Sullivan Solar Power

We believe no construction project is error free end to end. What matters is how the contractor handles issues. Sullivan Solar Power was the only company willing to acknowledge this during the sales process. All other salesmen insisted they had never experienced any problems with any customers ever. In short, we are satisfied with Sullivan Solar Power and we are glad we chose Sullivan to be our solar installer. We would recommend this company to others. Although the end-to-end process was longer than outlined in the contract, time to complete the project, including permission to turn on, was still shorter (2.5 months) than most solar customers experience. With the exception of the electric panel upgrade, the workmanship was professional. We are evaluating this company to a "B" for promptness only because they were not able to meet the contract deadline. We believe early on in the process the ball was dropped and so there was a period of about 30 days where literally nothing happened primarily due to a couple of key persons being on vacation. The subcontractor for the electric panel also handled digging a trench, stucco break/repair and concrete break/repair. During the process of digging the trench to pull new wire from SDGE's box, he nicked the gas line causing SDGE to turn off the gas until we could come home from work. The stucco repair and repaint was pretty sloppy ? there is stucco and paint drips all over the new electric panel. Bottom line here, if we ever need to repaint our house, we won?t be hiring this electrician. But we have no issues with his electric workmanship. The subcontractor for the roofing was professional and his workmanship is good. There was an issue that his workers nailed through an electric line so one portion of our house had no electricity for a time but that was promptly corrected. There was a couple of minor walk-through issues when he completed the job which was handled promptly same day as reported. Most important, the roofer contacted me after each issue was resolved to confirm we were satisfied. Very professional! And here are the nit-picky details: Our process began with interviewing more than two dozen solar installers over the course of two months. We finally settled on Sullivan Solar Power because we believe it is important to employ contractors who are likely to still be in business if warranty issues arise and Sullivan is the ?Big Dog? in San Diego. As well, our salesman told us he was also the ?Project Developer? which we felt was a plus since whatever promises the ?salesman? made during the evaluation process would have to be honored by the ?Project Developer? once the project started. Sullivan?s quote was the highest of all companies interviewed but they were willing to price match so we signed our contract on June 29 with a clause that provided for completion within 60 days. For the first 30 days literally nothing happened. Finally, our Preconstruction Coordination meeting was scheduled for August 1st at which time it became clear that completion would not be on schedule. The project was handed over to the ?Project Manager?. The application for permit was submitted on August 7th but with minor errors in the paperwork that were quickly resolved. There was a minor permit issue arising from the city requiring a right of way permit for upgrading the electric panel which the Project Manager resolved. The permits were approved by the city on August 25th. There was an issue arising about our roof. The roofing technique described by the Project Developer at the evaluation stage did not match the actual roofing technique required. The Project Developer suggested our contract price was going to be adjusted. In the end, Sullivan honored their contract, although we opted to move the panels to a different roof which required that roof section be replaced. Sullivan worked through pricing that was favorable to the spirit of honoring their contract. The electric panel upgrade required a trench and during this process the gas pipe was nicked requiring SDGE to turn off the gas until we returned home that day. The re-roofing began on September 2nd. The panels were installed on September 12th. The net metering application was submitted to SDGE on September 11th, but with errors and was rejected three times before finally being approved on September 15th. Permission to Turn On system was received on September 18th.

Be prepared to wait. I signed up for the solar installation in September of 2013. The contract installation date was to be completed by January 31, 2014. Actual install date was May 2014. Dates came an went with no contact from Sullivan Solar, but when I sent emails out, I did get prompt responses. Once the work started, it was completed very efficiently and professionally. The workmanship is beyond reproach. I have a sheet metal roof that is laid on top of the old wood shingle roof. From what I have been told, some solar companies won't touch a roof like mine. Sullivan didn't blink an eye. Installation of the panel mounts took several days because of the difficulties with the roof materials. Replacement of the fuse box went very quickly. They had offered to provide a generator for my refrigerator, but it was not necessary as the power was out for only a couple of hours. My only complaint is that the grounding rods and cables are unsightly, but that is due more to regulations than their workmanship. I am now generating up to 48kW a day and very happy with the results.

We were quite hesitant about going solar, but after getting numerous bids, Sullivan seemed like the best choice. The estimate we received was handled very professionally and had the best value for our dollar, and I was impressed with the quality of components they used. We did have to wait a while for the install process to start, but part of that was the panels they wanted to use were a brand new model and were not available yet. You definitely need patience when dealing with a solar install, lots of time consuming steps. The actual install once it started went very well, took about a week. We have a fairly large system for a home. The installers were all very professional and did a great job. They even made sure conduits were paint matched to the house and had a good attention to detail, they did not overlook cleanup as well. We only had two issues to deal with. First, the initial way the panels were installed kept overloading the inverters, but they reconfigured them pretty quick and got everything working. Next, we were part of a rebate program based on where we live, and it took FOREVER to get the rebate check after numerous calls. This was the only really frustrating aspect we had to deal with. We were supposed to receive the rebate 90 days after install, which was December. However, it took too many frustrated calls to finally get a check in April. Our rebate issue kept getting ignored and passed around, but we finally did get a check. So far, our biggest power bill has been $30 when they were averaging $150-$300 a month. Very pleased over all.

