Solar SME - DUPE

Unreliable. Disorganized. Frustrating.

My experience with Solar SME began in July 2025. The system was not installed until the end of December, and getting there was unnecessarily frustrating. When the equipment was delivered on December 11, it was left outside near the sidewalk instead of being placed in the backyard or shed as requested. It remained outside until installation. Scheduling was also unreliable. I was repeatedly given installation dates or timeframes when nobody showed up, leaving my partner and me constantly guessing when work would actually happen. Unfortunately, the problems continued after installation. Around May 5, 2026, four of my solar panels stopped producing. I reported the issue to Solar SME in mid-May and identified the affected panels. Over the next several months, I repeatedly contacted Solar SME trying to get someone to my home. I was told a crew would come the following week. Nobody came. I was later told someone would come another week. Nobody came. On June 26, I was told the issue would be handled that day. Nobody came. On July 6, Solar SME apologized and said I would receive another update the next day. I did not. I continued following up through July. On August 1, I finally escalated the issue to multiple Solar SME contacts and copied Climate First Bank, which financed the system. On August 3, Solar SME acknowledged the repeated scheduling failures and said it was targeting resolution within 10 business days. That deadline also passed. On August 12, Solar SME told me it would schedule a technician and that the system had been reviewed remotely with Hoymiles Technical Support. I was told that if the problem was related to Solar SME installation or workmanship, it would fall under their workmanship warranty. By August 22, I still had no appointment. On August 24, Solar SME told me they had been waiting for me to agree to terms before scheduling the visit, even though their previous email had not clearly stated that a response was required. I immediately told them to proceed. The service visit finally occurred on September 2, roughly three and a half months after I first reported the problem. According to the technicians who came to my home, the four-panel failure was caused by a plug/connection that had not been fully seated, resulting in a fault. Once corrected, the panels started functioning again. The technicians also told me that some panels did not appear to be angled correctly. I requested the technician's written service report documenting the connection problem, repair, and their observations about the panel angles. Instead, I almost immediately received a $190 truck-roll invoice. I understand that the $190 fee is included in the contract. However, after months of lost production, repeated missed service commitments, poor communication, and a repair involving what the technicians described as an improperly seated connection, I asked Solar SME to waive the fee as a matter of customer service. They declined. Their response focused on the contract language requiring the fee and did not substantively address the loose connection, the technicians' panel-angle comments, or my request for the service report. Equipment problems happen. That is not my main complaint. My complaint is that four panels were nonfunctional for months while I repeatedly chased Solar SME for service, received promises that did not materialize, and ultimately had to escalate the issue just to get someone to my home. Then, after the technicians finally corrected the problem, the $190 invoice arrived almost immediately. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Solar SME. If you are considering them, read the contract carefully, document everything, and communicate by email whenever possible.

Update 28/8/2026, Spoke to Mr. Mahmud, he apologized for the wrong attitude that one of the employees has, of one of the self center sales pusher. Going forward, we have plans to upgrade my system with a battery back up, to be able to used during peak hrs from dominion energy and additional 8+ more panels of min. of 610w on the roof of the house, perhaps another inverter. So we have to wait,, till the roof is replaced, 2026. I'm almost a $00.00 for dominion energy. Freedom Forever damage my roof. I'm looking forward to get an estimate for the upgrades. .......................................OLDER REVIEW! Suffolk, VA. My system it has been down since June 18,2026. Today July 8, 2026. On August 2024, I signed a contract with Freedom Forever to install a solar system, fast forward, I inquired assistance through Solar Edge, the provide me with 2 technicians that can look at the inverters, troubleshooting, etc. On July 6,2026 I was contacted by Daniel Zayb, we go over what is happening, share Pic, what have I tried as resetting the system. Etc. After we talk for a while he was offering for me to purchase batteries for my system, for future back up etc. I had to ask him for now I need a technician to stop by and put the system back on line. It sounded as isn't much of a concern to have my system up an ruining ASAP. 😒. So he contact me the next business day, to do a Google zoom. Why I don't know, perhaps to see how your house looks 🤔 to determine how much they will charge. We talked, he said they need to go under or behind the program to check what is wrong with the system. I gave all credentials, and all necessary information. As we talk. He wants to offer me a battery system at $22k, not having a EV.!! It seem a bit high, that's almost what I paid for the system. 12 panels, 1 inverters. As we speak on the phone as zoom, Inform him that I can't afford much at this time because I'm recovering from a work accident on Nov 2024. So my income is very limited. So he consists talking about the battery situation. The he tells me to come to my place and analyze my system would cost me $2k, I said for you to look at it? He replied will monitor your system for 5 years. I informed them SolarEdge monitors for free. It seems that the road ended. I told him is outrageous, because you know I'm in need,the system back online, but you want to stick me with a high bill to look at it. Then he brought it down to $1500. So if you have a wiggle room of $500 with no problem, then why to try to stiff me? Or stiff the consumer?? Bad business. They look like the same scammers that will steal your money from a email. Smiling while I was telling them my financial situation at this time. ( This is for Mr Conner If you are planning to explain and excuse the group of employees for their bad actions. ) Don't apologize, apologizing don't fix the problem. To fix the problem you have to go to the cause of the problem. Perhaps your team needs Soft Skills, or soft ac/DC training. More in depth. In the USA codes of conduct are follow, and training.

