Brian Bernard | Quincy, MA | 01/25/2020
Great Sales Experience. Bad at Everything After That.
The sales process was great. They were very attentive and offered the best deal on the best equipment. Then.. After signing the deal, they stopped returning e-mails and phone calls. It took them 6 months to get the materials delivered. Then it took 2 weeks before installation started. And the meter was installed incorrectly. They corrected that quickly as I was still holding the final 10% progress payment and their sales team was back to calling and e-mailing every other day. 4 years in, one of the micro-invertors stopped working. For 4 weeks, no one at RGS responded to my calls; e-mails; or web-chats. I initiated the replacement part request with the manufacturer and the next day RGS e-mailed me back to say a replacement part had been ordered and should be arriving in 2-4 weeks. I got the part in 4 weeks, notified RGS, and, again, they went silent on me. 4 weeks after that, I got an e-mail from RGS with a workorder stating that I would have to pay $350 plus additional costs for them to complete the work under warranty. That is where we stand now. If I had to do it again, I would go with a company that had positive reviews after the sales process. That is when you are going to need them they most. Good luck with your solar projects.
Aldrin Fuentes | 12/27/2019
Everything is about MONEY
I chose them because the explain how and how much I was gonna save, how much the system was gonna produce, but it's no happening, they install the solar pannels back side of my home where there not much sun and they are tilted the way its suppose to be, i requested to install them on the other side where the sun we can take advantage but they didn't want to, also the guy that its in charge of the electrical department at RI or was very disrespectful to me, the way I was treated.
RGS fired managers and dropped b | Lexington, MA | 04/09/2019
Dropped the ball at the end of process; fired all contact people
RGS has apparently fired all its project managers and sales reps for home installations right in the middle of ongoing projects. RGS issued a press release on March 27 that it was "exiting" residential solar and just selling its special solar shingles. Up until this week, we had a 99% perfect experience with RGS which beat its own estimate for installation and kept in touch as our utility dragged its feet for five months getting us approved. We were finally approved on March 26, 2019 and received an email from our RGS project manager explaining that someone would contact us to turn on the system. No one did, and on April 8 our finance company asked for a status and I sent an inquiry to the project manager in RI and the sales manager in CO. Both returned robo emails that both were "no longer with the company." Emails to the people supposedly covering for them went unanswered. The finance company then gave me the name of their contact at RGS, and an email to her also generated a robo reply that she was also no longer with the company. After over an hour of phoning, leaving messages, and waiting on hold, I used "Get Human" to reach a corporate customer service person who transferred me to a residential customer service person in CO, who agreed to help us turn on our system. Meantime, both the utility and our finance company thought we were active and have been trying to complete the meter work and are asking us for status. Terrible practice to fire people in the middle of projects and leave customers hanging. Not everyone can spend hours trying to get through to someone to pick up the ball again. Very unfortunate.
K. McCabe | Westwood, MA | 12/11/2018
Over-promise, under-deliver
RGS assured me that their Year 1 production estimate was conservative (note, the contract provides no recourse for you, so you are relying on their word). During the first year, my system produced approximately 77% of their "conservative" estimate, which will extend my payback period substantially.
John's solar experience | 11/03/2018
My great experience with RGS solar company
Working with Andrew Wright was fantastic. He is an expert on solar systems and explains things in ways so that I easily understood the the system and how solar works. I also give the highest praise to the Tony, and his people for their hard work ethic, high quality installation skills and that when they finished the install they left my property immaculate.
kory | 03/14/2018
very bad sevice
very poor service. no master electrician on staff. and if you need to remove your panels IE: replace the roof they will charge $500 to get a master electrician to get the permit. took 2 months for them to replace my panels.
EricGuerrero | 02/12/2018
Top Class customer service and orientation
I definitely couldn't be happier to deal with this solar company. My Energy Consultant Brian Sture was extremetely honest, patient and diligent with the whole proccess. The company itselft already has a good reputation and is very trustful to choose it from the rest. I definitely will recommend this Solar Company for anybody interested in having a good experience getting their panels installed.
Robbb | 01/07/2018
good experience with RGS
Andrew Wright in sales was clear, accommodating, endlessly patient, and ultimately persuasive in helping us to understand the process and choose RGS above a number of other companies for a subject about which we knew nothing. Locally, Dani Cuozzo in project coordination was completely knowledgeable about what we were facing in installation and responded promptly and constructively to our many many concerns about installing this system at an historic property. I am particularly grateful for her efforts to respond to my concerns about getting this work completed during the current calendar year. Also locally, the installation team of electricians Greg, Jim, Tony and one other whose name I now don't remember all showed up on time, worked efficiently, were courteous and respectful of working in our home, took time to answer my questions about what they were doing, produced work that looked to my eye to be professional, and finished ahead of schedule. I do not remember a time when I have had such a positive experience with tradesmen working at my house.
