Review for Semper Solaris

Office location: 1805 John Towers Avenue, El Cajon CA, 92020

12/16/2023
Al Cui Martinez, CA

Semper Solaris / Buyer Beware

In January 2023, California NEM 3.0 was looming ahead and I was concerned about missing the opportunity to get solar panels and enjoy the benefits of NEM 2.0. I started a mad dash to get solar installed before that date. I started interviewing solar companies. At first blush it seemed that Semper Solaris had it together better than the two others I interviewed. The sales rep was responsive and answered my questions to my satisfaction. Plus it is a veteran owned company according to their advertisements. Why not use them. They did seem to cost more than the others, but I believe you get what you pay for. As long as they delivered as promised it would be worth it to me to have peace of mind. After I signed the contract, my sales rep became more and more distant. I wasn't surprised since she got the contract, but she did claim she would keep in touch which did not happen. During our discussions I expressed concerns whether I have to include my roof as well. Grains were coming off my shingles, and that had not happened before. Semper Solaris inspected my roof and said it was fine. I have many years of life left on my roof. I thought great. Semper Solaris installation crew were fast, efficient and friendly. The project finished as planned. The permits took awhile, although that was really the City and not Semper's fault. I received an email from Semper Solaris on August 29, 2023 indicating my system was completed and operating. I qualified for NEM 2.0. Around the date of September 13, I contacted Semper Solaris to indicate I lost a bunch of shingles after a wind storm. Two weeks after receiving correspondence my system was completed. I had never lost any shingles before and reiterated my concerns for my roof. Not until December (3 months after notifying them of my shingle loss) did I receive contact from Semper Solaris to inspect my roof. They had me agree that if Semper inspects my roof and determines that the damage is not caused by them, then it won't be under warranty and I would be charged $250. The timing of losing all those shingles a few months after they walked on my roof seemed more than coincidental, especially since before we ever started this project I continued expressed concerns about my roof. If my roof is healthy and I have lots of years left, I shouldn't have to fix shingles a few months after installation. On December 13, the Semper Solaris crew inspected my roof and determined that they are not responsible. I am waiting for my $250 bill. Furthermore, they went on to say they can fix my roof and will provide an estimate. Despite the fact that I expressed my concerns before ever starting this project that I wanted to make sure my roof is ok and would last. Now I am forced to repair at the least and maybe something more at the most. Semper has indicated on my single family home, ranch style that all my ridge caps need to be replaced. They would fix it for $2,500. But they would offer me a 10% discount for $2,250. So with the original charge of $250 to come out and inspect my home, I'm back up to $2,500. Again, if my roof is in such peril, why didn't Semper tell me at the time and I could have addressed it at that point. But now not even six months later (3 months delay on their end) I am forced to consider replacing my ridge caps. As I sit here and contemplate my options, if I had to do it all over again, I would have used a less expensive vendor and had my roof included in this process. To anybody else who wants to consider using Semper, I would think twice. There are too many other companies out there charging less and providing the same service. Also, getting an independent roofer to inspect your roof would be better than using Semper's all in one service. They have a vested interest here to navigate the sales cycle in their favor. Buyer beware.