Expensive roof covering.

Very disappointed with both SolarSME and the Generac solar/battery backup system. Since installation, the system has never functioned properly, and getting meaningful service has been extremely frustrating. I continue to get the runaround when trying to have someone come out and diagnose or repair the issue. For an investment of this size, I expected a functioning system and much better follow-through after installation.

After owning my solar panels for a few years, I received a message in the solar panel app that one of the panels was not producing energy. I called Solar SME to utilize the warranty that my panels came with. My dedicated warranty specialist was Umer. He verified there was an issue via system software on his end and he then promptly facilitated ordering the replacement part needed to fix the issue. I didn't have to pay for the replacement part - it was fully covered under the warranty. The part was FedEx'd to me and arrived within a few day. Then Umer followed up with me to schedule a technician to come install it. When he did so, he happened to have a same day opening and I took the slot. I did have to pay approximately $300 for the truck/tech fee, but not a penny for the part. The repair technician arrived on time and quickly swapped out the parts, and the panel is up and running again as good as new. Very happy with my experience with Solar SME.

Had the absolute worst experience with this company. It took them over 2 years to fulfill their contract despite me providing all payments in April 2024 this project only concluded in June 2026. Gross incompetence by the project management team with multiple changes in the project manager. Blatant lies by the sales team when they said they do not subcontract their electrical function - we had about 5 different crews. The original installation was performed by a crew of apprentices without a licensed journeyman or master electrician which of course resulted in failed inspections and potential fire hazards. This project only concluded because I had to constantly follow up with them and speak directly with the city inspector when the company continued to fail inspections multiple times. They managed to install the indoor battery outside next to the gas line! At one point they misdesigned and had it so I was paying to charge the electrical from the grid instead of the solar they incorrectly installed. Absolutely would not recommend. 0 stars of if I could.

I learned of Solar SME from a game I played online. Needless to say I was very skeptical as I engaged in initial communication with them. I toured their office/ warehouse space and noticed they run a lean operation. I was initially going to install my own solar system as I had helped another friend do a solar installation. Solar SME had very good pricing on the size system that I wanted, approximately 14.4 kw. I signed the contract and made the initial draw payment. The amounts of the draws were negotiated to certain milestone’s. Hamza Hassan was my project manager and did a great job communicating with me the entire time. What was amazing, the second draw was tied to all the required permits being approved. When we received the utility and the city permit the second draw was due, the parts delivered the next day meaning the third draw was due. The speed that the delivery and installation took place after the permits was amazing. The system was completed a few days after permitting was approved. I did have to wait for the utility provider to reprogram my meter for net metering. The system will be active for 1 year this August and has significantly lowered our electric bill, $68 / month on a house with over 3000 ft^2 and a 2000 ft^2 shop building. The only reason it’s not $0.00 is I did not install batteries. If you’re considering installing solar you should definitely contact Hamza Hassan at Solar SME. I have given Hassan permission to allow potential customers to contact me for any details I can help with. Kindest regards, Harold

My original solar installer had gone out of business, so when my inverter failed I needed to find someone who could step in and help. Rayan Shuja and the team at Solar SME were able to take over and get my system back up and running. The process did take a few weeks longer than the initial timeline I was given to get everything scheduled, but once things were moving, Rayan was great to work with. He communicated clearly, kept me updated on the status of the replacement, and made sure everything was working properly before closing the job out. I especially appreciated having a single point of contact who took ownership of the issue and followed through until it was resolved. Now the system is back online and operating normally. Thanks to Rayan and the Solar SME team for helping me get everything sorted out.

