Rethink Electric

The initial install of our panels was worry free. I have since discovered that they do not respond to panel problems later. I have left voice mails regarding a problem panel but they refuse to respond back.

System Installation

The two-day installation of our solar panel system was expertly done by the team of Christian, Jesus, and Kevin. I would give them a five-star review but for the policy that I have to reserve judgement of a new system (of any kind) until it is fully approved and working. So, for now, I feel a four-star compliment is appropriate until the Village of Skokie allows the system to begin working. I think the chances of first-round approval are very high.

They installed solar initially. Needed repair last spring. Tried numerous times to contact them after they came once to evaluate the situation. They never responded to repeated requests for repairs. Apparently, they’re too busy doing installations to offer support for their own systems. As a result, we are likely going to be financially penalized by ComEd for not producing sufficient energy, as required by the contract.

I had my solar installed by Rethink 6 yrs ago. Since that time, the system has paid for itself in full, and I am driving my EV 15k miles a year at "0" cost for electric power. My app shows that Rethink's system has produced over 65 Mega Watt Hours since we turned it on. Over the years, Rethink has stood by their installation, answering questions and sending out a tech when necessary for adjustments. They are sometimes hard to reach directly, but they always return my calls and/or emails. I would highly recommend them if you are looking at solar.

We used the web site Energy Sage to get quotes for our solar panels, and that's how we found out about Rethink Electric. Their quote was detailed and fair, including a couple of different options, and their references were great, so it made it very easy to choose Rethink. We're building with the Passive House standard in mind, which entails a lot of attention to air sealing, and Anthony, who had to deal with the conduit inside the house, was very good about working with me to make sure there were no air leaks around their installation components. Mike, the guys on site, and all the people in the office who we worked with were all great in terms of communication and responsiveness to questions or issues that came up --- even when I made a mistake on site, they were great about it, and came back to make the proper adjustment for me. Also, when an electrical code issue came up, Mike was quick to respond, and he was great about supplying me with the detailed info I needed to resolve the issue. We've had a variety of subcontractors work on our new house, and it really makes a difference when workers show up who are professional, friendly, and dedicated to doing things the right way. Although they weren't around for very long, we really enjoyed working with Mike, Anthony, Dan, and Cherif. We would highly recommend Rethink Electric to anyone interested in pursuing solar.

From the initial quote to the final installation, all done professionally and with the upmost respect to my home and property. I have never had a question go unanswered after the installation either often by the owner himself. I highly recommend ReThink electric for any of your solar needs. I'm a believer that we must use renewables. ReThink people seem to be passionate about the benefits of this.

Solar Install - Great Experience

From the initial quote to the finished solar system on top of my roof, ReThink Electric was very professional and responsive to my questions during this entire process. I highly recommend them for any solar installation based on my experience. I've even asked follow up questions a couple of months after the installation and those questions were quickly answered by the owner himself.

We Paid Price for Disorganization, Wrong Inverter Installed, etc

Due to the unorganized disposition of Rethink Electric, our solar implementation had serious issues. I will identify just three of the issues here--(1) due to the inability to manage paperwork such as proposals and invoices, the owner of Rethink Electric asked for several thousand additional dollars AFTER we had paid for our implementation in full. In fact, the owner of Rethink Electric personally visited our residence in order to accept final payment. Several weeks later, he demanded several thousand additional dollars due to alleged paperwork issues on his end, and he stated that he wouldn't honor his warranty unless we complied. We haven't heard from him since. (2) Rethink Electric installed the incorrect inverter our residence. We had requested (and the owner stated that he had installed) the appropriate inverter so that it would integrate directly with the Tesla or LG battery backup devices. However, this is not the case and now we must spend thousands of dollars to rectify the situation or ask the court system to assist. We have written statements from the owner of Rethink Electric stating that he was installing the requested inverter. (3) When the installation was complete, Mike showed us that the electric meter was running backwards and that we would receive a credit as a result. However, we repeatedly told him (and showed photos) that the electric usage was ADDING (not SUBTRACTING). Mike repeatedly assured us that the electric bill would show that we were receiving a credit for excess capacity returned to the grid. However, the first electric bill confirmed that we actually PAID for the excess capacity that was produced, and as a result, our electric bill was roughly DOUBLE what it normally was. ComEd representatives indicated that they had experienced many issues with Mike (they knew of him by name), that ComEd installs "tamper proof" meters that increment even if they run backwards, and that the meters must be replaced before depoyment of PV systems. Mike said this was ComEd's fault, even though when we contacted ComEd directly, they told us that forms had to be completed and approval was necessary before NetMetering can occur. We had no choice other than to complete the forms ourselves, even though ComEd representatives stated that this is the responsibility of the installer. As a result, the system wasn't available for several months. Although the Rethink staff told us that we would be compensated for the double billing, this never occurred. In closing, I have two additional solar implementations on the plate (one for a large condominium association), and unfortunately, I have to locate another installer... There are other issues that I can elaborate. Rather than doing so here, please check with Better Business Bureau for updates. The owner of Rethink Electric didn't install the inverter that was offered in writing, causing an additional approx. $3K expenditure (for the SolarEdge Storedge inverter) so that the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem battery pack can be installed. The owner of Rethink Electric has also stated in writing that he won't honor the 7 year workmanship warranty that I purchased.

Highly Recommended

I wanted to install solar for a long time. We retired from the AF a few years ago and finally stopped moving around. I contacted several installers and Mike was the first to respond and show up for an evaluation. Mike & Josh showed up to do the evaluation and Mike had an estimate to me within 3 hours. The whole process was simple and easy. I have a large tree in the backyard & Mike told me there would be a little shading in the spring and fall - very honest, straightforward and accurate. And since the installation, the customer support has been outstanding - no problems with the panels or production monitoring - I just wanted to add consumption monitoring a few months later and once again it was easy. I recommend Rethink for any solar project.

Mike at Rethink KNOWS whats up

We've had the opportunity to work with 3 different solar companies and Mike @ Rethink Electric stands out as the best to work with. He has the experience and all around know-how, from front to back with ANY solar system. The solar industry is rapidly changing and Mike is always on the cutting edge. His full service turnkey system is what you need if you are inexperienced like me and want to drop ComEd. We strongly recommend Rethink Electric!

trustworthy and intelliegent

Rethink Electric is passionate about solar and extremely knowledgeable. I like that Mike insists on the highest quality materials, while keeping his prices fair. Communication was excellent -- we were very well informed about the project. Install was done quickly, within the time promised and with respect for property and people living here. I highly recommend this company!