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Solar Direct

3.4 41 reviews Solar installer in Sarasota, FL
  • 1 area served

Overview of Solar Direct

Solar Direct hosts the Internet’s top visited e-commerce destination for solar and renewable technology products. Looking toward the future, Solar Direct is committed to accelerated growth, providing an advantageously informed and truly inspired purchasing experience for consumers, and fostering new relations by partnering with others in the environmental community. Solar Direct now has another new location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

What Solar Direct customers say

3.4

41 reviews

Mare

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Total lack of response

Been calling and emailing and leaving messages and reviews They never respond .Our solar hasn’t worked in 6 months and can not get anyone to respond !! Avoid this company is the worst

Bigus D.

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Look elsewhere

Like another reviewer here noted: this company is quick to sell you the system and take your payment, then drag their heels on the installation. Mine took almost 5 months, and it wasn’t a complex system. Worse, they damaged the roof, causing it to leak into the ceilings. I had to pay for a roofer to get it fixed. The solar panel system itself worked fine once installed, but I’d advise you to look elsewhere for a more responsible company.

Greg

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2023

I have also experienced the total lack of professionalism with solar direct when it comes to customer service. I'm not contacting them for social reasons, I'm contacting them because my system isn't working properly. They don't answer phones, they take weeks to respond to emails and apparently are quite clueless as to what is going on. They DON'T seem to care, period. They should NOT be in business. Avoid them at all costs.

Response from Solar Direct

Dear valued customer, We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delay in our response to your request. We take your feedback very seriously and we are sorry to hear that your experience with Solar Direct has been less than satisfactory. We understand how important it is to have a functional solar system, and we regret that we have not been able to provide you with the level of service you deserve. We have been experiencing a higher volume of inquiries than usual, which has caused delays in our response times. However, we are actively working to improve our communication channels and ensure that all inquiries are addressed in a timely manner. We want to assure you that we do care about our customers and their satisfaction is our top priority. We would like to work with you to resolve any issues you are experiencing with your system. Please reach out to Sarah in our service department PH#941-263-7694, Email: service@solardirect.com with your contact details and she will make sure that your concerns are addressed promptly. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We are committed to providing the best service possible and we hope to have the opportunity to make things right. Best regards, The Solar Direct Team

Christian H

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2020

Eight 4x12 Vortex solar panels

Our old Fafco solar pool heater panels were in rough shape. I called Solar Direct to have them replaced with Vortex panels. We couldn't be happier. Kelly handled everything from the office like a superstar. She answered all of my questions and was a joy to speak with over the phone. On install day the guys showed up on time, were very professional and had the new panels installed in no time at all. Thanks again Solar Direct.

Greg S.

Reviewed on May 7, 2020

Great Service

We were looking to update our 15 year old system that the previous owners of the house had installed. After contacting a few vendors, we settled on Solar Direct based on the positive reviews throughout the Internet. They certainly did not disappoint. They were able to get my system changed out in a fairly quick length of time and walked me through everything that had changed. I am a very happy customer and highly recommend them.

Victoria

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2019

Great Company to do Business With

We just had 28 solar panel system installed and had a great experience with Solar Direct. We did our own research on different panels and inverters before deciding to go solar. From day one, we were treated very respectfully and all of our questions and concerns were answered. (Thank you Dale & Oliver!) We were given a complete description of how the process takes place and a projected timeline. Everything was completed in or very close to that timeline, the only delay of a couple of days caused by an abundance of rain for a few days. (Thank you Frank!) After the install was complete, we had to wait for FPL to install the NET meter, which was within a week, even though we thought it would be postponed due to Hurricane Dorian. Once the NET meter was installed, I was contacted and instructed on how to sign on to the website and install the app to monitor the system. So far, all seems great and it was a pleasant experience dealing with Solar Direct.

