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RGS Energy

Solar Panels, Electrical

About us

RGS Energy (formerly Real Goods Solar) has been bringing clean energy solutions to homeowners, businesses, schools, governments, and utilities of all sizes since 1978, when it sold some of the first retail solar panels in the U.S. With eight offices from coast to coast and over 22,500 solar energy systems totaling more than 235 MW installed, RGS Energy is one of the oldest, largest, and most trusted clean energy EPC providers in the country. In order to best serve our California customers, RGS Energy works with a network of high-quality Authorized Integrators to facilitate your solar panel installation.

Business highlights

47 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Take control of your electricity bills with a low, fixed rate on clean power from RGS Energy (formerly Real Goods Solar). We offer easy, affordable renewable energy solutions including solar power system design, installation, rebate acquisition, and more – all tailored to your energy needs and goals. With purchase, lease, and financing options available, there’s a great chance we can reduce your bills with the kind of clean energy you’ll feel great about using.

Services we don't offer

Off-grid solar energy systems, battery backup solar energy systems, solar hot water systems, wind turbines.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Warranties
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
Financing Available
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

4.532 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
59%
4
9%
3
13%
2
3%
1
16%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.6
professionalism
4.8
responsiveness
4.6
punctuality
4.5
Showing 1-25 of 32 reviews

James M.
03/2016
4.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
It went OK. They did a good job. Everything went very smooth and I haven't had any problems with the solar panels. The rep resigned about a month later. I tried to call them, but they haven't returned my call.
Description of Work: RGS Energy installed solar panels.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000

Cindy D.
11/2015
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Great customer service at the beginning, liason and sales were nice and courteous, knowledgable. Process took very long, plan was to get the system installed before the end of 2014. Communication ceased for month and a half. Finally found out from our utility company that they heard the company was pulling out all their operations from California. Spoke to our liason finally and he said they are going out of business and he was no longer with the company. Long story short, very unprofessional, did not even contact us to finalize the ending of the job, or tell us that they were cancelling. Horrible experience.
Description of Work: Supposed to install solar unit on our house

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


NORMAN B.
08/2015
3.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Took over one year. Not local company, no local representative
Description of Work: install solar system

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
2.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
1.0

$50,000

Laurence M.
06/2015
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
RGS Energy failed to respond to our warranty claim and service requirement. After two weeks of calls, e-mails and promises for follow up from sales executives, RGS Energy's customer service group failed to perform. We finally resorted to an alternate service provider and I will never again use or recommend RGS Energy. It is a shame that RGS Energy failed to live up the the warranty commitments they acquired when they bought Carlson Solar. RGS Energy is a prime example of a company that is looking to sell you solar energy products but fails to perform when it comes to service and warranty repairs.
Description of Work: We bought our solar system from a quality company named Carlson Solar out of Hemet California. Carlson was acquired by RGS Energy (Real Good Solar) about three years ago. Our first experience with RGS Energy on a warranty issue was very good the first go around. Our second call for warranty service did not go so well.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$250

Edward C.
03/2015
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
First let me start by saying I am an electronic engineer. I gave them a deposit of $250.00. They came out and did a "site survey" to confirm that what they saw on Google maps was in fact accurate and that the roof size was exactly as I had drawn up in AutoCad (A commercial drafting program) and converted to a PDF file. Their first proposal was for 15 panels and the "excuse" was for "fire regulations". Not true for a free standing unoccupied structure such as a detached garage. Their next plan was for a 22 panel system.After I reviewed it, it was simple to change one row of panels to make a 27 panel system. Just as a point of reference, each panel generates approimately 250 watts of energy. This means adding 5 more panels will generate another 1,250 watts or 1.25kw of power! Finally the sent me their "official" version of my design and asked me to approve it. Okay no problem it was my design. I received a notice that my permits had been approved on february 17, 2015. Today is March 3, 2015 and the "plan" was for them to be on my roof on March 9, 2015. I took vacation time from work so I would be home for the installation. Now, today I get an e--mail telling me that RGS has laid off over 100 workers, closed their sales office and would be using some other contractor to complete the work if I accept this change! In addition I was informed that a suggested alternate solar company would do the same job for $1,000.00 less and the same timeframe! As well as being an engineer I am also a buyer and this method of doing business suggests to me that they wait until the last minute to schedule as many jobs as possble to do a bulk buy and mass shipment. This has not been finally resolved yet so I may update this later.
Description of Work: Laid off over 100 workers without notice just after the permit stage!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$30,000

