Main Street Solar

6 Years and Counting

Main Street installed our solar panels 6 years ago and to date, we've had only 2 problem. 1 was my fault for plugging the interface into a new outlet that it didn't like and the other was a failed inverter. In both cases Main Street responded promptly for the service call. It has drastically reduced our power bill. The energy credits are basically worthless but our power bill has dropped 50%+. Yes, we have worked to reduce consumption but I figure at six years, we are now around the break even point. I deal with electronics every day and the reliability of the equipment has been much better than expected. Either we've been lucky or the equipment is well built. So, as a long term customer with over 66.1MWh produced, I do this again without a doubt.

Good company to work with after the sale

We had a pleasant experience working with Main Street Solar, and they were willing to work with some creative financing options just for a solar install which we appreciated. Install went well, with a few minor issues but all was resolved in a timely manner. One year later we had a need for service as our system had an error in the inverter. Getting the service process started offered some challenges, but we eventually came together and got things headed the right direction. There was a delay of a few weeks getting the replacement parts shipped to Main Street Solar from SolarEdge, but once the parts arrived the replacement inverter was installed in short order. I would do business with Main Street Solar again, as I like having a local company to provide support after the sale. I would consider paying a nominal fee for expedited warranty service from Main Street Solar to get our system up and running ASAP if we ever had a warranty issue again in the future. Please consider that as an annual option.

A Totally Positive Experience, Start to Finish

Before considering any provider, I suggest reading a few books about the topic. Select books and on-line publications for consumers with enough information to become comfortable with the terminology, the basics of the technology, the components of a solar array, their function, different installation options, and what you can expect from your investment day to day, and over time. We considered 5 installers in our area after studying their websites and Google and reviews in this space. We called them by phone and conferred with each one. Unlike the others, Main Street Solar responded almost immediately with a return call, asked for some information about our home and power usage which we sent to Main Street, and then offered to meet us in our home to discuss their product and service. Upon arrival, the sales representative listened to us, matched our solar requirements with our needs today and in the future, enthusiastically sold the benefits of grid tied array and backed them up with a professional fact based presentation. The rep then did what few salespeople do. In a very low pressure way, asked us to consider Main Street for our solar installation. Professional salesmanship is a good sign. The first box is checked. The next step is the proposal. After hearing from the other candidates, listening to their sales pitch (most of which were impersonal) and receiving their proposals with varying degrees of information and specificity, the proposal which timely arrived from Main Street Solar was a standout. The Terms and Conditions of Sale are straightforward, the warranty clearly understandable, reasonable and consistent with industry standards (from our reading), and comprehensive. It includes an interesting and informative Executive Summary including financials (payout, internal rate of return, environmental equivalence, cash flow analysis, energy inflation considerations with a sensitivity analysis, etc.), a detailled schedule of proposed components and installation methodology. All of this is in a booklet, tailored for our requirements, which is easily understood, especially if you have done your homework. It was far and away, the most professional and comprehensive proposal and contract we received. The second box is checked. We then independently researched the quality of the proposed components. Main Street proposed high quality German made panels and a state of the art inverter. After three weeks of experience, we are ecstatic with the performance. Top quality. Box number three checked. The installers were courteous and considerate. The pace, quality of the installation, and attention to detail was impressive. Nothing was overlooked and the whole process was minimally invasive and disruptive, The site was left clean and neat. Moreover, before they left, they demonstrated how well the array was working (we still had to wait for our utility to change the meter). Top class workmanship. Last box checked. Highly recommended.

Great company to work with. Love our solar!!

We first saw Main St. Solar while we were on a local home tour and got some information. It took us several years to actually make the decision, but the folks at Main St. gave us plenty of time and information without being pushy or rushing us. Once we decided to do it, Andrew worked with us and gave us several options for panel placement to minimize the "aesthetic" impact. Then he worked with us on a time schedule that suited us well. The installers were professional and friendly. They did a good job of keeping the work site picked up until the job was completed. Our panels have been in place for about a year and we are delighted with our nearly $0 electric bills! And now that the panels are up, people hardly notice that they are there.

