SolarGaines

Great job

Very professional. Overall work excellent. Took them less than 4 month from and we start generating free energy from the sun. Highly recommend SolarGaines.

Excellent service

We are very pleased with the quality of service we received for the addition of solar panels to our home. From the initial contact with Colin to the completion of the project, Solar Gains employees were professional, informative, and competent. We sincerely appreciate the way you conduct business and have recommended your company to others because of our satisfaction with your service. We are thrilled with the fact that our solar panels are paying for themselves and knowing we are making an difference with clean energy.

Streeter

I would Recommend SolarGaines to anyone that inquires of my source. I have had several people review my system and like what they see.

It's all very simple

My wife and I chose SolarGaines out of all the other installers we met with because they knew their hardware, their pricing was competitive, they were professional and courteous, and they took care of the entire process, including permits, installation, financing, and SRECs. While I did a lot of research on my own, they were happy to field any questions I had at any point in the process. The system has been installed for several months now and so far we've gotten the performance expected out of the panels - now we only pay a couple dollars in fixed fees for electrical service from the grid. The panels and support structure are solid and we've had no leaks. The inverters and electrical box were installed neatly right where I asked, and we haven't had to touch anything for it to work (other than to see how much we're producing!). My only complaint would be against BaseCamp. BaseCamp was advertised to us as a website where we could keep track of the progress of our installation and meetings/visits would be scheduled. They never really used BaseCamp, and the one time they did put installation dates on the calendar online, they were incorrect. We worked around this with a few simple phone calls, no problem. It would have been simpler without using BaseCamp at all. All in all, I would definitely recommend SolarGaines as a solar installer. We are very satisfied with our purchase.

Excellent experience

In early 2015 I explored a number of residential solar installation options. I selected Solar Gaines for the installation and was thrilled with the experience. They were open and transparent about the options for the system and their dividend solar program was an excellent financing option for us. The install was well planned and timely and their support through sales, purchase, install and post install support has been exceptional. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a residential solar installation.

Very happy

Very pleased with the entire project. The Salesperson was very professional at all times. The installation went according to schedule and the system is overperforming the estimates. It's nice to see my electric bill continue to be more and more negative every month! Follow-up has been exceptional. I wholeheartedly recommend SolarGaines to anyone.

Solar

Very professional, knowledgeable, and delivered on their quote/expectations.

5 year report

The system continues to work well going on 5 years now.

Maximum power minimum price

Put up the maximum number of roof panels with support electronics with a minimum of fuss, construction, and price. Great paperwork support. Then continued active support even for problems with Pepco although outside of their responsibility.

New Solar Install...Went Well

Solargaines performed their install on-schedule as they said. Unfortunately PEPCO took extraordinarily long to complete their part. To their credit SolarGaines continued to contact PEPCO after the install was complete and complete payment was made.

Excellent service

I was very pleased with the service I received. The sales department was informative without being overbearing. Once I decided to purchase the system they handled the permitting process and scheduled everything. Installation only took about a week. The administrative office handled all communication with the power company, and kept me in the loop. When everything was complete my electric bill was a fraction of what it had been. I'm very happy with the system and I would recommend Solar Gaines to anyone interested in solar power.

Nice Company to Work With

All of the representatives of SolarGaines were very professional. Our initial consultation with Colin Gload was very informative and the process for gaining permits and installation went smoothly. Everyone did their best to answer questions and address our concerns during installation and worked with a positive attitude. The installation crew was respectful of our home and took their time to make sure it was done right. The crew takes pride in their work and made some adaptations to the plan to create a system that would work most efficiently for us.

So excited for our solar!

SolarGaines did a wonderful job from start to finish. Every time the sun comes out I get excited to be making money!