Harrison G.
10/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Presentation, planning and initial contract signing were handled efficiently and professionally. The installation processes took 8 days, but the installers were only at the house for 4 of the 8 due to weekend/other commitment. Everyone I have had contact with has been courteous and professional. The system is in the final inspection phase and I am just waiting for SCE to do their inspection before the system can be turned on.
Description of Work: Solar system installed

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000

Stacia M.
09/2014
3.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
We were referred to RGS by a friend who is very happy with them salesman came out was extremely personable and informed. After comparing their price and services to several other suppliers we decided to go with RGS. They actually beat the other prices for us and we were getting an incredible per kWh price! We signed a contract with no hesitation. When it came time to start doing the design stage we got a phone call telling us that we were going to have to change a section of our roof at a cost of 8k. We have cement tile roofing that is only a few years old and when the engineers hit on the roof they found it was to brittle to walk on. We were extremely disappointed that this wasn't seen at the beginning of the process on the first site visit But we've decided to check with some other providers to see what they think prior to doing anything else. We have neighbors with the same roof who have Verengo.
Description of Work: RGS was supposed to provide us with a 12000 KWh solar system for a 20 year lease.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
5.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

KEN Y.
06/2014
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
They have a really good solar. The service was excellent and the pricing was excellent. My electrical bill is between $500 - $700 a month. For the first four months, it's been $1. I priced them versus five other companies and they were the best. The quality of their work was excellent. They were very professional. I have a twenty-year lease with them. We've already recommended them to three other people.
Description of Work: They came in and installed the paneling. If we had any problems, they came out and fixed it totally without a problem.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$15,000

Douglas B.
06/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
They were very good. They tried twice to figure out someway to do it, but there just wasn’t any way. There were no cost associated with it. They were just giving us an estimate.
Description of Work: Our roof is already covered with solar and RGS Energy made an attempt to try to put additional in for our water heater, but there was just no way could they do it.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Phyllis M.
04/2014
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
I wouldn't use them if they paid me. They don't do what they say they're going to do. They asked for my e-mail password. They were supposed to do the work about 3 months ago and every day it was another excuse why they're not doing it.
Description of Work: RGS Energy was supposed to install solar panels for me.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Sherry S.
09/2013
2.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
We interviewed several solar companies and decided to move forward with Real Goods Solar for our project because of its experience in the industry and professionalism in providing a quote. The quote from Real Goods included re-roofing under the solar panels at the site of solar installation. However, when it came time to sign a contract, Real Goods refused to sign a contract including the agreed re-roofing and was unwilling to provide a reasonable warranty for the re-roofing. We spent 2 weeks working with them on this issue, but were unable to get an answer with respect to how to deal with this issue. Finally, I gave up trying to put in place a contract including the re-roofing and instead proposed hiring a roofer to do the re-roofing and moving forward with Real Goods for solar only --with NO changes to the RealGoods standard form of contract. Despite repeated attempts to contact both the sales person and the project manager, I was unable to get a contract, nor could I get anyone to update me on the status. I was told that the sales person was on vacation and the project manager was having medical problems. I decided to move my business to another company as I was very disappointed in the customer service. We spent 3 weeks getting nowhere. If the customer service was this bad before they had the sale, I can't image it would have gotten better after we were committed to Real Goods.
Description of Work: Provided quote for solar panel installation. Unable to finalize contract.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
2.0

$24,000

James T.
07/2012
4.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
It took some time to have them come out for the service call, but things went well once they did arrive.
Description of Work: They replaced our solar panel inverter.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Response from RGS Energy
Member: Thank you for taking the time to post your comments/review on Angie's List. We welcome all comments. We strive to continuously improve our service and honest comments such as yours help us to do that. Please feel free to call us in the future with any questions or needs you may have.

