Sunrun Solar Review (2023 Cost, Panels & More)
By Dan Simms /
In this review of Windmar Solar, you’ll learn:
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
For most homeowners, finding the ideal solar installer that will provide high-quality equipment and the customer service needed before, during and after the installation is the most challenging part of going solar. Our Windmar Solar review below should help you narrow down your selection a bit and avoid a potentially bad experience when completing your home solar project.
While Windmar Solar has quite a few things going for it. But unfortunately, there are many downsides to working with this company as well. It provides high-quality equipment and has around-average pricing, but there have been numerous customer complaints about a lack of customer service and responses after the system is installed.
The poor communication and what seems like a tendency to make errors during the installation lead most solar customers to turn elsewhere for a solar conversion.
Windmar Solar, also called Windmar Home and Windmar Home Florida, is a renewable energy company established in 2002 by Marc Roumain in Puerto Rico. The company is responsible for a massive number of solar installations in Puerto Rico, and it has since expanded to Florida, where it runs a much smaller operation.
Windmar’s company goals include providing affordable clean energy solutions to all homeowners, which it tries to achieve by providing accessible financing options and high-quality equipment that should help homeowners convert entirely to solar power.
Unfortunately, it’s clear that the company falls short of its goal due to issues with installations and customer service that seem to be pervasive throughout the company’s history.
Windmar Solar Fast Facts | |
Year Started | 2002 |
Service Areas | Florida and Puerto Rico |
Services Offered | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; solar monitoring |
Types of Solar Equipment Offered | Tesla, Enphase, Hanwha, SolarEdge, LG, LG Chem, SMA, Panasonic, Mission Solar Energy |
Certifications | N/A |
Better Business Bureau Rating | D+ |
Average cost
Pros
Cons
The process of getting your solar panel system installed is fairly straightforward, and the steps you’ll progress through will be similar whether you go with Windmar Solar or another installer. Below, we’ll walk you through Windmar’s process and provide some insight into the level of customer service you can expect.
Below are the steps you can expect to progress through when you choose to go solar with Windmar.
Your first step will be to fill out the contact request form at www.Windmar.com to let the company know you’d like a free quote and consultation. You’ll need to fill in basic contact information — including your address and phone number, as well as your electric company and your average monthly energy bill.
A sales rep will quickly get back to you to begin the quote process and confirm some additional information. Be prepared for the call with a copy of your electric bill.
Your initial quote will be based on the information you provide, but Windmar will need to send a technician to your property to take measurements and confirm the details you provided. During this inspection, the location of your solar batteries and electric vehicle charger (if applicable) will be set.
Next, the company will begin designing a system that suits your energy needs and fits into your budget. The final design will be sent to you for approval, and the permitting process can begin once you give the final go-ahead and make a down payment.
The permitting process can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on your local municipality and permitting agency.
Once the permits are approved, Windmar will reach out to you to schedule the installation. In most cases, the company finishes installations in just a day or two. Someone will need to be home throughout the installation.
Finally, the system can be commissioned (activated). Your panels will begin producing energy for your home, and you can monitor the production live-time depending on the panel brand you selected.
Unfortunately, Windmar Solar tends to be lacking in customer service provided post-installation. Many customers are pleased with the communication before and during the installation, but there are numerous complaints about the lack of service and return phone calls after the system is commissioned.
Many customers have had issues with their equipment not functioning or failing to save them the money Windmar promised, and they’re left without any response or recompense from Windmar in many cases.
Solar panel costs vary quite a lot among different homes, projects and installers. The average cost per watt for solar panels in Florida is around $2.53, and Windmar Solar usually falls around this number. Your total cost will depend more on the system size required by your home than anything else, but most Floridians pay between $16,850 and $28,083 for solar panel systems after the federal tax incentive. Windmar’s prices are usually in line with these as well.
Windmar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, which are the only payment options we typically recommend. Customers looking for solar lease options or power purchase agreements (PPAs) will need to look elsewhere.
The table below provides a quick comparison of the different payment options Windmar Solar accepts, which include cash purchases and loans for solar equipment.
Cash Purchase | Solar Loan | |
System Ownership | ✓ | ✓ |
Upfront Cost | ✓ | ✓ |
Added Property Value | ✓ | ✓ |
Eligible for Tax Credit | ✓ | ✓ |
Payment Due to | Solar Installer | Loan Provider |
Unsure if one of the above options is better for you or if you should pursue a solar lease or PPA? Take a look at our solar financing guide for more information.
Solar equipment is expensive, so most solar customers will want to ensure they get a warranty that helps protect their systems. Warranties for solar equipment often cover either the physical equipment — including physical damage or power production — or the labor.