Coty Keller

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2019

Great products, terrific service

I'm a DIY homeowner working with Solar Direct for 12 years and cannot be happier with the product choice advice, sales and follow up support. They literally walked me thru the installation and maintenance of a solar domestic hot water system that is working as well today as it was 12 years ago.

mikesyl27

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2019

Great Solar installer

I have installed 15.3kw solar system which consisted of 45 340w TallMax panels. From the time of the order throughout installation the response was great from SolarDirect. I am a pest of a customer and have lots of questions and request frequent status. With a Tier 2 system it adds another level of complexity with insurance and agreement with the utility. Was provided a clear timeline and was able to keep in touch throughout the process. I even had to upgrade my main service panel to handle a line side tap. The installers were great and were not bothered by me being on the roof to ask questions and take progress pictures. This gave me a better understanding on what was being done and how everything tied in. This was even accomplished in one day and tested before they left. They answered everything and showed me the inverters and tied to main service panel. Since the agreement was in place prior to installation I only had to wait a couple business days for the utility to install my meter. When the system turned on one of the inverters crashed after about 50 minutes. Their service team took care of getting a replacement shipped and installed quickly. System has been performing really well and glad j took the plunge into solar.

solarguy27

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2019

Since 1986 & A+ Rated on BBB

Solar Direct seemed to be the right choice based on their A+ BBB rating and also because of their 33 years in business. I gave them a try because of this and everything seemed to to be right about this company. My installation is clean and the job was done in less than 60 days. I didn't need to call them very much but always did receive prompt email replies when I had a question. Oliver is a great Sales Manager and Dale is a fantastic owner. I highly recommend Solar Direct for all your Solar needs.

Bigromo in Edgewater FL

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2019

Not the closest, just the best!

I went solar in Aug 2018. It was something I wanted to do for a long time. I spent a couple of months learning and reading and signed up for some estimates when I thought I knew enough to do that. I went onto an online site and put in my info and it made my info available to solar companies to provide bids to me through them. I wanted to eliminate my bill for energy, but learned you don't want to size larger than you need as the excess is paid for by the power company. I selected 3 to talk to. 2 were relatively near me and had good reviews, but one (Solar Direct) was in Sarasota FL, almost 4 hours from my home in Edgewater FL. Solar direct started out as the underdog due to their distance from my property. But eventually my salesperson Dale earned my business and I went with them, despite them starting off as the underdog. I am happy that I did. They gave me a competitive price and excellent service and my system turns out to be sized perfectly without deficit or excess. My materials are high quality and the installation is neat and professional and passed inspection first run. We had a problem with one part of it when installed due to a manufacturing defect, so they got the opportunity to demonstrate great service when they made 2 trips from 4 hours away to diagnose and resolve the problem replacing the component at no charge. I could not ask for more. I am glad I gave them the opportunity and am very happy in every respect. I highly recommend them, and if they are not close by, don't rule them out.

Powered by the Sun

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2019

A Good, Caring Company

Solar Direct has more than thirty (30) years in the solar industry. I chose them over other companies in part because of that experience and because of their commitment to their customers. I visited their HQ, spoke with company principals and left feeling confident in their ability to complete my project on my required scheduled.

Upset and Irate

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2019

Do not do business with these people

These people use unsolicited telemarketing calls from a call center in India to drum up business. Calling you at all hours of the day and night and when you ask to be placed on the do not call list they hang up on you and call back an hour or so later and then every 4-6 hours after that for several days until you're forced to make an appointment or block the 20 different phone numbers they use to call you. I eventually just mad an appointment for a fake home i don't own (because they're too cheap to do any verification before they call) and wasted a sales guys' time.

Response from Solar Direct

Solar Direct does NOT use telemarketing. This person has use confused with some other company. We did do telemarketing in-house 5-6 years ago, and at the time we were registered with the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs, and have a spotless record with them for honoring the Do NOT Call list. If this was a real legitimate complaint, then the person should report it to the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs, and then we would be exonerated when they investigate and find no valid claim.

Jessica V.

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2019

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!