SolarInRI | 12/19/2017
Great service and price
RGS Solar installed solar panels on our home this past August. All representatives of the company were friendly and professional, including the sales team I spoke with over the phone, the site inspector, and the installation crew. They walked us through the whole process and provided good information in writing to explain how it all works. Originally we were told that the installation would be in October, but they were able to get it done in August, ahead of schedule, which we really appreciated. I highly recommend RGS if you are considering going solar. They are also the oldest solar company in the U.S., which gave me peace of mind that they'll still be around for years to come in case any of the panels ever need repair or replacement.
cjs556 | 11/02/2017
Perfect experience with RGS
I had tried getting a quote with another company before going to RGS, and the other company didn't even participate in the incentive programs offered in Rhode Island. Then I went to RGS and they took care of the whole incentive application and made every step very clear. It didn't feel like I was being pressured by salespeople, and the price was about what I expected. Everything went smoothly and everyone at RGS was very responsive and friendly. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I have only had the panels a little while and there haven't been any problems, but I'm sure that if I had any issues, RGS would be quick to fix them.
Ennaid | 09/12/2017
Residential Solar
I am very happy with the installation of my home unit. I have 18 panels. The communication with the sales rep, the company office handler, the financial department, and installers was professional, timely, and more than expected.
Natalya L | 08/31/2017
Took the money and disappeared
They have failed to provide necessary documents to Excel Energy on multiple occasions and our panels are still not activated after a year since we purchased! Paid almost 10k for those. They are rude, refusing to resolve the issue and not returning calls. Never purchase anything from them, they will rip you off.
Illorica | 08/31/2017
Excellent job, high quality, efficient work
Only financing on the banks end slowed the process (10 year Smart-E loan at .99%). Everyone knew their job and did it well. Installation started Monday and the system was turned on Friday afternoon! Okay, might have been some luck involved, but they took good care of my roof and yard and the inspector was telling me how good all their work looked at the 25 sites he had seen so far. Everyone was great, excellent workmanship.
Kevin911 | 08/23/2017
AWESOME SERVICE
RGS exceeded our expectations for arranging and installing solar panels at our home. They were informative and accurate during the first stages and then proceeded to get all the permits and complete the installation in a very timely manner - right on the dot of their original time schedule. We couldn't be more pleased.
Alex K | 08/21/2017
RIPOFF
Scam. Purchased a brand new hows with their solar panels 1 year ago and the panels are still not working! At first they were coming back with excuses but now they are just ignoring our calls. Paid $9300 for the panels.
tinainri | 08/02/2017
Great job
Installation was on time. Workers /crew exceptional from initial consultation through final installment and follow up fine tuning. Highly recommended
Lawdog | 07/21/2017
Solar install
The unstall team was professional and knowledgeable. They completed the install in less than two full days, fully explained the system and it's operation. The team left the site better and cleaner than when the arrived overall a great experience.
pmclean1 | 06/26/2017
OUTSTANDING IN EVERY WAY
I have now had two solar systems designed and installed by the professionals at RGS energy and both times found their work to be impeccable. They are diligent, timely, courteous, knowledgeable and in all ways experts in their field. I highly recommend them to anyone considering a solar PVC system.
bonita | 04/19/2017
RGS Energy the bomb.com
I attended a meeting in September of 2014, held by RGS Energy, in Great Barrington, Mass. And I immediately decided to install panels on my house. I decided to buy, rather than rent, to take advantage of the government subsidies being offered at that time. And also to decrease my electric bill and get S-Rec payments. I made a very wise decision. Last year my electric bill was $74 and I have an all electric house. The installation went smoothly and was done on time and also done professionally. I have had some issues with Enphase but, I am happy to say, that when I call Colorado both Andrew & Brian have fixed any problems that I have had. They are gracious and knowledgeable and fun to talk to. And in the world today that's important.
mkurlatnik | 02/24/2017
Worst customer experience I ever experienced in my life.
Worst customer experience I ever experienced in my life. RGS Energy completely ignoring all my requests to perform a warranty repair on the leaking solar panels installation. Numerous attempts to contact the company looking for resolution are ignored. There multiple leaks dripping into the attic and into a room are that we have to live with because of the inactions of RGS Energy.