Russell S.
07/2012
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
The technicians are knowledgeable and professional.
Description of Work: They did some standard work and fixed a fuse on a panel.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from RGS Energy
Member: Thank you for taking the time to post comments on Angie's List. We are here to help. please feel free to call us with any questions or needs you may have regarding your solar electric system.

Henri S.
07/2012
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
We are very pleased with the service from Real Goods. They have been very responsive and responsible since taking over for the company that originally installed and serviced our system.
Description of Work: They replaced a crucial part of our solar panel system when it failed.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from RGS Energy
Member: Thank you for taking the time to share a review on Angie's List. We appreciate your comments. We are available to help you in the future, please feel free to call us with any questions or needs you may have.

CALLIE M.
07/2012
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
They had nearly half-a-dozen people working, so the system was installed quickly. The only issue was that the system inverter malfunctioned and nearly had a meltdown. The company responded the very same day though and had a new inverter installed without issue which I thought was great.
Description of Work: They installed solar panels.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$13,000

John Y.
07/2012
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
The sales rep was the most prepared and thorough that I met, and they carried the specific line of inverters that I wanted. Furthermore, the installers were friendly, clean, and did a good job.
Description of Work: They installed solar panels.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$54,000

Response from RGS Energy
Member: Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Real Goods Solar on Angie's List. We are fortunate to have Wende Pfahler as one of our solar power consultants. We agree she strives to be very thorough and prepared for all her customers. We are here to take care of all your questions and needs during the life of your solar electric system. Please feel free to call us anytime.

CARLIN L.
07/2012
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
It was great. Real Goods worked with us in every way, did a good job, and explained everything well.
Description of Work: They installed solar panels which we had rented.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from RGS Energy
Member: We appreciate you taking the time to write a review for us on Angie's List. We are happy that you had a positive experience with us. Please feel free to call us with any questions or needs you may have regarding your solar electric system.

Warren H.
07/2012
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
They were very professional, worked well with our roofer, and completed the work in a timely manner. The only minor issue was that some debris had been left over. Ultimately, they did an excellent job, and the system is still working fine. We can't say enough good things about them.
Description of Work: They installed solar panels.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000

grace H.
11/2011
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
company never responded to my email inquiry.
Description of Work: company never responded to my email inquiry.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
responsiveness
1.0


Response from RGS Energy
We strive to get back to those that inquire about our services. Unfortunately at this time we do not service your state of Arizona. You can email us at solar@realgoods.com or to speak with us regarding your needs you can call us at 877-927-0782

Marianne B.
09/2011
4.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Very professional, efficient and we are extremely satisfied with reduction in our electric bills.
Description of Work: Install of 24 Kyocera panels and 1 SMA America Inverter.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$16,329

Response from RGS Energy
Thank you for your comments. We are pleased that you were happy with our products and services. We appreciate you posting a review. Please feel free to contact us or your sales rep with any questions you may have during the life of your solar electric system.

aaron S.
08/2011
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
My wife and I had spent 2-3 months looking into solar companies to help reduce our electric bill (and of course be more earth conscious). We had meet with several solar companies at the house and even a few at trade shows. Real Goods Solar was the 2nd of 4 companies that came to our house. We instantly felt comfortable with our sales rep (Sean) and felt the product they were representing was equal to or greater than the what we had already seen. At that point though we were not ready to commit as we still had 2 more appointments scheduled. After reviewing all of our quotes and the pros and cons of each company we decided Real Goods Solar was the best option in regards to price, product, and representation. The paperwork process went smoothly and within a few weeks our system was installed. My wife was very skeptical in regards to how the installation would look, however her worriesproved unfounded as the installed panels actually look quit nice and not "industrial" as she feared. we have had our solar working now for a few months and recieved our first new bill a couple of weeks ago, a 40% decrease. I have reccomended Real Goods Solar to several friends and family alread (one of which has already signed). Aaron - Tustin
Description of Work: My wife and I had spent 2-3 months looking into solar companies to help reduce our electric bill (and of course be more earth conscious). We had meet with several solar companies at the house and even a few at trade shows. Real Goods Solar was the 2nd of 4 companies that came to our house. We instantly felt comfortable with our sales rep (Sean) and felt the product they were representing was equal to or greater than the what we had already seen. At that point though we were not ready to commit as we still had 2 more appointments scheduled. After reviewing all of our quotes and the pros and cons of each company we decided Real Goods Solar was the best option in regards to price, product, and representation. The paperwork process went smoothly and within a few weeks our system was installed. My wife was very skeptical in regards to how the installation would look, however her worriesproved unfounded as the installed panels actually look quit nice and not "industrial" as she feared. we have had our solar working now for a few months and recieved our first new bill a couple of weeks ago, a 60% decrease. I have recomended Real Goods Solar to several friends and family alread (one of which has already signed). Aaron - Tustin

