Solar SME - DUPE

Solar SME proactive professionals

Basem Yani and your team at Solar SME, Thank you for being proactive in diagnosing a downed inverter and replacing with warranty for our system originally installed September 2019. SolarSME also replaced the soon to be phased out 3G communication with WIFI. The infield technicians that installed these changes were also efficient and professional.

Excellent Customer Service

I worked with Michael Lewis as my project manager and Michael was very helpful to get my system start and running. However, my installation exceeded expected project timeline due to excessive SolarEdge hardware failures. I guess COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the delay. You have to be a very engaging customer to get them do their job. Overall, they're very knowledge on residential solar installations. Basem Yani provided excellent customer service to provision my system for optimal performance. I'll recommend Solar SME to other customers.

Better costumer service than Fortune 500 companies

The amount of attention and care is better than dealing with Fortune 500 companies. Rick worked with all of my questions and helped appease my concerns personally at all hours or days. Solar is not a cheap process, but I am really looking forward to being as off-grid as possible... Especially with increased costs across the board in energy, food, and water.

Project Manager was excellent - the company itself needs work

UPDATED MAY 4, 2022: Nothing but problems with this company. First, draw "lost" in the mail a whole month. Then the local utility and county permits weren't put in concurrently, costing two more months. That's the whole of the contract right there - 3 months. I didn't get anything installed until 8 MONTHS after the contract was signed. Due to the Solar SME''s procrastination, the Silfab panels in the contract were unavailable, causing more delay as the County needed time to re-approve the permit with the new brand & number of panels. Then Southeastern Freight Lines couldn't deliver the panels and a local company had to step in - twice - because Southeastern couldn't be bothered to give them the steel rails I needed to put the panels on my roof. Turns out they stole a few, too. The panels & gear sat on my porch for a month due to weather (by then) and not having an installer available. The roofing company hired to put the panels on screwed up the local utility's panel, running conduit directly into it without their approval; plus without all the fancy connectors that was supposed to be part of the contract. Now I've had solar panels on my roof for 3 weeks that I can't use. We had to refinance our house with a cash-out to afford these darn things, and while I'm sure they work, the local electric company turned them off due to liability issues. We actually have locks on our utility panels, too - all because Solar SME couldn't be bothered to loop SVEC (local utility) when they should have.

SolarSME - mistakes, duplicitous, sloppy design/installation

I posted a shorter review on EnergySage, an online service to facilitate quotes. I was limited as to length of review. They work for the vendors, so I am not surprised. Here is an expanded version. This is my second Solar installation. We had one installed at our old home in Mass. by Nexamp and they were awesome and meticulous. We know how it is supposed to go. Initially technical questions about the install were met with a sales brochure response. I/we just wanted to ensure that the design would be acceptable to our HOA and meet functionality goals. Only when we (our neighbor and I) rescinded the initial contracts because we couldn't get clear answers, did SolarSME send a rep on site who actually knew what he was talking about. We also required a different project manager. We should have left them rescinded. Unfortunately, it seemed that very little of what the rep promised was communicated to the install team. Most importantly, the esthetics of not having silver conduit all over the roof. Also, the wiring on my house was to be through the roof via ample attic space - which the rep inspected. When we saw conduit being installed all over our roof, we told them to STOP and showed them where it was supposed to go. We (neighbor and I) purchased Black REC panels to minimize the visual impact to our neighbors. After 2 onsite visits to measure our houses and view the roofs, the layout of panels planned by SolarSME did not fit at installation time - on either house. They claimed it was the "satellite's fault". Agreed upon, on the fly alterations with the install team were not followed. Rails were installed and removed where panels were not to be installed - leaving black patches on the roof. Mine were not visible from the ground so I said leave it but they may leak later. Installers regularly threw scrap all over the yard (especially when removing conduit that wasn't supposed to be there) and some of it was dangerous - like cut off conduit and rail. We are still removing screws, tie wrap pieces, foot long pieces of wiring etc from the gutters. The electrician on the team incorrectly wired the Enphase Envoy (I had to diagnose and reverse a couple of wires). When the Enphase software wasn't reporting the system correctly, the project manager claimed the monitoring hardware was being given as a free good faith benefit when it is part of the std Envoy hardware package! Neighbor's install was much worse with damage to their roof, lots of silver conduit visible - that shouldn't have been, same miss-wired Envoy, and their panels did not fit as designed either. They had rails installed on a front roof where they weren't supposed to be - then removed, leaving roof repair work required. Both of our systems work very well thanks to Enphase Inverters and Rec Panels, not the installer. If you are looking for an installer, you can do better. Our biggest concern now is what if something breaks...

