eFlow Solar Energy

We started searching for vendors earlier this year. I first meet Rich (owner) at the Brentwood Jazz and Arts Festival, where he took the time to explain Solar and the options available and how his company differs from other installers and companies. They were prompt in supplying the proposal to us and explained it in detail. I had asked for references and I was able to check them out easily and everyone that i called were very happy with them and 2 were even repeating customers. I also attempted to get proposals from 3 other larger companies and the results were not good. One never returned calls, the second presented general information but never sent a proposal and the 3rd just kept trying to sell a system that didn't meet our needs or what I wanted. We wanted to own our system and didn't want to lease. As to the install of our system, Spectrum Solarwinds started on time and finished per the schedule, we knew that due to the number of different roof segments it would take 3-4 days more likely 4 days. The installers were on time each morning and worked through out the whole day. The install crew cleaned up everyday. We have dogs so having my yard clean and safe is a big deal for me. Rich kept in touch with me before, during and after the install. Rich was on site frequently and is a perfectionist and expects his crews to meet his high standard. We had no problem passing our city inspection. We had a minor issue of not getting the monitoring setup on the system initially, but that was due to a bad email address that was easily fixed. Rich got the company on the phone and we walked through the process quickly and all was straightened out in a short time. When comparing my installed solar panels compared to others I look at, I've got no cables or conduit running across my roof, so much cleaner looking on an install than most of my neighbors. At this point we are waiting on PGand E to switch out our meter, so we can start using the system and get the return on investment.

The solar system itself has exceeded all reasonable expectations I had for solar. It produces about 25% more electricity than his conservative advanced projections indicated that it would produce prior to installation. This is due in part to super efficiency of individualized and quot;micro-invertersand quot; dedicated each solar panel. Moreover, his attention to finish work and all other details of the job were particularly meticulous. The solar system was very competitively priced. Prior to solar, my electric bills exceeded an average of $350 per month. Now I actually consume more electricity yet I don't expect my ANNUAL cost for electricity to exceed $200. I may even receive a credit from my utility instead. Richard was present on-site frequently during the installation, ensuring his workers were thorough and attentive. I think this kind of proactively engaged oversight is an important element of a well run company. Prior to and subsequently to hiring Richard Patterson to install my solar, I have had the opportunity to see his installations and speak with some of his owners, all of whom are as pleased with his service as I am. I've learned though observation that Richard carefully chooses the materials and components himself for each job to best match the individual circumstances of each installation. In my business, I have had the opportunity to work with other solar system installers and to see many solar installations. I find Spectrum installations to be superior to everything else I have seen out there in residential and ground mounted solar systems. You don't see long bright silver pipes of conduit stretching across roofs, when Spectrum performs for installation, for instance. Spectrum Solar typically runs those under the roof, inside the attic or paints them the color of the background roof or wall so that they inconspicuously blend into the visual appearance of the home. I think any person who compares Spectrum Solar Winds installations to other installations, as I have been able to do, would agree with me. Not only does he pride himself to be a bit of a craftsman in an industry that generally just rolls out the basic installations as quickly and roughly as they can, but he is very diligent and efficient in getting the installations completed in a timely manner. My installation took just two weeks, but that was a bit of an exception because I pushed a bit for an extra quick install. This company also specializes in heating and and in integrating total custom energy efficiency product and solutions for one's home. I highly recommend Richard Patterson and Spectrum Solar Winds.