Professional Solar PV Installation at a Good Price

In August of 2014 we had SolarGaines install a Solar Array on our 1978 Ranch Home that has 2800 sq ft. The 7.5 kW Solar PV array is comprised of 30 panels with 20 panels facing 155 degrees and 10 panels facing 245 degrees. There are two strings connected to a Sunny Boy SMA 6000TL-US-22 inverter with Standby Power Supply (SPS). The SMS inverter was retrofitted with the Speedwire connection and is attached to a TP-Link 150Mbps Wireless N Router connected in bridge mode to our DSL router. Providing real time updates. SolarGaines performed the installation and we could not have been more pleased. From the initial contact to signing the agreement to installing the array to filling out the paperwork for tax credits and SRECS - SolarGaines was there every step of the way. They were professional and were able to work with my busy schedule. Background: This is the second home that I have had both Solar PV and Solar Hot water installed on. The first was in 2009 and that home was sold in 2012. We strongly believe in "saving green and going green" and we are glad SolarGaines was there to help.

SolarGfaines/Dividend Solar took care of everything

There were many criteria we considered before going solar: 1) Financial, could we afford it? This one turned out to be a no-brainer. The savings from our utility bill already outweigh our monthly loan payments, without even taking into consideration the periodic SREC checks we receive. We've been cash flow positive since day 1. 2) Aesthetic, would the panels blend in with the design of our house? As it turns out, the panels look really cool on our roof. 3) Emotional, there's definitely a sense of pride and accomplishment when the sun shines and we see the power we're generating and sending back to the grid. 4) Complexity of the process, we know nothing about selecting an installer, deciding on the types of panels, financing the system, how to get the 30% investment tax credit, etc. And this is exactly why SolarGaines and Dividend Solar were the perfect choice. They took care of everything. It was perfectly seamless. From engaging the installer, to preparing all the paperwork, providing us with the financing, ensuring the system was inspected timely, and everything in between. It couldn't have been easier and we could not have made a better choice.

Excellent company

Everything about the company was excellent. As with any major project, there were a couple of speed bumps, but they were handled professionally and as quickly as possible. I recommend them to anyone who asks.

Happy Customer

I've had my 10.5kw system (ground mount) for almost a year now. It is performing above what was forecast. The best part of SolarGaines was their relationship with the local county inspector - they knew exactly what was needed to make the inspections go smoothly. Additionally, they were able work with me with my unique needs with my old farmhouse. The contract was straight forward, and I'd say that due diligence is necessary when reviewing to ensure project scope is captured. That's good for both parties to ensure everyone understands what work is being done and not being done. I did have 1 SNAFU where there was some fault in the system which shut it down. Unfortunately, I only knew about it when my next electric bill came in because I don't have a monitoring system. They were on-site within 3 days to check the system and reset it. Also, they've mentioned some aftermarket monitoring device that would make it very easy to detect if there was a problem with the array and are working with me to ensure I don't have another period of 0 generation. Overall - very responsive, PROFESSIONALS (as in, this is not a franchise or some kind of weird financing scheme), have a dedicated sales and admin staff as well as installers. The senior staff of the business came out to say hello when I dropped off some signed docs - evident they are interested in their customers. Almost forgot - they took care of EVERYTHING for the paperwork - all the grant applications, inspection paperwork, EVERYTHING. It was extremely easy for me, just had to sign from time to time. And at the end of the project, they gave me a 3 ring binder with all the pertinent info in it, cleanly wrapped up. Very satisfied. I have recommended them to my friends and will return for any future expansion projects.

Excellent Service, Honest Quotes

I chose Solar Gaines to install my solar panels (out of 7 others) because it met all of my needs. They are honest, reasonably priced, and informative. Solar Gaines designed a system that fits my need for best energy production without over-producing. Where other companies designed a system that that maximize my roof space, Solar Gaines actually advised me against putting too big of a system that would produce way over my estimated annual energy usage. In other words, Solar Gaines made less money in our arrangement because they wanted to design a solar system that was right for my family. That means a lot to me and speaks very highly of their moral and value of putting the clients first.