I would NOT even give this company 1 star. I was a Customer Service Manager for over 10+ years dealing with complaints, damages and other issues with a company that has outsourced providers. So I have had to deal with both customers and vendors in my day. So I have seen my fair share of good and bad companies out there. This company has to be one of the WORST out there. As others have written in their reviews here too....very quick to sell you and up to the point of install things seemed great. Then once installed non-stop issues. Have failed inspection 2 times, no updates on anything, emails and phone calls with no responses (from both Oliver & Frank), no explanations, etc. In their contract agreement in black and white) it states that they would reimburse you for expenses if there is a delay. When I included verbiage from their own contract an my email, with no response until after 2 weeks but "we are working on it"... they don't even hold up their own language as written in a contract. In their proposal, website and other documents including their project timeline report they include the word "commitment". They do NOT even know what that word means. I have written several emails, including one quoting the contract, copying the Better Business Bureau and even advised that I sent separate copy of the email to the finance company as well; and not even an apology for the delay. We began the sales conversation with this company in the Summer. The actual panels were installed in October 2018. The timeline they provided said that even including the permits, inspection and FPL meter change processes that the panels should be on and functional by end of November. Here we are Jan 3rd, 2019 and still no end in sight or updates on status of anything. Apparently meter cannot be changed until inspection is passed. And I am receiving a $400 bill from FPL that they haven't paid the FPL invoice for the new meter yet (which can affect my account/credit/deposit with FPL). Palm Beach County Inspector has been here twice for inspection and they failed both times. Using the holidays is not an excuse because they could at least schedule something with us, the owners, in the meantime for repairs to be ready for when holidays are over. And NOTHING!!!!!!!! When you contact the main number at Solar Direct, a female defends Frank and Oliver. She only tells you to contact the owner (Kirk) and provides his email and washes her hands that way from the situation. Doesn't even offer to escalate it to someone higher, someone that can help, etc. Useless as the rest of the incompetent people who work here. What happened to the customer??? I don't believe that the customer is always right from my experience but I do believe they would not be calling or reaching out in writing unless they have been BURNED in some way by the company. And this company has not only burned us but has cost us additional expenses due to their delays. We are now paying the financing payment for the panels that don't even work yet. On top of an electricity bill I should not even have anymore. So I am spending at least $300 more a month than I should be or as "promised" that I should not be spending once this was completed. This company cant even return a phone call. They make mistakes, they make promises and don't deliver. I will never recommend this company to anyone. I have contacted the BBB and reported them again.

Frustrated-Customer

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2018

Soalr direct costumer service is Terrible !!!

I am trying to give this company a Negative 10000 rating but cant.. Do not , I repeat.... do not use this company.. This is the worse customer service I have ever seen in my life !! "Frank" is the lone person handling customer service and is soooo bad" I dont know how this guy still is employed ! everyone in the company says.. "he is overworked" ,,,, he doest answer his phone..says the best way to contact him is by email, but then doesnt reply to emails.... you may get a response in two weeks...or you might have to send an email in two weeks .. then you have to call the 1800 number to get someone else , to find this guy!! I had some panels installed, turns out it was not installed well at all.. Tons of roof problems as a result. Just in case you missed this warning.....Dont get solar panels from Solar Direct !! if you do,,, and you have problems..that is on you, because you read this message.. Me personally wish someone would have told be to take my business elsewhere !!

Patience

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2018

Can you spell procrastination ?

Signed the contract 8 months ago... System was installed 1 month ago still not inspected, still not live.... paperwork not filed. Communication ? What communication ? They have their own agenda and it has nothing to do with the buyers agenda.

Pablo Cedron

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2018

Great experience at install... service is not great at all

They installed my system, which worked great. I had to perform hurricane-related repairs to my roof and have been waiting for almost 7 months for them to reinstall the system. I have received numerous expanations or excuses on why this is happening, but I think that 7 months is more than enough to solve your internal issues. Great company to install your system... do not rely on them after the initial installation

Yudi Martinez

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2018

Clean job. Done fast

My 8kw is running smooth thanks to Solar Direct. Speed of installation from signing contracts, to financing approval, to permits, to install and inspection was under 3 months. Pretty good taking in consideration that is a longer process for most companies. Those guys are well aligned. I would do it again with them. Good Luck

MCMarketing

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2018

Best Quality & Price I’ve Found In FL

After hearing many horror stories about new Solar companies in Florida, I decided to research Solar companies that have been around more than 10 years. During my research I found Solar Direct and they seemed to be doing things right for over 30 years. I decided to get 3 proposals from Solar companies and Solar Direct came in well below the competition. I thought this was concerning at first but then they explained to me they have lots of industry connections and large buying power from their lengthy time in business. I went with their USA made panels with SolarEdge Inverter and my system has been over producing by 10% more than they guaranteed. YES...they offered me a 5 year Guarantee on production! So far they have exceeded my expectations and I feel I couldn’t have made a better decision. I have also referred 2 of my neighbors to them and so far all of them have been happy with their decision. Great company with a great history in the Solar industry!