Virginia O'Brien | 12/23/2016
Very Happy making our own clean free power
We had our PV panels installed early spring.They were very professional ,polite,and respectful. We loved the fact that RGS took care of all permitting from the town and utility.. the time line that was given to us from the beginning worked out to be very precise.After we were up and running for several weeks and we received our first bill I felt it was not working right we made 1 phone call they came the next day found the problem and fixed it.The system has been working great since then. We love not having a electric bill and also love the fact we are helping the environment!!
Robertburch | 08/31/2016
Stay away from real goods solar
We got solar panels through real goods solar. They installed the solar panels, which we have not had any issues with. However, when we sold our house, we contacted real good solar to transfer the solar panels to the new owner. There should not have been any issue in transferring the solar panels since we did a PPA (prepaid purchase agreement) where we pre paid for the solar panel production. We could not reach anyone to get the panels transferred. There was nobody available to take our call; nobody that would return any emails; and nobody that would return phone calls. We called over 30 times without any response. This company will take your money but does not care bout its customers. The buyer of the house is now threatening to pull out of escrow, all because real good solar will not pay attention to its customers.
Florian Bourget | 08/28/2016
Best overall for us
We were impressed with the enthusiasm for what we would be getting out of it and they came up with a design configuration that far exceeded our expectations. The installation crew was fabulous, even working on a weekend so we could get installed in time for us to received our credit. They were thorough and attentive to detail. Thet came back for the meter on time and handled all the permits. We got our rebate immediately. We were up and running before we knew it. We highly recommend this company. We had virtually no problems from design. The online site where we can watch our benefits of the array daily is awesome, too. RGS Energy should be #1 on this list. We have had the system up and running since December 2015 and we have been saving money on our electric bill and have received a check from the electric company each and every month since. Be care full when signing up making sure you ask the right questions. Don't lease the panels. Find a way to buy them even if you have to finance them for a short period of time the system will pay for itself in a few years and you will make an insane amount of money from them is the after you pay the system off years we are so satisfied I held an open house at my home yesterday and they set up a tent in my driveway and they explained all about the system and I showed the people my savings and check #'s and I think we are going to have three or four of our neighbors and friends making money in the future also.. Absolutely great company.
Happily Solarized in RI | RI | 08/15/2016
Customer Service Excellence
We just completed our installation as part of a community-wide "Solarize" program. From the moment of our first contact, we received prompt personal service and complete explanations of the work to be done and projected timelines. Installation was slowed a bit by component delivery delays but we were kept informed. All employees who visited our home were polite and considerate. For us, the biggest benefit was having RGS handle all town and utility permits, inspections, installations and approvals. We received periodic updates and personnel were prompt in responding to our inquiries. Our system is now up and running and we are able to track our green energy production via the monitoring system set up for us by RGS. It's a very rewarding feeling to see the end results of this investment in real time!
Early Adopter | 08/08/2016
7 years and still ticking
Installed our system in 2009 on a ground mount. System has always exceeded expected annual production, and warranty service for a shattered panel (?) was quick and professional. Would highly recommend.
Lizzie | 08/07/2016
Superb Experience with RGS!
We have had our panels on our barn roof for over one year, the installation was done like clock-work, the staff were wonderful and accommodating. The first winter our bills were very minimal and now after one full year, we are coming in at zero in bills and Vermont weather can be tough! Very pleased and highly recommend!
murphmoon | 07/20/2016
Horrible Customer Service
Very positive experience with initial installation and sales person (person left company though). Follow-up service is very, very poor. I am currently on message call #7 over 1.5 week period - without any response or reply from RGS. This is for warranty service.
Pro | 06/27/2016
Better than promised!!
Before I purchased my system from RGS I was told it would produce 85% of my energy. After the first year it produced 110% of my energy. This included using air conditioning for the equalivent of a full month during the summer. I couldn't me happier!
Suziie | 06/08/2016
Feeling responsible and saving money😃
We have been delighted with the energy production, as well as the savings from our solar panels. Our bills are $0.00 to a few dollars a month and we have already earned back money from selling our SRECs. We are huge energy users but are glad we have done this.