Increased capacity install

Having had an array for years I decided to switch from oil heat to electric. Needing more capacity added onto my existing array proved somewhat troublesome since most installers will not add to an existing array. Solargains said "No problem". Installed the panels I wanted in the configuration I wanted. Handled all permits and had me off heating oil expenses. Gotta love no electric or heating bills!!! Thanks Solargains. Great installer to work with.

Robert W

Solar Gaines installed 26 panels on my roof and I could not be more satisfied with their professionalism and doing what they said they would do and when they said they would. Earlier I had some panels on my garage by a different company and I was disappointed with the way they treated me and promises they made that they could not keep.

Do your homework… Not all solar companies are the same.

Do your homework… Not all solar companies are the same. My review of SolarGains: The person who came to my house for the estimate (Colin Gload) was very knowledgeable in every aspect of the equipment, the tax benefits and the Pros/Cons of purchase vs lease. There was no hard sell. SolarGains used highly rated 275w panels that were made in the USA and adds a SolarEdge Power Optimizer to each panel. SolarGains’ estimate ---with better panels, and solar optimizers—was still several thousand dollars cheaper than SolarCity. The install was fast and they cleaned everything up. The office staff helped process all the state and federal grants, and the tax paperwork. The company did a great job. I had to edit it---to make it fit so my review might be choppy. Background: I decided to install a solar array and researched everything ahead of time so I could ask intelligent questions. I narrowed it down to 3 companies who were the biggest and had the best reviews in the area. I told all three that I was getting estimates from the other two. I saved SolarCity for last---expecting Elon Musk’s company to beat out the other two hands down (they didn’t). They had a professional presentation, but once that was done, I felt like I was at a used car dealership---hard sell. I was installing a pretty large 14kW array. I made it clear that I was looking for the biggest bang for my buck---not the BEST money can buy. The Return on Investment (ROI) would take forever if you get the very best money can buy. SolarCity tried hard to sell me their premium panels. The difference of about 10watts/panel prohibitively increased the cost and the time to ROI. I guess if you have unlimited funds, and you are only doing this to Save the Planet—you might go for the very best money can buy--- I wanted to Save my budget—not the world. I asked SolarCity about was Solar Optimizers. I did not know about Solar Optimizers until my Estimate from SolarGaines. SolarCity does not use them! They made up an excuse that they decreased output of the panel. Once I researched them I decided they are very important. What do Solar Optimizers do---and Why should you want them? It is simple, each panel is guaranteed to deliver the watt output or more for what you paid for (ex 275watt). They are warrantied to have no more than a certain small percentage decrease over time. Simple Example: I have 50 panels on my house. If 49 of them are working at Spec and 1 panel is only delivering 50% of what it should, that 50% decrease in 1 panel would be averaged over the 50-panels—(if you were only able to measure total output for the array). This is what SolarCity promotes. Averaged over 50-panels, you would never know that 1 panel is failing or not up to spec. Keeping the math simple---Each panel is about 2% of your output, so I lost 1%. That 1% averaged over the remaining 49 panels does not appear significant. A panel could have no output and you would not see it. But you PAID for it. The Solar Optimizer is a box that is attached to each panel and measures the output of that panel. The Output of each panel shows up on a Webpage. I already benefited from the optimizer. One of my panels was underperforming by 33%--it was identified and SolarGaines fixed it. Next on the list of questions to SolarCity-- Battery Backup. I will not go into too much detail on this, because when I was shopping in Nov 2014--- the Musk Battery was not available. They marketed it like it was, but it wasn’t. I cannot say anything about the current battery, but I was quoted $14k for a battery system that could run “most of my household needs” for 1 day. Considering a Whole House Generator can run ALL of my house hold needs for as long as the power is out and cost less than $14k—that was not a great option. FIGURE out if the battery is worth it to you, it was not for me. Other Thoughts and Comments: If you can take advantage of the Tax Credit--- you are much better off buying the system than leasing it. If you lease it for 20-years and need to sell your house before the lease is up--- you have to convince the buyer to assume your lease. That might cost you the sale of your house if the buyer is nervous about the lease. SolarCity started off with a hard sell for the premium panels and leasing it. If you lease it, SolarCity takes the 30% tax credit, not you. I could use the tax credit—so buying was the best option for me. Hope this review helps….

