Baker Home Energy

Curt W.

We recently completed an installation with Baker Electric Solar. The overall experience was about the best I have had with any contractor in terms of communication and timeline. The project manager kept us well informed during the entire project and, although the there were a couple short unexpected delays, we were comfortable with them because we were informed. The installation was as described. They took care of all the details. We self-financed so had no problems there. I researched this thoroughly, we got the system we asked for from a company that was competitive in price and most clearly qualified. We are very happy with our choice.

Bob G.

Everything went very well. The sales presentation, timely answering of questions, helpful explanations of payment options, keeping me informed of progress at every step, installing a system that performs as advertised, and completing the project on time. It was a very good experience buying from Baker.

Suzanne B.

We researched several different solar companies and Baker Electric stood out the most as far as years of service and reliability. We met with their sales rep who was incredible! He had a complete portfolio of our previous use and the angles of the sun on our roof (pretty impressive). When we finally decided for the install, I will say we had to wait quite a while. We were anticipating a December install (as we were told), but wasn't completed for another 4 months. The installers were very knowledgeable, and professional. Although I am very happy with the service, I am not as impressed with their timeliness.

Robert J.

My wife and i had a person from another solar company, who was walking door-to-door seeking solar customers. He started explaining the solar they offered. I asked if they did purchases, as I wasn't really interested in a lease. He intimated that they did. I asked if they did ground mount installations. Again, he intimated that they did. I arranged a meeting for a formal sit down. When he came back, I mentioned again that I was interested in ground mount and a purchase. I sat through their presentation to discover they didn't do ground mounts or purchase (month-to-month lease only). Their sales tactics were very high pressure, insulting and turned us off. By the end of the presentation, I was fuming and ended it right there and sent them on their way. One thing they mentioned that did make sense is that any solar customer should look for a company that has been around for a while in case you have warranty or roof issues.
So I started my search for a good solar company that has a history in San Diego/Escondido. Through the Sunpower website, I found Baker Electric Solar. They've been in San Diego/Escondido for over 75 years. Check one. They're also certified installers by Sunpower, so they know what they're doing. Check two. There was a calculator on the site for a quick estimate of the install cost based on your electric bill. The price looked reasonable, so I decided to give them a call (my installed system actually cost less than the calculator estimate). I set up an appointment to meet with their sales person.
What a difference. It was such a pleasant experience. The sales representative, Sinuhe, was very cordial and there was zero pressure to make a decision. They don't have a preference and don't care which model you want (lease, prepaid lease or buy). Sinuhe made a presentation with the three options. The presentation was very straight forward. Once he was done, he left the presentation and told me he would call me in a couple of days to see what I decided. There was no pressure to sign on the dotted line. He was always friendly and cordial. He was also responsive to any questions or concerns I had.
Some highlights: They don't use sub-contractors. Everyone working on my solar install would be a Baker employee. Plus, they triple flash all connections going through the roof (prevents water intrusion). I decided that I wanted Baker to do my install and decided to do a roof installed prepaid lease.
The great service didn't stop with the presentation. Every stage of the process was done in a professional manner. Everyone was prompt. The inspector, Josh, was pleasant and professional. Documents were signed and submitted online, which I like as it can be difficult to meet during working hours. Financing arrangements were also done online. I just filled out an application for their recommended financier (you don't need to use them) and had my approval within a day. Plus, they deposited the money directly to my checking account, which I then used to pay Baker.
My project coordinators, Lynn, Erica and Erin, provided regular milestone updates (e.g. Site survey, Plan submission, permitting, and installation). I was sent reminders of scheduled meetings and installs.
Baker brought a porta-potty to the site for the installation period. They just needed to come in twice to run cable in the attic and to hook they system up to my router. Whenever they did come in, they made it a point to put on protective covers on their shoes so they didn't track anything into the house. They took a sample of my roofing shingles and picked up some matching material in case one broke, they could easily replace it. They were always happy to answer any questions I had. They were always on time and they always worked a full day.
I just met with Paul today for my closeout. He explained everything to me, how to read the system, turn it off if needed, and gave me some tips on monitoring my bill and power usage. He walked me through the Enphase website and the SDG&E site. Again, a pleasant, friendly guy.
My system has been on for about a week and I'm generating power from the sun. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking into a solar install. Their prices are competitive, the quality of the components are high (no cheap crap panels). Before you do an install, give them a call and let them do a presentation for you. You might be surprised at the quality of the system you can get for the same or less money than the competitor. Had I gone with a standard lease, the system I would have gotten would have been about 20% bigger than the door-to-door salesman's (7kWh system vs 5 kWh system) and only cost $10 more. Plus it used Sunpower panels (the best in the industry). As it was, I got a 7kW system with LG panels and Enphase microinverters.