A very professional Company

I saw Andrew installing panels on a neighbor's house and asked him to prepare a proposal for my home. He did a very professional proposal, I signed it and his installation was just as promised. As a General Contractor I was impressed by his written contract, safety program and having the required license and insurance. He installed good quality equipment. It has performed as expected.

Attentive , informative, on time

Owner made site visit on my schedule within 1-2 weeks of my initial call.

Ready to kick the elect bill

I moved in 2015 to the Lynchburg area, and talked to a couple companies in late 2016 about solar. I was just in the information phase and also wanted to get more data on my future utilities. I contacted a couple companies again first of 2019 and Main Street solar was still ready to answer my questions when other companies didn’t wanna answer questions. Main Street done a fast, seamless, clean install. Looking forward to see how much offset my panels produce. They’re very professional and quick with everything, if you’re looking to go solar I would highly recommend them.

Solar in Sutherlin

My wife and I used to install solar systems in the Tidewater Area. Knowing the benefits of solar, we decided to find an installer in the Sutherlin, VA area that would design and install a system that would eventually greatly reduce our need for expensive rural electricity at our retirement home. Main Street Solar of Roanoke was that company. They were very professional, polite, and knowledgeable. They provided all the requested specification sheet, etc. for us to know exactly how our array would perform. They also went out of their way to please two engineers that are particular about aesthetics. The owner, Andrew is a man that can be trusted. Ask for him, for your installation, you cannot go wrong. Great work! Can't wait to see that small electric bill!

By the power of the sun!

I met with the crew of Main Street Solar in mid October 2016. I explained my desire to go solar. They listened to all my questions and concerns, and addressed each one. They even gave me some helpful suggestions on where I can improve on my idea. Our plan was to produce an estimated 98% of energy required to run my home. With some changes on their end, they were able to add an extra solar panel on my home and get me a little over the 100% mark with no increase in cost! The installers were polite and professional. The inspector could not get over how well the installation looked. Very professional! Its hard to get a company to return a phone call nowadays, but these guys always call or text you back the same day! Keep up the good work!

Larry Majerus. Owner

System installed in August 2015. Worked perfect on first outage from south side elec. coop. System was sized to cover 100 percent of annual cost. My monthly bill has been 21$ a month since. 18$ front end charge and 3$ fixed tax. Had a 620 kw credit at end of first year . Of course this will very from year to year depending on how Mother Nature feels. Called Main Street Solar twice with a couple of questions and got returned call the same day. Very pleased with system so far.

Very well pleased.

Thank you Alan, Laura, Evelyn, Andrew, and Ben and his crew...Our system was installed while I was in the hospital....Main Street Solar provides a true turn key installation. Could not be happier and my wife and I are looking forward to many Sunny days.

Great company, great product

All the people at Main Street Solar are friendly, helpful, know what they are doing, and eager to share their enthusiasm for and knowledge of solar energy production.

Happy happy happy

What a great crew. Place was spotless when finished. On time with start time.

Flawless

Flawless is the word to describe the service provided by Main Street Solar or Fincastle, Virginia. The first flawless aspect of this company is in their free site survey and feasibility report. The report was completely straight-forward in the assessment of my property for solar power. There was no "hard sell." My home's location was not ideal, and the report showed me why. Nonetheless, it also showed that, while not ideal, solar was feasible. The numbers provided in the report in terms of efficiency of my initial 5KW system proved to be spot on. Likewise, the analysis of the subsequent addition of an additional 3KW proved to be 100% accurate. Installation was fast and efficient, with the crew clearly knowing their stuff. Their excellent working relationship with the local utility made approval a breeze. Excellent follow-up customer service rounds out the reasons that I rate Main Street Solar to be flawless.