One Year Later and Still Delighted!

We purchased a solar panel system for our home last spring from SolarGaines. Their sales people were knowledgeable and helpful, their project managers supportive and their installation staff extremely efficient. In the year since, my total electric bill has been $3.11. This is by far the coolest project I've ever done, and am grateful to SolarGaines for making it happen.

Great Solar Installers!

I had a 5.22kW system installed by SolarGaines in December of 2013 and couldn't be happier with the experience of installing the system with SolarGaines and the production of my panels since installation. The sales process was extremely smooth, I work long hours and the team was able to do most of the process via e-mail. SolarGaines also sent a team out to my home and was able to measure dimension, determine the suitability of my home and send me a proposal extremely quickly. The SolarGaines team was able to provide me with several options at different price points depending on my goals for the system. Their prices were very competitive and made economic sense for our installation. Once we had signed our contract, the team was extremely quick to get materials ordered and installed at our home. The whole process from contract signing to completed installation was ~3 weeks. We were also under a time crunch to get the system installed before January 1 so I could claim the Federal Tax Credit for 2013. SolarGaines made this happen even around the Christmas holidays. The Company helped to work with our HOA to gain approval of the panels and placement of the inverter. The actual days of the install we barely knew they were at the home, they worked quickly and efficiently. SolarGaines also handled all of the paperwork with BG&E, setting up an interconnection agreement with the utility and ensuring we were on 'net metering' before the system went live. They also put us in touch with a SREC broker to handle the sale of our SRECs (the fee is extremely nominal and worth not having to complete the sales myself). The system has performed excellent since installation. I often log onto the "myBGE" website to view our daily energy usage and am always pleased with our system's performance. We have a home office where someone is working with a computer and lights each day, which also required heating and air conditioning and even in the winter we are producing excess energy and feeding it back into the grid. Approximately 6 months after the system was installed we had an unrelated roof leak (we had a new construction home and the builder did not attach a flushing correctly, nothing to do with the solar panels). The panels were, however, blocking the builder from completing repairs. SolarGaines sent a crew out and charged a very nomial fee to remove and then reattach the panels for the builder to be able to complete repairs, and they were also able to meet the builders tight windows for which I was extremely thankful. If you're looking to do a PV solar system definitely give these guys a call!

Perry Hall Solar Panel Project

Other than having the project completed when estimated, we were quite pleased with the result. Rain and weather made this a 9 day event instead of the estimated 3 days. The crew did an excellent job installing the panels and we have been pleased with the results so far.

Solar Gaines solar program

Hi Colan, I have had my solar system for all most 2 years now , and thought this would be a excellent time to give my feedback on the process from beginning to end. I found out about Solar Gaines from a sun paper add , after making contact with you we met promptly to discuss solar,I had requested several previous solar customer contacts to discuss their systems and to my delight they were all very satisfied. I had several different solar plans and price packages to choose from , all with energy savings projections so I could determine real cost effectiveness. The presentation also provided excellent financing options along with the federal and state tax incentives and the SREC program. The time line from contract signing to installation beginning was precise and the installation was seamless, with Solar Gaines handling of all permits and inspections. The final electrical inspection went without a single hitch. When the installation was complete I was completely happy with all details of installation,including clean up and the integrity of the crew that was on premises. The SREC program that was offered to us has been seamless both in communication and in payment projections and deposits thanks to Fred Ugast. I also love the home monitoring system ,that at any time I can go online an check my actual production as well as my historical. This program that Solar Gaines has provided has been excellent. The system pays for itself when you factor in the tax credits, financing program ,energy savings, and SREC money's with the pay out options, and best of all, I own it ,in a few years to come it will be paying me and no longer for itself. What a win win program. Thank you again for your excellent program, service. Sincerely Arrot and Cele Donaldson