Homerette

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2016

Residential Solar Panel Installation 2013

We have nothing but praise for Solar Direct from start to finish, and taking advantage of Duke Energy Sun Sense rebate program was the best decision we ever made. Solar Direct handled everything from locking in the rebate funds, to explaining the tax incentives and offering a "0"% financing for the first year on the balance. We estimate we are saving upwards of two-thirds of our pre-installation energy bills of approximately $250 per month. Average cost in 2015 with installation is $79.00 per month. This is a 1200 sf block home with no pool but heavy use of A/C in summer and appliances year round. We do not have a solar water heater and still have old, uninsulated, Miami windows. Well worth it! Brian & Shannon in Clearwater, Florida.

dond

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2015

Terrible Communication, No After-Care

Solar Direct installed phase one of my solar system. Now, a year later, I have an additional $30,000.00 worth of business for them (phase 2) and they won't even return my calls and emails. My recommendation is find a company that stands behind their work, and will communicate with you, the customer.

Response from Solar Direct

Their sales guy, Oliver, and the owner, Frank, will avoid your calls and emails. Find a better company. You've been warned. I was trying to get them to do phase 2 of my solar project, installation of a lithium ion backup battery system. My budget is $30K. <br /><br />They won't even contact me back. I guess they have more business than they need. ???

Response from Solar Direct

***UPDATE: Since I posted this, the service from Solar Direct has been radically improved. I am looking forward to a greatly improved relationship with them going forward.<br /><br />Today, I'd give them 5 stars, and I would recommend them to others.

Anmark

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2015

Warranty Call

After a couple month, my solar panels power output almost twice less then it was when installed. Called a service deportment and got promise that they will call me next day and schedule appointment. After waiting a month for a call, I called them again and they said that they never received service call from me!!!

Rotech

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2015

Horrible service dept

My solar system has been down for three weeks, I still haven't got my first electric bill and I've been asking for service and all I get is false promises. Service manager does not respond to emails or calls and when he does it's only for excuses be aware ,!!!

Still waiting

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2015

Still waiting for a pool heater

Regret hiring them

Response from Solar Direct

The electric pool heating system has now been fitted. (Oliver) at solar direct was a pleasure to deal with and helped greatly with getting the issues resolved. <br /><br />The team that fitted the unit were extremely fast and professional.

Ry

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2013

Solar Panels spit down the middle.

Sent out cracked solar panels to a job. Would not let me return them for ones not cracked. Gave me the run around. Their explanation was they sometimes come that way. Unbelievable.

Response from Solar Direct

1/16/2014 This product has seams which are tack welded to facilitate easier handling; the box clearly states that the welds sometimes come apart during shipping, and that it does not effect the product or the warranty. Even though this was not a damage or warranty claim, we promptly sent replacements out before even retrieving the original package in order to give good customer service. The claim of "not receiving them" is either false or was written prematurely as we shipped the replacements the very next day.

Barbara Perez

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2010

The employees were VERY knowledgable, extremely considerate and helpful. They were (are) very personable! I love getting my electric bill - if that is even imaginable! The system is saving me over half of my previous usage. And - solar is the right thing to do for our country! We wouldn`t have to worry about oil drilling if more solar was used. I was very startled that the rebate ($ 30,000) appears to not be coming. I am glad I am financially able to survive the shock! This is the only negative.

About Solar Direct

41
Customer reviews
3.4
Average rating
1
Area served

What Solar Direct does

Services

  • Installation

Where Solar Direct works

  • Florida

Where to find Solar Direct

Head office

6935 15th Street East, Suite 120, Sarasota FL, 34243

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Solar Direct

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