Don't use this company

After nearly four years, I have to say that I've often been frustrated with this company. Not only were the financial benefits of the solar system that they proposed unrealistic, they failed to disclose hidden costs like removal and remounting for roof replacement. They will void your warranty if you need roof work done and they will demand far above market rate for them to do the work if you want to keep your warranty. The installation process was also bumpy, with no one managing the process on location. Even after it was installed, they messed up the inspection and we had to wait over a month before we could even turn it on because of their error, costing us significant loss of energy generation.

Ryan Filo and the entire Solar SME team did a great job converting my thoughts to plans, getting permits, getting supplies on site and installing them. The projects passed county and Georgia Power inspections without problems.

Awesome customer service

I looked long and hard to find some help with my solar panels until I found the diamond in a rough, and his name is Nick Javiad he helped me when no one else would for that. I am forever grateful now. I can’t say anything about the company Friday. I didn’t get my panels there, but their customer service is nothing short of amazing

Awesome customer support

Nick Javaid helped me when others turned their back and even though this company did not install or have anything to do with my solar panels and yet Nick was nothing short of amazing. We talked for a while and he ran me through a few steps and we were back up and running within 24 hours thank you, Nick for your advice and helping us save some money.

Lack of communication, effort, or action.

At this point, I am going to have to get a lawyer involved in order to get the work done. They deposited my check in early May and have had minimal contact since then. I reach out to my project manager asking for updates and keep getting the response “we will get you on the schedule next week”. Same response since May 21!! This is to replace a panel that they had removed and stored in my yard while I had the roof replaced after a severe hail storm. The panel never worked after they replaced it. They kept telling me it was the weather and to give it time. I gave it two seasons before they finally had someone come out and say that the wiring was chewed on the panel and it needed to be replaced. It is my feeling that they re-installed it knowing that there was an issue. I paid anyway because it’s panels on my most sunward section. Why can they not manage to get two panels replaced?

Solar Panel installation

The solar panel installation was smooth and professional from start to finish. The team arrived on time, was efficient, and took care of everything, including permits. The panels are high-quality and Mr. Noman Mehmood has helped me in guiding and clarifying all doubts and also got very nice discount on overall price. Thank you Noman!

"Good Experience"

We recently had the solar panel system installed by Solar SME, and we are happier with the entire experience. From the initial consultation with Noman Mehmood. Noman took time to truly listen to our needs and concerns and provided valuable insights and guidance. The consultation was informative and left me feeling confident about the solar system we got. Their team was professional and knowledgeable. The installation process was seamless and efficient, with minimal disruption to our daily lives. We highly recommend Solar SME to anyone considering solar power. They are a trustworthy and reliable company. Navin T

Absolutely avoid until their communication process is fixed

Here’s a detailed account of the many issues I encountered. They are currently denying any sort of compensation for their "home backup system" that lasts for 3-5 hours with basic home use. Management: The project management was an absolute disaster. Our initial project manager was completely incompetent, causing delays and providing incorrect information many times. It took three weeks for him to send a simple email, significantly delaying the project. Even after being reassigned to Erik, who was more responsive, it was clear that the entire organization suffers from severe disorganization, due to much of the operation being run offshore. Installation: The only redeeming part of my experience with SolarSME was the installation team—Mohammed, Rakan, and Jose. They were punctual, polite, and hardworking, deserving five stars. Their professionalism was a stark contrast to the rest of the experience. Timeline: The process from our initial discussion to installation dragged on from February to July. Some delays were due to our additional requests for a battery and car charger, the majority of the delay was due to the incompetence of the initial project manager and the company's disorganization. Car Charger: The car charger installation was another headache, complicated by our home’s layout and HOA regulations. Although the team eventually got it installed, the process was far from smooth. The initial project manager suggested running an extension cord over a public sidewalk to charge our car—an utterly unacceptable and unsafe solution. The charger works and I have no complaints there, but I had to assist with the installation and purchase over $200 worth of equipment of my own to help. Battery: This is where the experience falls apart. The sales team failed to do their due diligence, leading to a severely underpowered battery system. We expected a full home backup but instead get a mere 3-5 hours of usage. This forces us to rely on the grid at night, and the solar during the day is wasted recharging the battery instead of covering our usage. In July, our electric bill was over $80—barely less than befor. The situation was further aggravated when "Ryan" tried to charge us more to move the battery AFTER it was installed, despite the placement being clearly outlined and agreed upon beforehand. Their proposed "solution" to reduce our battery capacity to 40-50% is baffling. Financials: The total cost of the system was ~$52,000, which we financed with a 30-year loan. Our payments, before tax credits, are ~$280 a month—on top of our existing power bill. We ARE STILL GETTING A HUGE BILL with no real improvement in our energy independence. Turninghat was supposed to be a cost-saving investment into a financial burden. Additional Notes: Battery Issues: We are still waiting for a service call to get our battery running again. Bait-and-Switch Tactics: We were told a 17 kWh Panasonic system, but this was swapped to a SolaX system with little U.S. support and a poorly functioning app. Poor Logistics: We had nearly 2,000 pounds of solar panels stored in our living room and kitchen for over a month due to delays in installation. They should have been responsible for storage. Final Thoughts: As someone who runs a million-dollar service business, I believe in delivering what the client paid for. In rare cases where we fail, we go out of our way to make it right. SolarSME, however, expects the client to bear the burden of their failures and act as their own project manager. In summary, SolarSME has made our household bills higher and our daily lives significantly more inconvenient. I cannot recommend them—avoid SolarSME at all costs.

