Herca Solar

4/2014: Representative from Herca Solar came to home to answer our questions, and to help us decide on type of system: 18 panels with individual optimizers for each panel, and inverter. Sized based on highest monthly electric bill in the past 3 years. Plan is to finance project using HERO program. Representative assisted us in applying for program. 5/2014: Received plans to submit to our HOA for approval, even though, by law, they cannot prevent the installation. 6/2014: HOA and neighbors approved plans. Herca Solar has also started permit application with city. 7/2014: City permit approved. Per Herca, the permit application had to be done three separate times (paperwork lost?). 9/2014: Final HERO program authorization received. Also received SDG&E authorization to connect solar system and to use Net Metering. 10/2014: Waiting on Herca Solar to get enough personnel to form a team to install the solar system. Finally, over a course of a few days, the system was installed. For anyone that is having a system installed, my advice is for you to inspect/monitor the installation. Make sure that the system attachments are structurally sound. I had to point out roof tiles that had been damaged, which Herca installers repaired to my satisfaction. My biggest disappointment came two days after we were told that the system was on line. I checked the systems output and it was zero kW. After performing a hand-over-hand if the wiring, I found that the main wiring to the inverter was connected with wire nuts, and that the wires had separated. I called Herca, but since it was a weekend, received no response. I ended up repairing the wiring flaw, and contacted our representative. A few days later, the electrician that performed the wiring came back to perform some touch-up painting. I informed him about the wiring. He performed another inspection, made some wiring connections to optimize the system output. 6/2015: Except for the wiring issues and the delays to get authorizations/permits, I am happy to own a solar system. I have not had a electric bill since the system went on-line; net effect of Net Metering as well as careful planning on size of unit. As for Herca Solar, hopefully they have adjusted their personnel, so that their install teams' is better planned out. The equipment that they installed is top notch, but they do install other manufacturers equipment- do your homework to get the best equipment that you can afford. I do not care much for their customer support- hopefully, there will be no need to call them during non-business hours, should an emergency arise.

The Herca Solar crew arrived early and started work immediately. They were professional and clean. At the end of the day they left the material against the wall so no one would trip over it nor was it in the way of anything. They actually asked the best place to store it. It took the crew three days, just as the sales person stated to install the system. My husband was very impressed by the electricians work. My husband was an electronic technician and he said is was one of the best jobs he has seen. We got first electric bill on it's was $10 and the second electric bill was $5, we are very pleased and happy that we went solar with Herca Solar!