Warranty Issue Resolved

I had an issue with the communication from inverter to the SolarEdge app. Basem Yani took the lead and made sure everything was repaired and working to my satisfaction. I was particularly impressed with the follow-up to make sure all was still working after 2 weeks.

Excited to go solar!

After two years of shopping around finally went with these guys with fingers cross. Communication from the entire team is great but Frank the installation lead was just amazing to work with. Lots of access to house is needed and he was just amazing in communication and showing exactly what he is doing and not like some people who get annoyed and I did ask a lot of questions so overall great experience and so far the system is on track to generate the quoted amount of kWh but it’s been only 15 days since start of the unit. It does take time to start the project with material shipping but once they arrive it’s a very smooth process with solar SME.

Solar Install

Ryan and his team did a fantastic job of installing my solar system. The team worked efficiently and effectively during the install and were very professional in answering all my questions.

Excellent service and results . It was a slow start but end results were excellent. There were some issues at first but Basem was thorough and quick to respond. System is working great. Thanks.

All good in the end

Our original bidding/research period was definitely good with Solar SME, but our install took a very long time to complete in large part due to a lack of local install professionals in the Austin area who work with SME. I don't know if that has changed in the last 3 years since our project. Regardless, it seems there was very little monitoring of our system from their end. It seemed that not long after our install, we lost a lot of production. I'm not clear when it started, but it looks like we may have lost 2 years of production, and thus ROI. When I finally reached out to Solar SME, it took weeks to get a technician out (I had a 3rd party who actually came out first and verified one of our inverters needed to be replaced). At any rate, a new project lead, Basem Yani, took over our account and got our issues solved and our production back up. It is a vast improvement and we are back on schedule for our ROI, just 2 years later.

It was a mistake to hire Solar SME

I really don't know where to begin as my bad experience with this company is so similar to the one and two-star ratings from other users who had hired this company to install their solar array system. I hired them back in late 2020 and dealt with numerous staff members of this company. When they do return my e-mails/calls, they have been really polite and professional, so I will give them kudos for that. However, as time goes on, it's becoming more difficult to get anyone to return my emails for assistance. I've experienced the same horror issues that others have mentioned in their reviews during and after installation of the solar panels. I reside in Houston/Sugar Land area and their office is in Duncanville/Dallas area so I understand sometimes there's a bit of a delay logistically. The installation process overall went smoothly. I did experience an issue with several microInverters after my solar arrays had been installed for 6 months. I had several microinverters failed so I contacted Solar SME and they sent someone out to look into it. They said the wrong parts were sent to them during the initial installation, yet, they went ahead and installed the microinverters anyway? I guess they figured they could get away with it without any issues. Well, that lasted about 6 months until I reported the issue. About half of the microInverters were IQ7 and the other half were IQ7x. All of the failed microinverters were IQ7. They ordered some new IQ7x and then sent some technicians to replace and wrong IQ7 and my system once again seems to be fully functional again. My complaint is why did they install the wrong microinverters in the first place??? With their technicians' field experience, you would think they know there's a difference between the IQ7 and IQ7x? Once again, this is just one of many annoyances that I've had when dealing with this company. The lack of communication is probably the worst part though. This is my main complaint about Solar SME. Back in 2020 when I first signed up with them to have solar panels installed, I also purchased a back up battery, the Tesla Power Wall 2. After paying them a partial of the money for the Power Wall 2, they said they do not have any in stock and said Tesla was short on supplies. They said they would contact me when they have the Power Wall in stock and then they can install it. Well, fast forward to more than one and a half year later, I am still without the Tesla Power Wall 2. That means when the power grid is out, I'm left sitting in the dark with no electricity! The main reason I wanted solar panel + battery back up is to avoid being left in the dark with no electricity during a power outage. I tried to be patient with them and have contacted them 4-5 times during the past 2 years asking for an update on my Power Wall 2. I've been dealing with Brian and each and every time he would tell me the same thing over and over that they still don't have any of the Power Walls in stock. Recently, I e-mailed him twice but he has stopped responding to my e-mail. I'm at the point where I'm so over the Power Wall and would like a replacement of a different brand. I can't get anyone from Solar SME to return my e-mails so we can figure out a solution. Hopefully whoever is reading this review from Solar SME will contact me back. I am not changing my rating until they deliver what's owed to me.

A few hiccups...