We liked their bid the best. They were well prepared, they're very well organized, they're very thorough, very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable.

The estimate was fair, good and thorough. They came out and told us our options.

They have great customer service. The one particular guy that we had was very professional, and patient. We took a really long time to actually engage with them, and they continued to follow up, and continued to answer our questions. They continued to get into a lot of details that most customer didn't ask them, and even if they didn't know something, they would go back and research it, and come back to me. I was impressed that they were still following up. They did not push or pressure, and they were very analytical the way they approached it, and they gave us the chance to decide that this is the way we wanted to go. The quality of work was perfect.

I hired Sullivan to install a solar electric system on our house and overall it was great. While we did have to wait about 4 months from the time we signed the contract to the installation, that was a typical delay with all the solar companies I talked to. The installers scheduled the time and were very punctual. Dave, the electrician in charge, was wonderful and very helpful in dealing with the city inspector. They had some trouble installing the new circuit breaker because of a large wooden post right up against the old one, and getting the stucco repaired was somewhat trying. For some reason, they wanted to have a stucco contractor from San Diego do all that work and kept rescheduling him. I don't know why they didn't hire someone closer to central OC where I live, rather than trying to get him to drive 2 hours north. They eventually did have someone out to finish the job, but it took close to 2 weeks to get that all sorted out.

The whole process was very easy - we had researched different solar companies for several months and Sullivan Solar was the one that fit our needs best. We started the process in December as far as our contract goes and there was a wait time for the install - we were told 3 months but it was about 2.5 months. We had some other construction going on and the Sullivan crew worked around that no problem. They were professional, clean and worked steady all day long. They put up with my dogs that were kenneled but barked at them for most of the morning and made sure they picked up all the trash in my yard so the dogs wouldn't get it later. Once we were installed and passed inspection (no problem there) we received an email and phone call letting us know we could run the system - they walked us through turning it on via the phone and sent someone out a few days later to go over everything in person. At that final meeting they even gifted us with some Sullivan Solar gear (water bottle, shopper bag etc.) and a bottle of wine.

This last summer our power bill was way more than we wanted to spend, and with the San Onofre plant closing, my wife and I wanted to see if solar would reduce our bill (since it was supposed to be going up even more). We actually had quotes from 3 different companies with 3 very different sales approaches. The first was very aggressive trying to lock us into a power lease (versus purchase) and it seemed like a good deal. The last was very hands off, and actually never heard from them again (which they said would be the case, if we were interested to call them). Sullivan actually had a very good presentation, and I didn't feel that they were making things up to get the sale. My wife was very impressed with the binder they put together to get the quote together. Sullivan has this process where they are handing you over to different "leads" depending on which stage you are in. So my initial call was fielded by someone on the other end of the phone who gave me an initial estimate, then they assigned a sales person who came over to build the quote and do all the upfront work, and then they assign a new person who runs the construction. The first two were rock solid. The onsite project manager was very difficult to deal with. It seemed as if I had to constantly call him for updates on where we were. The scheduling of the actual work is a good example of the lack of communication. Sullivan appears to be very busy, and there was a couple of week delay in getting the project finally going. When I asked for clarification, all I got was "We should be able to start in the next couple of weeks." Well when I need to take time off from work, I need more than a notional "couple of weeks". From 8 - 16 October I could not get a solid answer when work would start. Finally the project manager confirmed a start date. Prior to all of this when I signed the contract, somehow they had it in their notes that I would be paying completely out of pocket for everything versus financing. I was very upfront about financing the entire project. So that delayed things as I had to rush to get the financing taken care of. The first project was the panel upgrade, so electricians came out to do that work; the electrician told me he wanted to start by 630, I said I needed until 7 to get my house ready (because the power would be off all day), he agreed, and then I got a call from the project manager saying that they needed to turn the power off (it was 645 at this point). Clearly these two were not speaking to each other, or miscommunicating. The rest of the installation appeared to have gone ok. However, when by the 24th of October I had heard nothing about closing the project out; all the panels were up, the inverter was installed; just no green light that it was all done. BUT the Project Manager was insistent on getting paid, I had paid them the first of three checks by then (per the contract) but I was reluctant to get the final two handed over until I knew it was all working. It took a lot of emails and phone calls to get an answer. I was pretty irritated about the whole thing. At this point I realized that some of the cable TV cable had fallen off the side of the house during the build out. I asked the PM to fix this, and it took at least until mid December (2 months after project start) to get this squared away. After everything was finally taken care of, I realized I was never given a roof report. Sullivan had stated that they would have a professional roofer come over to assess the roof to determine if it needed replacement. When we bought the house the inspector thought there was 10-15 years left in the roof. Sullivan promised a roof report, I have asked multiple times for the report, and it's never been made available. I don't think an actual roof inspection occurred and I am pretty positive that in 10 years or less I will need a new roof which will require it's own headache trying to get the solar removed and re-installed. So bottom line: I love the solar, it looks great (as far as solar is concerned), my power bill is much cheaper, everything works, but if you go with them ensure you get a roof report, and be hopeful that your project manager is on top of things. I felt that I was doing much more leg work than I should have to get the system installed. I am VERY nervous about my roof failing and I feel completely lied to by Sullivan about that particular situation. I think I just got a bad PM, because everyone else was on top of their game. If I could give an overall B- I would.

