GRNE Solar Review: Costs, Quality, Services & More (2024)
Here’s what you need to know about GRNE Solar:
- Is GRNE a legit company?
- What does the solar installation process look like with GRNE Solar?
- Is GRNE Solar expensive?
- What do customers have to say about GRNE Solar?
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.”
GRNE Solar, started in 2012, is easily one of the top solar companies in the Midwest. Nearly every GRNE Solar review is positive, reflecting the company’s focus on customer satisfaction.
GRNE offers solar power systems to both residential and commercial customers along with energy storage systems and EV charging stations.
Is GRNE Solar a Good Solar Company?
GRNE is regarded as one of the best solar companies in Illinois and Indiana and has completed numerous projects in just a decade of operations. The company offers a variety of solar equipment from reputed manufacturers including Panasonic, LG, Enphase, Tesla and more. Many customers have expressed complete satisfaction with their installations. Overall, GRNE is a solid choice for your solar power needs.
What Should You Know About GRNE Solar
Founded by Eric Peterman, GRNE (pronounced “green”) stands for Global Renewable Natural Energy. Although GRNE was started just 10 years ago, collectively its people bring over two decades of renewable energy and green construction experience. The company has gained a reputation for professional and reliable services in the Midwest. As an EPC (Engineering Procurement Construction) company, GRNE has its own installation team and does not use subcontractors. Some companies, like Sun Badger and Tron Solar, even hire GRNE’s teams for their own installations.
GRNE is also a certified vendor for the Illinois Solar for All program, which improves low-income communities’ access to the clean energy economy with incentives that help make solar installations more affordable. GRNE also has a podcast called “Watts Up” that invites industry experts to share their innovations, solutions and knowledge.
GRNE Solar Fast Facts | |
Year Started | 2012 |
Service Areas | CO, IA IL, IN, MO, NE and some bordering areas |
Services Offered | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations, maintenance and repairs, system monitoring |
Types of Solar Equipment Offered | Enphase, SMA, Unirac, IronRidge, Panasonic, SolarEdge, Trina, Yingli, Talesun, Mission Solar, Q Cells, HT Solar, Tesla |
Certifications | Tesla Powerwall certified installer; Panasonic Solar authorized installer; LG Chem certified installer; North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) certified staff; member of American Solar Energy Society (ASES); approved vendor for Illinois Solar for All |
Better Business Bureau Rating | A+ |
GRNE Solar
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
GRNE Solar Services and Installation
GRNE offers installations for homeowners and businesses as well as utility-scale solar and is experienced in handling a wide range of solar system sizes. It also offers energy storage and is a Tesla Powerwall certified installer. GRNE’s lower-profile offerings include EV charging stations and project management services.
Solar Installation Experience
Partnering with GRNE on your solar system installation is straightforward. A typical residential installation experience goes as follows:
- When connecting with GRNE about your solar project, you will submit your address and phone number and most recent electricity bill amount.
- Based on the bill analysis and satellite imagery, GRNE’s design team will work out the amount of solar power you need and how much can be generated by your roof. The team will compile this information and a salesperson will reach out to you with a quote.
- If you are satisfied with the proposal and the pricing, you will sign a contract and choose a purchasing option.
- GRNE will handle all the permitting and incentives for your system, applying with the local jurisdiction, the local electric utility (such as ComEd in Illinois), and for any incentive or rebate programs.
- Once the necessary permits are secured, GRNE’s technicians install your system in a day or two.
- The installed system needs final approval from the local jurisdiction, which conducts an inspection to ensure it meets regulatory and safety standards. Once your system is approved, it can be switched on, providing you with clean energy for up to three decades.
GRNE Solar Customer Service
GRNE has experienced rapid growth, and its uncompromising customer service has helped it expand. Happy customers have described the company’s customer service as “first-rate” and “amazing.” Some have even reported GRNE granting discounts for installations that were delayed.
GRNE Solar Costs and Financing
No matter how great a solar company’s reputation, its pricing can make or break a deal. GRNE doesn’t owe its popularity to its pricing, but prices are often close to average or even slightly lower. Many customers describe them as competitive. GRNE also has a referral program that scores you a $25 gift card for a qualified referral and $500 in cash if the referral installs a system.