GregL | 06/03/2016
Amaz(RGS)ing, Service(RGS)Oriented,Profe(RGS)ssonal
When I think of the words Amazing, Service Oriented and Professional it only seems fitting that RGS (Real Good Solar) be included in the middle of them. From my first contact with them through the installation and customer follow up, they have been exceptional throughout. What is even better is the value I receive from the power generation of my new solar energy system. My neighbors have commented as to how "clean" the installation looks. I have a tile roof and all the conduits are concealed within the tiles so the installation looks like the panels were part of the house when it was built. Oh yes I almost forgot the most important part (RGS)Affor(RGS)dable(RGS)....That's correct Real Good Solar (RGS) is at the front, center and end of Affordable. Want to know more send me an email to greg.e.lopez@gmail.com Happy Solar Customer
nbourassa | 06/02/2016
Great Work by RGS
Everyone from RGS was professional and courteous throughout the entire process from sale, through install and finally system turn-on. I'm very happy with the quality of the install, and the friendliness and professionalism of everyone I interacted with. I would happily recommend their services to anyone looking for a solar system.
Board Member & Trustee | 02532, MA | 05/27/2016
Board Member and Trustee
Our 8 unit condominium used to have a shared $4,500.00 yearly electrical bill which is connected to our electrical hot water system. Over the last year, our electricity bills have been covered by the solar installation provided by Andrew Wright at RGS Energy. We now have additional credits which are positioned to allocate excess energy production to pay for our common electrical meter which is around $50.00 a month. In addition to the state tax credit and the federal tax credit savings we received, we are generating income due to this installation even after just one year. Our SRECs are paying for the system, which makes this very favorable. Everything Andrew presented to our board has happened. The guaranteed production, SREC payments, tax credits and system performance. Our next utility reading will be June 5th and we hope to continue with over production to cover our electrical needs for many years to come. I recommend working with Andrew Wright at RGS Energy if you are looking for a solar professional.
Fyrstic | 05/23/2016
Efficient, easy and thorough
What every business should be like! Everyone I talked to was knowledgeable and pleasant. The installation happened in a day and all very professional. I would highly recommend this company to anyone.
DrJFla | VT | 05/22/2016
Residential solar installation
Had three companies bid.
rich43 | 05/19/2016
Solar Experience
I have to recommend RGS as I am satisfied with the installation and price. It will be one year in July and it will be nice to see the cost of electricity for the entire year.
Broadway Newport | 05/19/2016
Excellent customer support all along the way
From the first contact to initiate the quote, the comparative quality of the quote economic and technical detail, through design, construction and commissioning the RGS team was attentive, pro-active, personable....including the installation crew, who were not merely considerate, but actually a pleasure to have on-site, seriously.
Anonymous | 05/18/2016
wonderful service all around!
from the time someone came and discussed the plan to the time the last step was completed, they were super super folks to work with. I am an electrical engineer and I worked in the photovoltaic manufacturing business for several years. They knew what they were talking about, and provided excellent customer service all the way. Now, I don't even get an electric bill for the monthly service fee from National Grid!
antishort | 04/05/2016
Do not use RGS energy
First off they have no warranty service in California. They farm it out. Lied about paying for warranty work with their subcontractor then refused to reimburse. Told me I would receive a daily credit until my system was up and running. Never got it, and they never responded to inquires. Bad company.
Bades | 04/01/2016
Stay away from RGS!
In Oct. 2015, RGS installed three solar panels on my roof. The project was supposed to include registering them so that I'd receive SREC payments. On Dec. 16, RGS learned that it would have to install a meter to register the panels and billed me an additional $487.50. Rather than accepting responsibility for its failure to include the necessary meter in its work order, RGS attempted to raise the cost of the project ex post facto from $3,930,30 to $4,417.80. It's this kind of practice that recently caused the Better Business Bureau to revoke its accreditation of RGS. Unless you enjoy being treated the way I have described, I suggest you steer clear of this company.
California Dave | 03/30/2016
Great Solar Company
Just installed a 4.4kW system in southern California. The installer (Helio Power) is top notch. We had a great experience with them. RGS and Helio were very professional and polite, and responded quickly to all my e-mails. The schedule slipped due to a change in installers, but overall that was a benefit as we were very impressed with Helio. Originally we were going to go with SunEdison, but RGS came in with a better price and better equipment, and we trusted / liked the RGS salesperson better. We are very happy with the enphase microinverters and the information they provide about the solar system generation.
still waiting consumer | 02/17/2016
Very poor warranty support
I want to alert everyone anticipating securing a Real Goods Solar (RGS) solar system. They do a fantastic job in getting a system installed and operating but once is paid for that is where the fantastic part stops. They do not stand behind they write warranty. I have a panel that has been looked at twice by a RGS provided technician and confirmed to be a bad. This issue has gone on for the better part of the year and promises are made that the panel will be replaced but those promises have been continually broken. Unless RGS improves on their warranty obligations DO NOT BUY a system from RGS.
