Satisfied customer of Son Energy | Mystic, CT | 10/21/2020
Everything as Promised
After researching solar for several years, I made the decision to go forward before the 26% federal tax credit is reduced again by end of 2020. My home has electric baseboard heat, and though I had a high efficiency mini split heat pump system installed two years ago, the winter heating costs from Eversource were still astronomical, and continuing to grow every year. I had spoken with the large solar companies, but in the end, going solar was going to make them more money than it would save me, mainly because of the high cost of the systems that is built into financing. I spoke with Ron at Son Energy, and his down to earth approach, willingness to provide detailed explanations to answer all my questions, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, led me have him come to my home for a detailed walkthrough. When he wanted to come out to see my home for himself, and didn’t give a quote until he had personally been to my property, I knew he would provide the best install and service years down the road. His prior background in nuclear engineering is impressive, and gave me the confidence in his knowledge and expertise in designing and building the optimal system for my home. His pricing was highly competitive and fair, and he didn’t come across as trying to sell me something I didn’t need. There was no sales pitch, just an honest explanation of the benefits of the system vs the cost, and why it made sense in my situation to go solar. So glad I went with Ron and Son Energy. After the work contract was signed, he handled all the effort from permits to install, and arranged to come to my home a week early to begin the work. Ron (and the subcontractors he works with for electrical and panel install) were honest, efficient, and cleaned up after the multi day install. Everything he agreed to was completed in a top quality manner, and very timely. Now just waiting for the net meter install, and a full switch off of public utility to 100% solar production. I couldn’t be happier that I went with a local CT professional, and picked Ron Tooker with Son Energy.
Satisfied Senior | Branford, CT | 04/26/2020
All I could have expected and more
Ron Tooker and Son Energy Systems did a great job. My previous encounter with solar companies had been poor so I started out suspicious. Ron responded quickly and came around to examine the house. He went up into the attic and examined the roof and pointed out where he thought there might be problems and what the cost would be. He explained how the system worked and loved getting into the details. Although I did not understand all the details, it was clear that he did. Ron was the only one of 3 companies that gave me quotes who actually came and looked at the house which is 100 years old. The written quote and contract that he presented was competitive with the other quotes. The joy of hiring a small company is that you are talking to the people who are doing the work. It makes a huge difference. Ron and his crew showed up as scheduled, worked hard and cleaned up when finished. Ron was easy to contact and always responded when asked. The job was completed before the promised date and he arranged for all of the inspections. The system works as promised and is now supplying all my energy needs despite it only being April. Since the installation, I have had several questions about my energy bills and how they are calculated. Ron has responded each time and cleared up my questions. I have done a lot of renovations on my home in the last 2 years, which means I have hired a lot of contractors. What works best for me is to hire someone who knows their stuff and I can trust, then let them get on with the job. Ron Tooker and Son Energy Systems more than justified my faith in them. In an industry that has a lot of fast talking scam artists, these guys are the real deal! Hire them, you will not regret it.
Joe Palmisano | New London, CT | 10/17/2019
Excellence.
We chose Son Energy Systems because we were looking for an experienced, local solar company with excellent online reviews. To begin the planning phase Ron (owner/engineer) and Rick (electrician) and the installation crew did an actual on-site / on-roof evaluation of our 1938 coastal New London home complete with sun lines and structural analysis. Compared with proposals by 3 other companies (which lacked on-site evaluation), Ron's design for our system proved to be the largest capacity (12kw) system with the highest quality equipment and top rated LG solar panels at the best price. As a result Son Energy became our Solar Company. Ron guided our project through CT Green Bank approval, a required professional engineering review due to our coastal location, and subcontracted roofing work with structural enhancement all without a single problem. Ron made multiple visits to insure the projects quality and progress. The excellence and craftsmanship of our solar panel installation by Ron and his crew and of the electrical work by Rick was impressive. Their work even earned high praise by the New London building inspector. The whole crew was hard working, polite, friendly, and very neat. Over the last 3 months our solar system has performed flawlessly. It has achieved its design parameters with 10kw max power production and it has fully covered our electrical power needs including the daily charging of a new Chevy Bolt EV. Our recent $10/month electric bills for electric service connection are very nice. Credit for the excess electrical power generated in Aug and Sept should carry us through the gray winter months with limited electric bills courtesy of net metering. Our roof mounted solar panels have now withstood 2 recent storms with winds gusting to 50 mph and torrential rains, all without a problem. Our experience with Ron Tooker and Son Energy Systems has been excellent. We highly recommend Son Energy Systems.
C. Porter | 10/05/2019
Start-to-Finish --Did a Great Job!
Ron provided a very professional approach, was a pleasure to work with, did a top-notch install and was very responsive to all our questions. I was amazed at how careful Ron and Rick were to make sure the new system blended into our house. We are very satisfied with the entire project and highly recommend Ron and his team.
East Lyme, CT | East Lyme, CT | 01/21/2019
Put on top of list of companies you are considering
Considered 5 different companies and chose Ron as he was the most thorough in evaluating our roof and solar needs. He also answered all our questions and concerns thoroughly and showed attention to details. His helpers also held his high standards of workmanship. Project completed by deadline we requested despite a few challenges. Would highly recommend him to others and will call him first if we decide to add any more panels.