Greg W.

Got lots of bids and the salesman Eric Gerza from Baker seemed to know more then any of the others I met with. One salesman from Solar City kept wanting to show me videos of him playing the guitar and how he would give us a private show if we signed with him. Baker only took three days to install and kept everything clean. I'm so happy when it rained there were no leaks in the roof. Baker really spends the extra care on the footings compared to other companies. My neighbor next door used Solar City and had seven leaks this year and they had to remove the entire system and redo all their work again. So far the system has actually over delivered on electricity and I couldn't be any happier. Should have done this years ago!!!!!

Sven J.

After shopping around for a while, we went with Baker Electric in the installation of our SunPower solar panels. While it did take about 6 months from first contact to turning on our panels, they did a great job and I would recommend them to everyone. There are a lot of hoops to get through, from the engineering plans, to approval from the city, SDG&E and our HOA. But Baker Electric took care of everything for us, so from our perspective it was easy. SunPower even provides a handy smartphone app to easily track how much energy your panels are producing. Our bill had been over $200 every month from SDG&E. We just got our first bill after turning on our panels, for only $5 in gas! We now produce more electricity than we use, and have credit that we plan to cash out next year. Thank you Baker Electric!

Rose S.

We started looking for a Solar system almost a year ago and after interviewing two large companies in San Diego, Baker Electric Solar came to our rescue. My husband and I were basically told that we were not candidates for a solar system. We were looking at paying the high price of electricity but after contacting Baker Electric we now have our Solar system of which the switch gets turned on today and we can hardly wait to start saving $$$$$

From the sales person, to the staff and the crew that did our work there are not enough words for us to express our gratidude for a job well done.

Customer service rep sold us what our home needed and nothing more. The honesty was so much appreciated that my husband and I knew from the begining that this was going to be the company to give us what we were looking for and in the price range that we could afford.

The management team, kept us informed from the start on scheduled times for review of the property, to inspections and installations and final approvals. Not once did we have to call. Everything was taken care of in a timely manner.

The installation crew - AWESOME - a set of guys that really know what they're doing. The work that was done was absolutely flawless. These guys are artists at what they do.

The best part is No subcontractors - No hidden fees - Honesty is their best policy and our best friend. This company will be highly recommended to everyone we know. It will be around for many years to come.

Liliana R.

I loved working for Baker I was there Admin. Assistant Temp and I loved being there and around such great people who care and love what they do, if they call me I would definitely go back.

V B.

Great job with status update emails from Project Manager.

Install was scheduled very soon after approvals from city and our HOA came in.

Job completed within 3 days as informed. Installer lead was very friendly and explained things clearly.

Now waiting for inspection and approval from electric co. Can't wait to save $$$

Bruce W.

We've been considering solar for several years now, but the final straw was the latest rate increase from SDG&E that tipped our hand. The total extent of our looking for an installer was kept to Baker Electric, based on their reputation and integrity.

Andrew Berlin came out and together we discussed our expectations and location. Our desire was to remove as much SDG&E exposure as possible and be as self reliant as possible, and Andrew made great suggestions. We decided upon a 7 kW system and opted to purchase as opposed to leasing. The install date was set for a Monday, but we received a call from the office asking if we could start the Friday prior, which we were more than happy to accept. By mid-day Saturday the system was completely installed.

The crew was neat, tidy, respectful and polite. There were no pieces of wire, leftover debris or trash whatsoever; it was almost as if they had not even been here! Everything is professionally installed, clean and neatly attached.

After years of considering doing this, we are not only happy to finally see it come to fruition, but to have made the decision to have Baker do the work. We are 100% pleased and will (and have) recommend them to anyone thinking of installing solar (PV) on their property.