRNE facility in Palatine, IL. The tour and presentation by, Ryan answered all my solar questions. The ensuing quotation was fast and all my design requests were met. Eric Peterman has assembled a great team of people to work with. I was present for the installation. The crew lead by Carl, were all friendly professionals. The installation went smoothly and was finished in my time frame as promised. From permit application,construction,inspection,Com Ed net metering and investment credit application, GRNE can't be beat.

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DKnotter | Naperville, Illinois | 10/31/2018

Great company to work with

June 2017 I sent out a request for proposal to put 15 solar panels on my south facing roof.<br />GRNE (Eric) was at my house the next day with 3 proposals that perfectly bracketed my request. <br />Eric and I were quickly able to get through all my questions, agree on a price, and even line up my 5 year SREC credits contract. On July 7th they installed my panels. Exactly what I was looking for.<br />The panels are beating my projected production by 5% and look great.<br />Thanks Eric and the expert GRNE installation team.<br />Regards,<br />Dan Knotter

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Michael Atkinson-Leon | Buffalo Grove, Illinois | 09/13/2018

As good as it gets!

🌞☀️🌞 I can't recommend GRNE enough! From securing cost-effective pricing, to planning the setup, to getting the permits pushed through when the village was stalling, and finishing off with a quality install, they were there all along the way. It's a small company so you have immediate access to the people who know your system inside and out whenever you need them, and they were more than happy to put up with my many questions throughout the process. These guys really know solar, and are experts in this up-and-coming sector. Communication is spectacular, service is great, and I'm so glad that they will be servicing my system. Special thanks to Ryan, Ed, and Eric. You guys rock! 🌞☀️🌞

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About Nelnet Renewable Energy (formerly GRNE Solar)


Nelnet Renewable Energy stands at the forefront of the industry as a premier provider of solar energy solutions for commercial and utility-scale clients. Our expertise spans from design and engineering to installation and maintenance of solar energy systems. Our commitment lies in promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions by offering affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions to our customers. With a team of passionate experts, including consultants, engineers, project managers, electricians, and solar installers, we are dedicated to supporting our clients in achieving their sustainability and financial goals. Discover more about who we are, what we do, and how our comprehensive services can help you reach your goals.

Office locations


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Illinois - Palatine

230 N Hicks Pl, Palatine IL, 60067

Illinois - Elk Grove Village

1215 Howard St., Elk Grove Village IL, 60007

Illinois - Bloomington

4109 Oakland Ave. Suite B, Bloomington IL, 61704

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Nebraska - Lincoln

2004 SW 5th Street Unit A, Lincoln NE, 68522

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New York - Albany

30 Kraft Ave, Albany NY, 12205

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Colorado - Loveland

5858 Wright Dr, Loveland CO, 80538

Certifications


American Solar Energy Society Solar Power World

Contact Nelnet Renewable Energy (formerly GRNE Solar)


Location pin
Head Office
230 N Hicks Pl, Palatine IL, 60067