PLCprofessor | 01/20/2016
roof leaks
Had a system installed on my tile roof. It has leaked from the first rain. This is the forth time I have tried to get satisfaction from RGS, but after having informing them that I have a major leak SEVEN days ago NOBODY has bothered to even respond to my request for "Customer Service"!
Brandy | Yarmouth , MA | 01/04/2016
Home Owner
Very pleased with the installation. Clean & very net. The help in getting through the permit process was excellent. Especially where we live & have to get historical permission. The house is a colonial style home. You really don't notice the panels on our roof. I would HIGHLY recommend this company. Glad to have them use us for recommendations, if they choose to.
Dancer | 12/23/2015
Beyond and Above Expectations
I had no idea what to expect in terms of the process of installing. The team was on team, efficient and went beyond what I had expected of them. Their set up was organized, obviously qualified to handle the job and trustworthy. They explained the process as we went along. I am beyond pleased. Thank you Andrew and RGS.
Greendoc | 12/13/2015
Excellent Sales Representative
Installed my system last year. Had great help and service along the way from Andrew Wright and RGS Energy team. I have been very happy with the system and their service even after the sale of the system. Would highly recommend Andy and his team.
WDG | 12/10/2015
Meets expectations 95%
A solar power system should be transparent, operate without you being conscious of it, and ours does. It delivers about 6 kW of a.c. power across a wide range of solar incidence (26 panels of 275 watts each). After 16 months of operation I find no serious issues. However I believe one payback factor was not calculated: icing of the panels in this Upstate New York location. Payback calculations included panel azimuth (compass) and elevation (roof) angles, shading, and average yearly cloud cover but not icing. It is extremely difficult to obtain data for panel icing. Although February 2015 was mostly sunny here, the cold was deep and sharp. The temperatures were too low to melt the ice and zero power was produced that month. I anticipate my expected 8 year payback might be 10 years. RGS employs local subcontractors for installation. You should follow the installation closely. I re-routed the wiring runs for my benefit, of no issue to RGS as that lowered their costs. Make sure you understand what is being done; you don't need a technical degree for that, just insist that RGS answer your questions about administration, operation, and technology (well-done, Andrew Wright). Also, check with RGS about people assigned to installation work as there is an opportunity for a scam; that someone could pose as representing RGS. You will feel more confident about your system if you understand as much as possible about how it works.
snooze | 12/07/2015
better than anticipated
After investigating other solar companies here in the north east we settled on RGS. Andrew Wright was our sales person and took the time, even with time zone differences, to hold our hands and walk us through everything. The initial install took a bit longer to get started due to extreme weather conditions but only took 1 wk. from start to finish. We have 57 Solar World panels for a 14.5kw service. Biggest issue we had was the local elec. inspector was out because of illness and the backup inspector did not know all the latest codes. It took the local elec. provider almost 3 months to change our meter over to a new Net Meter. System up a running 3/25/15 and we have not paid an electric bill yet (12/7/15) RGS has been very responsive to any questions and helping of reporting for SREC's. Our 2000 sq.ft. colonial uses about 17 kw. per day average. We heat and cool with electric. Install crew was GREAT and walked us thru the hole system and left the premise well kept. We have recommended RGS to several others already.
dickferguson | 12/03/2015
Great system but mediocre service
The installation was extremely quick and professional and the panels themselves are great. The staff at RGS, however, are not. They continually forgot to file paperwork and could not (due to incompetence) provide the information to me so I could file it. They would frequently not return phone calls or emails and it took several weeks to get a hold of someone who had any idea what they were doing. I was forced to use RGS' company of choice for an SREC aggregator as they would not provide the information to me or another company to choose my own. For being such a large solar installation company they seemed to know almost nothing about the process other than the physical installation.
Ruger | 12/03/2015
Solar is Great
We have had solar for about a year know and everything as expected. It was easy to get everything installed and haven't had any issues plus bills have went down as promised.
SteveR | 12/02/2015
Works exactly as advertised
I have had my system for over a year now. The sales and installation processes were a breeze (with the exception of difficulties from my homeowners association, but RGS was fantastic through that process). The system appears to have been sized perfectly, and the forecast output and savings are exactly what I was told they would be. I do not hesitate to recommend RGS - they are very honorable, and I couldn't be happier with the system performance.