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$10,000

Response from RGS Energy
Thank you for your comments. We are happy to have you as part of the Real Goods Solar family. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have during the life of your solar system, so please know you can call us whenever you need us.

Raymond L.
08/2011
3.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
.The quote was not as good, not price wise, but completion wise it was not as good as couple other quotes I received from other companies. Other companies gave excellent quotes and excellent prices. I may not use this company in the future.
Description of Work: I received a quote from Real Goods Solar to install solar panels.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0


Response from RGS Energy
Member: thank you for your comments. We strive to give thorough and competitive pricing to our potential customers. We apologize that our pricing was not a match to your needs. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them.

Bonnie P.
05/2011
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
Work was done very quickly and everything was left in good order. We were very pleased with the work and expecially pleased to get electric bills near nothing
Description of Work: Solar panels were installed along with all the work necessary to tie into the electirical panel. .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$17,000

Response from RGS Energy
Member: thank you for your comments. We are happy that you chose us and that you are happy with the products and services that we have provided. We strive to keep in communication with our customers if you have any needs or questions, please give your rep or our office a call.

David R.
10/2010
5.0
electrician, solar panels
  + 0 more
No complaints, service was fast with install. With this install I have knocked off $60 from my previous electrical costs down to $140 from $200 on level pay. The initial down payment they are still refunding through my payment. I am not off the grid but even better i contribute to it with solar. The grid is slightly larger than i needed because it was calculated with previous SCE bills. We less usage now so SCE gets kind of a free ride a little bit
Description of Work: Installed a Leased detached solar panel grid mounted on ground at south side of property.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,350

Response from RGS Energy
Member: thank you for your comment. We are glad that you are happy with your ground mount system. We are only a phone call away if you should have any questions or concerns with your system. We are glad you chose to be part of the Real Goods Solar family.

Gary A.
09/2010
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
They were terrific. They were very professional and their service was beyond what we expected. They were very responsible. They were not the cheapest but they were reasonable.
Description of Work: We used Real Goods Solar few weeks ago to put solar panels on our roof. They had come today to do some follow up things. The price involved a rebate.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$21,112

Response from RGS Energy
Member: Thank you for your comment. I remember meeting you at the Alta Vista Garden green fair. We are happy that you chose Real Goods Solar and are happy with your system. You can always give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your system. We are here to be sure you are happy for the life of your system.
    • 1(current)
    • 2

Contact information

1030 N Batavia St Suite B, Orange, CA 92867

http://RGSEnergy.com

Licensing

Bonded

Insured

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
No
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Solar Panels,
Electrical

FAQ

RGS Energy is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
RGS Energy accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,Financing Available,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, RGS Energy offers free project estimates.
Yes, RGS Energy offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, RGS Energy does not offer a senior discount.
No, RGS Energy does not offer emergency services.
Yes, RGS Energy offers warranties.
RGS Energy offers the following services: Take control of your electricity bills with a low, fixed rate on clean power from RGS Energy (formerly Real Goods Solar). We offer easy, affordable renewable energy solutions including solar power system design, installation, rebate acquisition, and more – all tailored to your energy needs and goals. With purchase, lease, and financing options available, there’s a great chance we can reduce your bills with the kind of clean energy you’ll feel great about using.
Off-grid solar energy systems, battery backup solar energy systems, solar hot water systems, wind turbines.

Contact information

1030 N Batavia St Suite B, Orange, CA 92867

http://RGSEnergy.com