SUNation Energy

Do No Harm?

Full Disclosure – this is a lengthy read: On 11/20/2019 SUNation called to say that my SolarEdge inverter hadn't been communicating with its monitoring system since November 7th. I checked my Sense monitoring system and could see that the system was in fact producing electric, and everything was working as designed. I even took a quick look at available data on my PSEG account to confirm that things were working as intended. When the SUNation technician arrived the next day, he explained that the system wasn't communicating efficiently with its monitoring system and he would replace the parts that were defective. After changing the antenna and the GSM board and performing additional troubleshooting, still no communication. He then replaced another SolarEdge component and, still no communication. He advised that the activation code was the wrong code. A new code was needed from the manufacturer and it would take 24-48 hours. All good, except the system was no longer working: Excess electric was not routing to PSEG. What was working when he arrived (allegedly inefficiently), now wasn't working at all. What ever happened to “Do No Harm!” On Nov 22, I was told by SUNation that it could be 7-10 days before a code is received and the system is back online. There was a chance that the replaced components would begin communicating, but it wasn’t certain. An alternative would be for SUNation to temporarily attach a device directly to my home Wi-Fi router, which I promptly rejected due to security concerns and a vague explanation of what was being attached. If the inverter needed a Wi-Fi signal, I could provide a SID and passcode. Really? Seven to ten days? Why weren’t the replacement parts tested and certified before being placed into service? Especially when those parts are dependent of activation codes. And, if the system hadn’t been communicating since November 7th, why did it take 14 days to discover the issue? The system was installed in March 2019. More and more I have less and less confidence in my decision to use SUNation. Learn from my mistake.

Solar Transition

The transition has been smooth. After calling Sunation I was assured I would not be billed twice for the month of September. They were quick to return my call. I have had nothing but a positive experience so far.

Contractor was the only one that provided the brand of solar panels I wanted. Did not like the salesman, big issue was the contract Terms & Conditions. Site installation personel were very good. I selested a system based on information I found on the internet which provided me the most power I could install on my roof with the best return. Contractor bids were evaluated on the system I wanted not on price or contractor although the contractors track record was checked before a contract was signed.