Smart Wave Solar

Downgrade experience after purchase

Steve Michels, my sales representative, was incredibly helpful and responsive. His prompt and detailed answers to my questions influenced my decision, even though he couldn't provide a matching quote due to company policy. However, after transitioning to the project coordinator, response times slowed, and scheduling became challenging. On-site service appointments took weeks to schedule and no communications were made when they couldn't make it. My main concern is the system design issue. Despite ordering high-end panels, the system was designed for lower voltage arrays. This led to persistent over-voltage alerts and weeks of delays to address the issue, leaving me uncertain about potential damage to my inverter. While the on-site crews were friendly, these issues affect my overall experience. Three stars reflect the mix of positive and negative aspects. Hopeful for improvements for future customers.

Update

*UPDATE* After nearly a year with solar now, somebody from Smart Wave contacted me after seeing my review on this website. She asked what she could do to make things right. She went through my files and saw everything wrong and how long things took. The company paid me an additional $400 for missed time of solar and then sent a roofing company out to check the damage done to my roof by the installers. They were able to fix the damage. Every time I spoke with somebody at Solar Wave, they were nice and personable people. The problem came with their ability to work with Xcel Energy and their installers who put holes in the roof than moved the panels and didn't know how to properly repair the roof. The critter guard wasn't installed on all parts either. Within days we had pigeons nesting and they were able to come fix that within a week. My advice is no matter who your installer is, make sure to have a 3rd party check their work if you don't know what you're looking for/at. I do trust Solar Wave is good customer service and good people. I was just the unlucky one where everything that could go wrong did go wrong. I wish everything went smoothly and I would give them 5 stars. Since they reached out to remedy the situation and fix past mistakes I will boost my review to 3 stars and still recommend them if they got their timeline and installation process solidified. Original Review: I signed up with smart wave over big names in April because they said I could be going no later than July. After many delays and headaches they finally installed in October. They blamed xcel energy. The installment was a new crew. They changed the layout of the set up after drilling into shingles. There are two damaged areas on roof now. The critter guard was put on a few weeks later but they missed spots and I have pigeons nesting now. It is now January and i still have no solar as they blame the city inspection but it’s been 3 months since install. I’m now paying an electricity bill and my solar loan. If I could go back in time and do no solar, I would do that in an instant. Nothing but troubles and headaches.

Great....Excellent...Very Disappointing

We believe the solar panels we purchased are a quality product. The communication throughout the process from Diana at Smart Wave was excellent! The customer support we received after install was very disappointing. Three failed inspections before passing. (we were assured the installers were professionals). Then no response to an email sent to one of the owners after what I thought was a sincere phone call apologizing for the mishaps. Ultimately, we received an offer of $54.41 reimbursement for "our troubles".... How would you feel after paying them over $18,500.00?