Overall, it was a good experience. My 2 main complains about it was that I was told originally once we signed the contract that it was going to take about 8 weeks and it ended up taking almost twice that long to actually get the solar installed. The solar system that we ended up going with, we went with the larger system and their estimated average output to me is very high compared to what we’re actually getting as far as output. I think their estimate seems to be what the high output would be. Their average is more like what the high output is. Basically, we didn’t end up paying anything because they had the money back refund. We are doing it as a lease. We pay a monthly payment.

They did a great job. Our sales rep, Mike Silva, was fabulous. Our installation team, headed up by Adam, were just three great guys. They did an excellent job.

They were very professional and attentive. We are looking forward to the expected completion in late March.

Sullivan Solar put in an elaborate steel rack and solar panel array (42 panels) on our hillside, ran the wiring 100' down to the house and AC converters and connected the system to our service panel and the grid. Sullivan also connected us with the leasing service which footed the entire upfront cost (~ $42K). The monthly lease costs are quite reasonable and the unit can be purchased outright in 7 years. There was a snag in installing the panel rack due to illness, but Sullivan quickly found a sub contractor who professionally put in the rack, after some wrangling with building inspectors. During that time, responsiveness was a little wobbely. Sullivan personnel handled all the electrical gear.

Installed 40 solar panels. Great crew and sales manager. |

.I really did my research on solar companies. Basically there are three types...one in which the company folks are just sales people and they sub out the installation. The second kind is the rent-a-roof variety that puts panels on your roof and you pay for all the energy they generate...at flat tier 1 rates...for 20 years...but, they charge nothing for the installation. It's free. They're a power provider. The third kind is a professional solar electric installation company with journeymen electricians who've done many solar installations. Sullivan is the third kind...and they good...no, great. Sullivan sells their systems three ways...cash up front, on a loan/lease, and on a prepaid lease. I chose to go the prepaid lease as that includes complete maintenance coverage for the life of the 20 year lease...and a guaranteed power generation rate. The system I bought will provide 100% of my yearly electrical use...and with SDGE requesting even higher rates, it'll pay itself off even faster. As it stands now, with current rates, it will pay itself of in four years. Another way to look at it rate of return...which in my case is about 25% per year...and that's what caused me to install it. I've got no other investments that give me a 25% rate of return...and mine comes from NOT paying SDGE around $3800 a year. Sullivan was exceptionally professional all throughout the contracting to installation phases. Their folks use email and phone...and you get sent electronic copies of all the pertinent paperwork for your records. They always answered questions within hours. The crew they sent were great guys...and told me they were very happy to work for Sullivan. It took 3.5 days to install the system on my roof and wall of the house. My installation required that I replace the master breaker box as it was no longer code compliant. Sullivan hooked me up with a preferred provider for that and negotiated getting it done for $1300 more. I had been forewarned on the very first trip here by Sullivan that the master breaker box might need replacement...and he was right. All in all, I'm more than hugely pleased with the work they did and how they coordinated it.

Very professional. Always exactly on time, with meetings and construction. Very good communication on all aspects of the system, process, installation, etc... what to expect and when. Work is very well done. Installed quickly. Worksite always cleaned up each day.

We interviewed four different companies and they were the only company who would offer us a prepaid lease. Our electric bill used to be over $900 a month in the summer is only a $1.35 a month now. After we decided to have the work done, they installed it when it was very hot outside in July. They were here promptly at 8am each day and completed the work in about 10 days. They were a small delay, but the fault was from the Southern California Edison and not from Sullivan Solar Power. I am very happy with the work they did and I would recommend them to others.

Very professional, knowledgeable and efficient from the very beginning through the completion of the project. I was very satisfied with the result. Thank you.

They were very knowledgeable and professional. Work was performed diligently and professionally by a skilled staff..

They were excellent to work with. They completed the installation in 2-3 days. They are the largest solar panel company in San Diego. I like that they are always actively lobbying to protect their solar customers from rising utility costs.

They had really good customer service. They were on time, organized and professional. They are a great company to work with. They were accomodating to our needs to schedule the appointment. The installation took about 3-4 days to complete and there were either 2 or 3 technicians working depending on the part of the project.

The power is working great. When there is strong winds there is vibrations to the house. I am happy with the service they provided. They are a good company to work with.

Everything went according to plan. The sustem has out performed expectations to date.

THEY ARE A GREAT COMPANY DOING EXCELLENT WORK. WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS.

They had to trench a very long ways because I have an avocado grow. They completed the work with no problems and I have never had an issue with their work. We received a 30% federal tax credit at the time and SBG&E gave us a rebate too. I am very happy we went through with the work and it was well worth the money. They showed me a chart to explain when we would see any pay back. It is expensive but they knew what they were doing and did a great job. They had excellent customer service. They showed up on time and completed the work when promised.