Overall, the system is now functional after about a 6 month process. Some frustrations mostly in lack of communication and not having a local installation team. We had 2 inspection companies show up on the same day for the initial roof inspection then the installation team showed up 2 days before I was told they would. Also, I was told the layout of the panels could be changed at installation in comparison to what was shown on the drawings and it took some back and forth effort to get it resolved. We had to wait 2 weeks for an electrician to come back and tighten a wire after the initial inspection failed and then no one was in the area to resolve a supposed wiring issue effecting how the system was being monitored in the Enlighten app. I was asked to remove panel covers and send them pictures... not a safe condition. After about a month of waiting, the app issue was resolved within the setup. No patience on their end for payment due as I was asked immediately after each step was completed for payment, but yet they took weeks to resolve some very minor issues delaying the date we were able to connect and take advantage of the investment we made. Also, they sent me a wrong shipping label to send second payment to via check. They seemed to have some issue with making electronic or online payments and sent me a duplicate of the first payment shipping label. Their lack of receipt of my payment delayed them ordering parts and the installation date. They then figured out a way for me to send payment electronically after unnecessary delays. If I had to do over again, I would recommend going with a local installer or at least one that is within 2 hours from my home as they are based out of TX. Not the worst experience, but many improvements could be made.

Good communications and professional team

I’ve had a very good experience with Ryan Filo and the Somar SME team to install. Communication has been excellent through the process and I was very pleased with the professionalism of the installers and the work they did to bring in a full system with battery back-up.

Was a little worried upfront. Was hoping to have it done prior to end of year but I understand things are a little crazy right now but David Adams did a great job following up and keeping me informed of the process. Can’t really complain about anything as the panels are up. Areas were kept clean. Crew was thorough and process went pretty quick once started. Price wasn’t to bad either considering the size of my system.

Good work

Ryan Filo and his team did a great job. We had hiccups out of their control but they handled them well.

Solar SME and Ryan Filo

This company worked well with me. I asked for several changes along the way, which came with change orders and drawing changes. I had no trouble getting in touch with Solar SME, and they called me every day to discuss progress and next steps. When I had questions, I was able to get clear and understandable explanations. Ryan Filo was excellent and took care of everything.

Positive experience w/Ryan Filo

Good customer service

Excellent company and service

After getting quotes from several solar companies and doing much research into each company I selected SOLAR SME and I am glad I did. They were professional in every way.

Solar SME - Houston

I chose Solar SME because it had good reviews and referral from my friend. They installed a 20 panel Aptos system to accommodate the most of my current consumption. The installation took 2 day without no problems so far. Rick Hendrick, the Project Manager is very responsive in to address my concerns/requests every step of the way. I would recommend Solar SME to anyone interested in the installation of a solar system. They would handle the paperwork from pulling the permits to the Utility Company, City, County Office and HOA. I was a pleasant experience to go solar with the quality service provider.

Very Pleased with the Install

I chose Solar SME because it had good reviews with very few poor reviews. They installed a large (54 panel) system with battery backup. Some installation problems occurred along the way, but Solar SME constantly worked hard to overcome all problems. When a component was suspected to be defective, an Uber driver delivered a replacement part within six hours after the discovery. Most often when I sent an email to the project leader, David Adams, he would call me within minutes of my sending the email to discuss my concerns. After the detailed project plan was created, I checked the ratings of each component in the system. I was pleased to learn that the Panasonic solar panels were very highly rated as was the Enphase system. I would recommend Solar SME to anyone interested in the installation of a solar system.

Great Company

From start to finish my solar installation was very smooth. Rick my Project manager was very helpful and informative from start to finish. William my installer was very kind and fast on install. I am overall very happy with my entire experience with Solar SME and would recommend them for anyone looking into solar!