The Best In The Business!!!!

Andrew was very pleasant to talk to and done a very professional job. During this summer I have been saving about $140 a month!!! Even the Power Company inspector told me that they were one of the best installers of solar panels that they inspect. I'm glad I went with them, I'm sure they will be around a long time after other installers have come and gone! Which will be important later down the road!

Professional and helpful

Main Street Solar installed my system while I was not in the home and they were completely efficient and professional. My system is functioning efficiently and office personnel spent over an hour helping me file for additional savings. Thank you guys for a thoroughly great experience.

Awesome System & Service

As of the writing of this review, I am a few days into going solar with a system installed by Main Street Solar, Andrew & Alan, Ben and the rest of the crew were very professional and friendly with every step of the turn key job. The price quoted was the price I paid and it was lower than the other companies with the most output. I got a 10.5K system installed. Very pleased with every aspect of the service and performance that I've noticed so far. Thanks again to Main Street Solar.

These Guys do GREAT Solar!~

Andrew & Alan were very responsive to any & all questions & requests before, during & after our installation. They did a very professional job, making sure that the panels were lined up evenly & that every part of the install was clean & neat. Clean-up was also a plus. Of course our inspections were positive & Main Street made sure that they were present for the electrical inspection which we really appreciated. In addition, to top it all off, Main Street gave us the best quote out of the 3 contractors we called & provided a professional & detailed quote, which none of the others did. They also recommended a good quality system but not the most expensive which we appreciated & we also appreciated their explaining everything they recommended & why in simple terms.

Dollars a month!!!!!

We have been so pleased with our clean energy. Our electric bills have gone from $150 per month to $8 (connection fee). Its nice to know that while I am at work my solar system is pumping energy out to the grid and keeping dollars in my pocket. The installation went smooth. It was installed in 3 days and up and running in 2 weeks. I am happy! Looking forward to the years ahead when electricity costs twice as much and I am producing it for free:)

Installation of Solar Panel System

Alan and Andrew Brenner and their employees were excellent to deal with. They are professional and courteous. They went out of their way to make our system attractive to our home. They were careful to explain how the system works and to give us a system that is the most beneficial to our set-up. I would highly recommend them.

Extremely Satisfied

Andrew and his team worked with me to design and build exactly what I requested and needed within the budget I had set. They were courteous, prompt helpful in making sure I understood the options and benefits. They system works well and performs exactly as they said it would.

Amazing Job!

Andrew and his company did an amazing job with our solar system install. They met with us, explained our options, and delivered exactly the system we were looking for. He was always prompt, courteous, and professional. The system looks great on our home. The install is very clean(which was one of my wife's big concerns). The attention to detail that they paid to our project was amazing. They went above and beyond what was required. I can't say yet how much electricity our system will generate since it was just installed. I will definitely call Andrew again when I am ready to expand our system further or add Solar water heating for our pool.

Very Pleased!!!

To whom it may concern, Main Street Solar of Fincastle Virginia, installed a beautiful solar array on my roof, with the capability for online monitoring. The installation was quickly, professionally, and neatly done. I now generate more electricity than I use. Everyone from the company with whom I came into contact was very friendly as well as knowledgeable. They took the time to answer any and all questions either I or my neighbors asked. I do not hesitate to recommend Main Street solar to anyone who wishes information on the use of solar power or is ready to install solar power now. It not only saves money on the bill, but it feels very good doing it. Sincerely, E.L. Blacksburg, VA

Main Street Solar

We were very well pleased with Main Street Solar. They installed the array during really cold weather in January. They were professional and thorough in explaining the benefits and operation of the system. Excellent personality.

Fincastle Farm

We were so pleased with the results of our solar panel installation in early 2013, that we had another 16 panel array installed at the end of the year. We immediately saw a significant savings on our electric bills. And the service provided by Main Street Solar from the planning stage to the installation and the follow up was excellent. We highly recommend them.