Financing Options Through GRNE Solar
Easy purchasing options are a big plus for any solar company — especially one that also installs large-scale systems. With this in mind, GRNE offers an array of purchasing models, including loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs) with $0 up-front payments. The table below shows GRNE’s options and their attributes.
Cash Purchase | Solar Loan | Solar PPA | |
System Ownership | ✓ | ✓ | |
Maintenance Included | ✓ | ||
Upfront Cost | ✓ | ✓ | |
Added Property Value | ✓ | ✓ | |
Eligible for Tax Credit | ✓ | ✓ | |
Payment Due to | Solar Installer | Loan Provider | Solar Installer |
There is really no such thing as a single “best” purchasing option. You need to be clear on the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Our solar financing guide can help you understand the options in detail.
GRNE Solar Panel Warranty
GRNE is an EPC company, which means it designs, procures and installs systems but doesn’t manufacture its own equipment. As such, GRNE offers the same warranties as the manufacturer supplying the equipment, as well as a workmanship warranty.
- Equipment warranty: GRNE’s solar modules and inverters come with a 25-year warranty, while the batteries come with a 10-year warranty.
- Workmanship warranty: GRNE provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on its installation that protects your system from faulty installation.
GRNE Solar Reviews
Among GRNE’s pluses is its multitude of positive reviews. While there are a few dissatisfied customers, the percentage is acceptably low. Take a look at some examples below.
Positive GRNE Solar Reviews
GRNE’s positive reviews speak to the company’s professionalism, responsiveness and reliability.
“I couldn’t recommend them more highly. Every person I’ve had contact with has been professional and extremely helpful every step of the way, very conscientious and patient with all my questions. The install went great and the panels have been up and running for months now, working like a dream. Thanks GRNE!” – Christopher G., via Yelp
“GRNE Solar was fantastic! I had a very specific problem regarding a unique issue and the team was still willing to help out and solve my issue. They are a group of likable, passionate people that seek to make the world a better place. Wouldn’t recommend going anywhere else for solar installations or general help.” – Charlie K. via Kev’s Best
Negative GRNE Solar Reviews
The company’s negative reviews speak to the occasional poor instance of customer service.
“I was regularly underwhelmed by the customer service. I wrote repeatedly to various people and to some unclear overseer from another organization involved in Illinois solar installation. It regularly took weeks to get basic questions answered. The panels are in, they work fine, and we are getting some kind of rebate check, but it was literally 14 months from start to finish. Not impressed.” – Melanie H. via Google
Solar Energy Provider Comparison
GRNE Solar | Tron Solar | Sunbadger Solar | |
EcoWatch Rating | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Year Started | 2012 | 2018 | 2018 |
Services Offered | solar panel, battery and EV charger installations, maintenance and repairs, system monitoring | solar panel installations, roofing services, maintenance and repairs | solar panel, battery and EV charger installations, system maintenance |
Service Areas | IL, IN, IA, NE and bordering areas | AR, CO, FL, IA IL, IN, NC, SC, WI | IL, WI, MN, FL |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A- |
Payment Options | Cash, loan, PPA | Cash, loan, lease (commercial only) | Cash, loan |
Narrowing down the best company for your needs? You can take the quick quiz below to be matched with a certified installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the answers to frequently asked questions about GRNE Solar. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
GRNE Solar has operated in the Midwest for about a decade now and is compliant with laws and regulations of the states it operates in. It has installed a huge number of solar power systems and is clearly a legit company.
Any company that provides reliable residential solar installations with high-quality equipment at a reasonable price is always a good deal.
GRNE’s solar systems are carefully designed to produce maximum power. Once up and running, the system can generate up to 100% of your daily energy requirement. This means that GRNE can certainly lower your electricity bills.
GRNE’s pricing is fair in that it provides components from reputable brands installed by trained technicians and electricians. Most of GRNE’s systems have a decent payback period, making GRNE an affordable solar provider.
According to their website, GRNE Solar serves homeowners in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. GRNE has offices in the following locations:
- Palatine, IL
- Bloomington, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Hills, IA
- Shrewsbury, MO
- Lincoln, NE
- Loveland, CO
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