Unfortunately, Windmar Solar doesn’t provide any warranty for workmanship, so labor is not covered. This is a major downside, especially because so many customers have reported problems with installations and non-functioning systems due to mistakes made by Windmar. Windmar also doesn’t provide its own physical warranty coverage, but you will get the manufacturer’s warranty. This ranges from 10 years, for some inverters and Tesla Powerwalls, to 25 years, which is more common for solar panels.
Reading through online customer reviews is often the most effective way to get a sense of how a company will serve you. When you’re spending thousands of dollars on solar equipment, customer reviews can save you headaches and help you find a reliable solar company. Below, we’ll include some of the positive and most negative Windmar Solar reviews to give you a snapshot of the service it tends to provide.
There are some positive reviews of Windmar Solar, but they certainly aren’t the norm. We’ll include some of the reviews below that have looked favorably on Windmar.
“Confused with the reviews below as my experience was different. My sales rep was up-front on the time this project would take, informing me that getting permits and even approval from my community could alone take 30 days each. After getting my system installed, they did a great job on following up and correcting any errors that might have taken place. Let’s be real; it’s technology, and we can’t expect it to be perfect. I am very pleased with the service and product purchased.” — Yazmin via BBB
“Windmar is a top-tier company that specializes in residential and commercial solar services. My personal experience with them has been smooth and successful from the beginning to the end. Their employees were dedicated to follow up with me [at] every step and to keep me informed of how my process was going. Last week my panels were installed and their professional team arrived on time and did all their work in just one day. I am very satisfied and 100% recommend this company if you want to go solar.” — Yadriel via Google Reviews
Unfortunately, many of the reviews online for Windmar Solar are negative. Most complain about mistakes during the installation that led to non-functioning equipment, poor communication when it came to fixing those mistakes, and misleading sales tactics that left customers paying off a solar loan on top of their electric bills. Below are some of the negative reviews we found online.
“Unfortunately we fell for the lies of this company as well. There is nothing wrong with the installation, besides leaving a nail on my pool screen and dirty roof. […] They told us we will get a water heater and the variable pump for free. When it was completed, I realized that they were adding it to the loan. I’ve now received 2 bills from my electrical company and [they dropped] only $30. I was promised that I will not have any bill [for electricity]. […] I am not saving anything.” — Vera via Google Reviews
“Although we did not have issues with the installation our neighbors did. Very big roof leak due to not being installed correctly. Also we were lied to about how the tax credit works and now will have to come out of pocket to pay before our monthly rate goes up. Also we were lied to about vacations. We were told we would get two free vacations (just have to pay taxes) instead we were given a voucher to a hotel in the middle of nowhere. Nothing but lies.” — Jessica via Google Reviews
Windmar is certainly not the greatest solar company, but how does it stack up against the companies that rank first and second on our list of the best installers? The table below pits Windmar Solar against SunPower and Momentum Solar to give you an idea of how they compare.
Windmar Solar | SunPower | Momentum Solar | |
EcoWatch Rating | 2.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Year Started | 2002 | 1986 | 2009 |
Services Offered | Solar panel, solar battery and EV charger installations; solar monitoring | Solar panel, solar battery and EV charger installations; solar monitoring | Solar panel and solar battery installations |
Service Areas | Florida and Puerto Rico | Nationwide | 11 States |
BBB Rating | D+ | A+ | A+ |
Payment Options | Cash payments, solar loans | Cash payments, solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) | Cash payments, solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) |
Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we get about Windmar Solar. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Windmar Solar is a legitimate company in that it’s not a total scam, but most customers agree that it’s not a suitable choice for solar conversion. The company reviews online indicate that numerous customers have had problems during the installation process, which unexpectedly left them with a very expensive system that wasn’t producing energy or saving them money. The complaints also suggest that Windmar routinely fails to address these issues, costing customers thousands of dollars and unending frustration.
Unfortunately, no. Windmar Solar provides access to high-quality equipment at average prices, but the customer service is lacking, which leads many customers to have severe problems with system functionality. Many customers complain that they simply get stuck with two bills — one for the solar loan and another for their electricity usage. Overall, going solar with Windmar is not considered a good deal and could end up costing you more.
In most cases, going solar will lower or even eliminate your electric bill if you have a good interconnection policy. However, past clients of Windmar Solar warn future customers about problems with the installation process that left their equipment failing to produce or store energy. Despite being promised that their system would eliminate their energy bills, many customers find that they don’t see a major reduction in their monthly utility bills.
Windmar Solar is around average in price. However, many customers find that Windmar’s solar systems are expensive because they don’t end up paying for themselves and just mean extra bills.
Windmar Solar currently services Florida — via its Orlando office located at 6753 Kingspointe Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819 — and Puerto Rico — via its Caribbean office.