DAK | Old Lyme, CT | 12/03/2018
Detail is first and foremost
When we first looked into solar in 2014, we registered with the CT solar website and got many hits from many companies making claims about the amount of generation they could produce on our roof, site unseen. We had called a few and had them come out and map the roof line, etc. Many of them would give a system cost and a savings cost on the spot. However, most of the quick startup companies would buy bulk mountings and panels so they would rope you into that product without considering your generation needs and real estate to maximize your production. Ron was willing to sit down and talk us through the entire process as an engineer and sales representative so we could understand what was needed, what could be generated, what the cost range would be, what the tax benefits and incentives were, and what the pay off period would be. He talked about different details that others had tried to sell me that sounded cool... but did I need them (e.g. micro-inverters vs. regular inverters)? he even went into detail about the different mounting systems and their benefits... things that may normally seem boring but to a concerned homeowner, putting holes in the roof is a big deal. Just prior to the install, Ron re-measured the roof and, based on the footing placement and our dormers, found that the panels would actually come over the roof ridge by a couple of inches. Knowing our desire for aesthetics, he quickly redesigned the arrays using a different panel that would not be seen from the front of the house but produce at a similar rate. Even afterward, Ron was helpful in billing questions from Eversource. Anytime anyone asks me about solar, I give them Ron's name and they tell me how helpful he was (whether they went with his company, going solar, or nothing at all). Overall, Ron's expertise in the field and love of the work led us to go with him and I would recommend anyone else to sit down with him to better understand the benefits of going solar without succumbing to the hyperbole of the fast sales driven market.
HT | Bethlehem, CT | 10/26/2018
Ron is awesome!
Both the installer and the electrician with him were very knowledgeable, competent, helpful, professional, customer service oriented. Quick and meticulous installation. Best price I received from a number of vendors to boot! Need solar? Look no farther, you won't be disappointed. System runs trouble free at six month mark. Great after sale support.
Randie | Old Lyme, CT | 10/24/2018
Solar Energy installation
Son Energy was wonderful!! RonTooker is dependable, conscientious and certainly goes the extra mile. He guides you through the financial/loan and permitting process and makes it a very smooth procedure. The installation was fast and seamless and I am now enjoying the benefits of Solar and my electric bill continues to be just $9.21 per month!
Nuclear Family | Lyme, CT | 10/23/2018
A Great Choice for Our Family
Son Energy designed and installed a custom PV system on a challenging roof. The system looks and performs great. We haven't purchased electricity in 4 years! Owning a small electricity generating station has given us a sense of energy independence. I recommend this local installer to my friends.
DavefromOldSaybrook | Old Saybrook, CT | 10/22/2018
Excellent Choice!
Ron and his team did a great job with my rooftop system they installed in 2016. Their price was the lowest, they completed the job on time and on budget, cleaned up after themselves, and the performance of the system has been great. After a year there was 1 component which was not functioning at 100% and Ron quickly ordered a new one and replaced it in short order. Its definitely best to go with a local contractor like Son rather than a big corporation and all the headaches and costs they add!
bellasola | OLD SAYBROOK, CT | 10/22/2018
solar panel installation
had received several bids from other solar panel installers, but SON Energy was the only company in which principal was involved from start to finish. spent considerable time explaining how the system worked and provided a design with maximum efficiency and aesthetically pleasing appearance. work was performed as scheduled and subcontractors were equally competent and professional. when an unexpected roof issue arose prior to installation, SON Energy was instrumental in recommending a roofing contractor who performed the needed work at a competitive price. very pleased with the performance of the system after first week of operation.
CustomerHappy | Haddam Neck, CT | 10/21/2018
Excellent from Start to Finish
From my initial cost-benefit analysis to final installation and follow-up, and all steps in between, I had a very positive experience with this installer. I was putting an addition on our house and the installer was there from the start to advise on the size of the system and placement on the new roof - with an almost-flat roof we arrived at a system that sat on top without any attachments which was a huge benefit. Scheduling the installation was a breeze and was done quickly and efficiently by clean professionals. They also helped with advise about available loans and incentives which saved a lot of money. There was a small hardware problem with a component after installation and I received a phone call from the installer notifying me of the problem (he got an alert about it from the system!) and promptly resolved it. I am very pleased with my installation and the cost to do so and would highly recommend this business to others.
Lee Hartshorn | Old Saybrook, CT | 10/20/2018
ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
Son Energy Systems was the perfect choice for my home solar install project. Due to the complicated layout of our property, Ron was met with numerous challenges as he tried to layout a system that would provide the greatest benefit to us. Ron was extremely meticulous in the planning phase, which resulted in a high quality and smooth install. Working with Ron was a pleasure and his customer service is outstanding. I would highly recommend Son Energy for your project.
Rons solar energy | Old Lyme, CT | 10/20/2018
solar joy
installed exactly as stated, as to time, material used& total cost, along with incentives from green bank. very pleased with system installed, neat job along with clean up. pleased with systems production and looks. A small electrical time of $10.00 every month is a joy. Would highly recommend son energy as an installer., could not be more pleased. With system.