Palmetto Solar Review: Costs, Quality, Services & More (2024)
By Dan Simms /
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article on Solar Optimum:
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.”
Operating in the country’s biggest state for solar power — California — Solar Optimum has made a name for itself with high-quality installations that come with industry-leading warranties and customer service. This detailed Solar Optimum review will discuss several important aspects of the installer, from pricing to offerings to financing options.
Yes, Solar Optimum is a highly rated solar company with a track record of quality solar panel installations in the state of California. Although the company can be a bit on the pricey side, Solar Optimum is a multiple-award-winning installer with thousands of projects completed over almost 15 years in business. It offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty that covers nearly all aspects of your equipment and installation.
Solar Optimum was started in 2008 as a family business and quickly rose to become one of the best solar companies in California. Today, thousands of homes in the state have solar panels and battery storage installed by Solar Optimum.
With high-quality systems and customer service, Solar Optimum has won the National Installer of the Year award by Panasonic Solar two years in a row. It also has several other awards under its belt, along with elite, premium and platinum certifications from some of the best manufacturers of solar equipment.
Solar Optimum Fast Facts | |
Year Started | 2008 |
Service Areas | California |
Services Offered | Solar panels; solar battery installations; roofing services |
Types of Solar Equipment Offered | Panasonic Solar, REC, Q Cells, Enphase, Unirac, Tesla |
Certifications | REC Certified Solar Professional; Tesla Powerwall certified installer; Unirac certified installer; Enphase Platinum Installer; Panasonic Solar Elite Installer; member of American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) |
Better Business Bureau Rating | A+ |
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Solar Optimum offers solar energy and battery back-up systems and roof installations for homeowners as well as commercial customers in California. The company offers components from some of the best manufacturers in the world, including giants like Tesla, Enphase, and Panasonic. These service and product options translate to excellent solar power systems that are long-lasting and perform well. In addition, the company has noteworthy customer service that is readily accessible.
Going solar with Solar Optimum involves four basic steps:
Once you provide your phone number and address on the Solar Optimum website, you will be scheduled for a consultation. When you meet with a representative, they’ll go over recommendations for how many solar panels you need and the approximate cost of your system. If you decide to move forward, an engineer will visit your home for a detailed site inspection. They will evaluate your roof layout to create your custom solar system design. They will also scan for any shading problems due to trees and check your electrical box and its capacity.
This step involves applying for permits and paperwork needed to operate a solar power system, including permission to connect to the grid for net metering. The installer will handle most of the work in this step. Solar Optimum will also apply for incentives and rebates you’re eligible for.
Once the permits are received, Solar Optimum will schedule an installation date convenient for you. The installation team will install the racking, solar panels, inverter, wiring and other necessary components. This usually takes one whole day, but can take more based on the project’s size and complexity.
Your solar energy system can only be switched on if the local governing body approves. It will send an inspector to check the project for safe operation. Once you receive the approval, you can start using your clean energy right away.
Solar Optimum has earned thousands of positive reviews, while negative reviews are difficult to find. The company states that it focuses on “real relationships and honest talk,” and customer feedback shows the company walks the talk in this area.
Even though the cost of solar equipment has declined dramatically, cost is still the biggest consideration for most customers thinking of going solar. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the cheapest choice is not always the best.
The cost of solar panels varies based on project size and complexity. There have been instances of Solar Optimum’s pricing being higher than that of other companies in the area, but quite a few customers state Solar Optimum’s prices were competitive. The company also offers a $500 referral bonus.
Despite the rapid decrease in solar panel pricing, your solar investment will still run into the thousands of dollars, and not everyone prefers to pay up-front. With that in mind, Solar Optimum offers two purchasing models, as shown below:
Cash Purchase | Solar Loan | |
System Ownership | ✓ | ✓ |
Upfront Cost | ✓ | ✓ |
Added Property Value | ✓ | ✓ |
Eligible for Tax Credit | ✓ | ✓ |
Payment Due to | Solar Installer | Loan Provider |
While cash purchase guarantees maximum savings, loans offer convenience. Solar Optimum does not offer any solar loan or power purchase agreement (PPA) options. Check out our solar financing guide for a detailed description of the variety of solar buying methods out there.
Solar Optimum’s warranty programs outshine almost all other installers. Here’s a brief overview:
The warranty program also includes an unusual perk: If your system falls short of production estimates, the company pledges to resolve the issue immediately and compensates you for the shortfall.
If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Solar Optimum is not only a legit company, but a nationally recognized installer with multiple awards. It has been installing legally compliant solar power systems for almost 15 years, serving thousands of customers.
If you are located in California and looking for a highly reliable installer with plenty of experience, Solar Optimum is a safe bet. It uses reputable components, such as Panasonic panels, some of the best batteries from Tesla energy and advanced Enphase microinverters. Its occasional high costs may pose an obstacle, but for those not too concerned about it, Solar Optimum is definitely a great deal.
Most functional solar power systems lower your electricity bill and your dependence on grid power. Solar Optimum installs high-quality solar equipment with a performance guarantee — meaning your bills from the utility company are guaranteed to go down.
Solar Optimum’s prices are slightly higher than typical costs for solar panels in California, but many homeowners have found its quality and service worth the price. The high-quality equipment the company uses means faster payback and higher savings. That being said, some homeowners have received competitive rates from Solar Optimum, and it is worth getting a quote from the company.
Solar Optimum Inc. operates in California and has a large number of installations in San Diego, San Jose and Los Angeles. Its head office is located at 614 West Colorado Street, Glendale, CA 91204
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