This review was originally shared on Energy Sage, but I wanted to leave it here also since I used Solar Reviews during my search for a solar company. Solar SME will eventually get your system installed, but be prepared for a number of headaches along the way. I gave them 2 stars, largely being generous. In fairness to Solar SME, my situation seems to be uncommon based on their reviews, but it is worth noting that most of the positive reviews are in the Texas area or are left before people have their system installed. I would be interested to see if people have the same view after the installation of their system. I think they are reaching beyond their capability trying to do work in Virginia when they are based in Texas. Solar SME has a contractor/ sub-contractor model. I.E. you will write checks to Solar SME, but they are going to sub EVERYTHING out, at least they did in my case in Virginia. Maybe if you are closer to their headquarters in Texas it might be different. There is nothing wrong with a company sub-contracting everything. If fact the first few steps in the process after I signed my contract were very good. However, after that it all went downhill. First, don’t expect this process to go quickly. I signed my final contact on May 28. The company was fairly quick to get the site inspection and engineering products completed. I received final plans on June 8. However, once the project moved from the paperwork stage to the get stuff done stage it started to crawl. My utility finalized my interconnection and net metering agreement on July 13, to the fairness of Solar SME I believe much of the delay was caused by the utility company. However, the material for my installation was not shipped out to my house until August 27 and arrived on September 1, and the installers didn’t arrive on site to install it until September 20. One of my biggest complaints about Solar SME is that they DO NOT communicate. During the waiting process between me signing the contact and the installers arriving at my house there was often weeks in which I did not hear anything from the company. ALL of the updates that I received during the process were because I emailed and asked what the status was. Also, several of the emails basically just told me what I wanted to hear, and ended up being false. For example, I was told that the material would only need to be in my garage for 3-5 days, and from the time I gave you can see that was not true even accounting for normal and reasonable delays. Additionally, I was told that the installers would be showing up to my house on Sept 20 in the morning. Naturally, I took the day off of work so I could ensure that they got started correctly and had everything that they needed. They didn’t show up until 4pm, and I could have easily been home from work by then, so I effectively wasted a vacation day. As far as the installers, I would give them 1 star if I was being generous. Keep in mind that Solar SME subcontracts their work, so your installers might be amazing, my were not. They got my system installed, but that is about all that I can say nice about them. My system took over a week to install, with one day that was raining during the week. The rest of the week was mid to upper 70s with clear skies and a slight breeze. Even though the install spread out, the installers only averaged working at my house for about 4 hours a day. They would start work around 9am, work for a couple of hours, take a long lunch then work for a couple of more hours. I am sure they could have knocked my simple 25 panel install out in a matter of 2 to 3 days if they would have actually worked for a solid day and not disappeared for multiple hour lunch breaks. Also they NEVER showed up when they said they would. On both Saturday and Sunday they said they would be at my house “in the morning” on both days they showed up after 2:30pm. The professionalism of the installers leaves a lot to be desired also. First, my garage looked like a bomb went off in it. There was packing material, trade debris, tools, empty water bottles, etc. all throughout my garage every day when the installers were done. Also, not once did the installers walk my yard to cleaning up all of the trash that they left behind. After there were done I walked around and found a couple dozen bolts and other hardware as well as plastic and cardboard packaging material and water bottles. It would appear that they just assumed that if it fell off the roof it disappeared forever. Most concerning to me was that one of the installers smelled like cannabis when he would show up. Granted, the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia says that recreational use is legal. However, I look at it as the same as showing up to work smelling of alcohol. It seriously makes me question the quality of the work that was done. I am sure that most people who have a job could agree with me that showing up to work smelling of the devils lettuce or alcohol is not acceptable. Keep in mind that Solar SME does warranty their work. Given the trouble in working with them thus far I really hope that I don’t ever have to use their warranty. On a positive note, after living through the nightmare of the installation team, Austin came out and immediately got things on the right track and finished the install. Austin hands down, saved the day when it came to my solar installation. I am glad that Austin came to my house and finished my install. He deserves a medal in my eyes for the fantastic job that he did. The equipment that SolarSME chose to use on my house is very good. The inverter is one of the top rated inverters on Energy Sage and has a ton of great features. The panels are also very good, and again one of the top rated panels on Energy Sage. Assuming that there weren’t any defects with the installation, I think I will be very happy with my system for a long time to come. Overall, Solar SME got a solar system installed on my house, which is what I contracted them to do. However, it was far from a quick or easy process. In many ways I felt like they were my subcontractor and I was having to manage them. I do project management professionally and really don’t want to have to do it if I am paying a company to manage a project. The solar industry has hundreds if not thousands of companies now that solar is becoming more main stream. Based on my experience, I would recommend that you find a company that does not subcontract their work and is perhaps locally based where you live or at least in the same state as you.

Excellent!

This company will hold your hand from start to finish. Omar went through multiple companies until he found us a solar loan that worked for us. Then Rick was there to facilitate the actual construction, even dealing with our township that insisted on having all the paperwork parceled! Construction crew had one initial hiccup, but that was it. They did the work, were very pleasant, and even cleaned up after themselves. I have been talking about this company at work and would recommend them to anyone!

Very satisfied. Ray (Sales) and Travis (Operations) were outstanding. Honest, diligent and responsive. Highly recommended for installs.

5 star experience start to finish. Attention to detail at all stages was what impressed me most. David who was in charge of my project comunicates well, and is quick to respond when you have a question. I am very satisfied with the project, I would recommend Solar SME to anyone looking to take advantage of solar power in their home.