Enphase Gateway failed and problem corrected.

My system had a problem with my Enphase Gateway on my SME solar power system. It prevented my being able to get any information about how my system was operating. I contacted Compliance Supervisor, Faris Atal and he ensured that the issue would be corrected. A new IQ Gateway CR PCB was sent to me via Fed Ex and Faris contracted a local Electrician to remove old circuit board and install and dedicate the new one. The fix went well and the system is back in service again. Thank you Faris.

Quick resolution to issue

Roman did a good job quickly resolving my issue.

Good pricing, fairly quick to respond to questions

SolarSME offered me the best value of any of the companies that gave me quotes. With one brief exception (during transition of project managers), they've also been good at responding to questions. I worked with Johan for awhile (he coordinated install), and am now talking with Roman, who's been helpful in answering questions and offering continued support. My system was installed successfully by IHE (who partnered with SolarSME in my state of PA), and I had one battery issue where Enphase came out to correct, otherwise things have been running smoothly.

Bad Panel

One panel began going bad in December. Faris oversaw the process for getting a RMD approved by Panasonic and then getting a local electrician to install. While it took many months for Panasonic to authorize replacement, Faris stayed in touch to get the job done.

Best people to deal with

I've been working with Faris and had an issue where my system had to be shut down. Faris was on the ball and had me back up and working without a hiccup. Great people to work with. They listen and respond in a very timely manner. Very glad I went with these guys.

Excellent service!!

Got NEXT day service to fix circuit breaker for my existing solar system installed through Solar SME. I worked with Roman who communicated with me throughout the process.

Warranty repair done, thank you!

Thank you Roman and crew for taking care of a cable issue with my install.

Terrible service

Nothing about this experience with SME was good. The managers would be incommunicado for weeks. The time awaiting installation was too extensive. The deliveries of the parts was confused. The installation was incomplete. A line for the internet connection was not connected. After about two years, the system shut down and complaints to SME went unanswered to this day.

Had a problem with one of the modules, SME team came to our house and fixed the issues. They are professional, courteous,and did a most difficult job with ease!

Home Solar Panels & Battery

Roman and his team were excellent. They ensure my system was fully connected, running, and the battery pack working. Additionally, they educated me on how to read the SolaxCloud & Enphase (Enlighten) app. I recommend SolarSME.

Battery issue was reported, Faris RMA’d the BMU and made the battery functional, Great Service!

Had an issue with consumption monitoring. After figuring out the issue, Roman was quick to have it resolved.

I chose Solar SME because they are a reputable Generac certified solar installer. They work hard to troubleshoot any problems remotely and even send technicians to my home site. Farris from Solar SME was essential in resolving a battery module issue with our system. Farris worked tirelessly to coordinate with Generac and also a local Generac certified electrician BJ Electric to have the BMU part replaced in a timely manner.

Solar

Danny was my introduction to Solar SME and was very patient with me as I navigated my way through learning about solar. He was professional, prompt with information requested and very pleasant

Pick Solar SME

Competitive pricing, outstanding responsive service, from Denis (project manager) to the installation team, ran by Mohammad. The met all of my expectations and system is ready to be turned on. Can’t wait!