CalState Solar

Trevor L.

CalState solar was great. Very nice correspondence back-and-forth about install and set up of solar panels. Quick and easy to work with! A+ plus.

Chee-Deh C.

This review is specifically for Dannette Pollard. We bought a new construction home from Irvine Pacific, and solar panels were already installed and included in the home purchase. We became the owners of the solar panels when we closed escrow on the house -- not sure if this changes the process for folks who lease panels.

This was my first experience with solar and didn't realize that the panels would need to be activated and in order to activate them, that involved having utilities set up at least one month before applying for PTO. In any case, after a lot of a going back and forth and submitting my documents online (which didn't go through the first time, my fault), Dannette helped me set everything up. If not for Dannette's personal attention, I'd still be scratching my head. Her customer service and attention are top notch!

Jason L.

I actually came into contact with CalState Solar through Irvine Pacific (IP) - apparently they're IP's go-to solar installers for the new tract developments in north Irvine. Honestly, I can see why - very friendly, fast, and professional responses. I've had immense pleasure working with Dannette on the quotation for a new solar system on a different property and she definitely made the setup process for my primary home in north Irvine a very easy and smooth process. Mark Pearce (I think he's one of the co-owners of the family-owned business), has also been very friendly and courteous for the solar quotation process.

I didn't really encounter the other reviewers' comments about scheduling or not showing up but even it it was the case, I wouldn't fault them for it - this is definitely a trying time for everyone and COVID's craziness definitely has everyone running with last minute sudden changes. All I really care about is the company's intention and willingness to help and CalState Solar really hit the mark on that front.

Do yourself a favor and just reach out to them if you're looking to go solar.

D H.

I just have to say that Calstate Solar was very professional and very very helpful. We were having issues with the utility company and Dani took care of it for us and had us on their schedule for our solar system to be activated within 8 days after this issue was taken care of.
Andy was very helpful in explaining our system and how to check to make sure they are working properly. Dani in the office was great. She answered all of our questions and even sent us a check up email to make sure everything went smoothly.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to put solar panels on their home.

D. Hawes

Christina G.

Very unprofessional company. When we were trying to connect our solar, Danielle, the scheduler, scheduled the tech to come out to our house from 1-4pm or else they will not be able to come for a couple of weeks so we took time off of work to stay home for the tech to arrive. The tech never arrived and when we emailed her after 4pm, she emailed us back that the tech ""broke down"" and that they will email us the next day for an update. At 11:28am, she emailed us that the tech is available from 12-2pm and 10 minutes later, the tech called us telling us that they are only available now. We both work full time away from home and are unable to leave at such a short notice. We wasted time for nothing. This is unprofessional and unacceptable.

Isabelle H.

Having the same problem as the other reviewer Timmy. Have been waiting since March to get ours activated. They do not seem to have anyone there to answer their telephone lines.

derek R.

James set me up with solar in my house about 6 years ago. Haven't had a Bill in 5 of those years and only finally had a Bill this last year for 200 dollars, the fault of Edison mainly due to their new policy of paying them to be connected to the grid we supply power to. The system basically paid for it self in about 2 years after incentives. Very happy with the install and service. Highly recommend James and Cal State Solar. Great family business

Timmy S.

Good luck getting someone to answer the phone or respond back to you via email in a timely manner. You may end up waiting weeks, if ever, for this company to send someone out to activate your solar panels. Very unacceptable.

Joaquin G.

Customer Service: 5/5 Stars
My contact / CalState Solar rep was Mark.
I have to take my hat off to Mark; he is a great communicator. Whenever I had a question or concern throughout the various processes and stages of inspections, installation, permits, etc. Mark was always accessible via text messages, email or phone calls. I never felt as if he was avoiding or not responsive. When making such a large investment I need someone who will deal with my paranoia, questions, concerns or any anxiety I may have with the solar process. Mark guided me throughout the entire process. Furthermore, after the process and for years to come, I need to know I have a company that is responsive should I need anything from them in the future. Mark even took my call on a weekend while attending his grandkids soccer game. Mark is a quality man; who will stay the course with you throughout the entire process.

Price: 5/5 Stars
I literally sat down and scheduled thirteen meetings with eleven different solar companies over a two month period. I compared and researched various panels, inverters, warranties, etc. Prior to speaking with Mark, I had already chosen a different solar company and even paid them a deposit. Mark was able to beat the best price out of eleven companies by several thousand dollars! ( I paid cash for my entire home system) Even if I would not have gotten my deposit back from the other company I still would come out ahead by switching to Calstate Solar. I am so happy that I went with CalState Solar and was connected with Mark because this company saved me money!

Workmanship & Product Quality 5/5 Stars
My entire system was installed in one day. The men who inspected my home and installed my system were all professional. They cleaned up after themselves and conducted themselves in a professional manner at all times. My wife and young children are at home daily and they never did or said anything that would warrant concern. All representatives displayed character and moral fiber, they cleaned up after themselves and were efficient at completing all work.

System Monitoring 5/5 Stars
Enphase System is simple to use on your phone. You get monthly reports and can see real-time data. The app is customizable and easy to understand for those not tech-savvy. You can view overall energy and per-panel energy production data within a single click as well as overviews of your energy consumption and storage.

Concern & Issues
Of course, an issue did arise. My only issue was in the final phase in which permits (PTO) Permission To Operate must be issued in order to back feed into the grid for SCE. The first issue was a clerical issue that caused a holdup. To Mark's credibility, he informed me of the mistake that they made and resubmitted the paperwork. (Mark did not have to disclose that the error was on CalsStates paperwork). No one is perfect, we all make mistakes and I want a company and representative who will own, admit, and correct the mistake and move forward. That is exactly what Mark did. The next issue was on SCE, of course, they were backed up and It became a waiting game to get the final inspection and PTO approved. The hardest part was simply waiting for SCE and Calstate to communicate and finalize everything. Unfortunately, this process took three months from the time my system was installed to the time that the PTO was finalized. However, Mark was great at communicating with me and I believe he was true to his word and did everything possible to move the process forward. Trust me I sent him enough text, and emails throughout this time period and he always responded to address my concern or provide updates at to where we were at in the process.

Overall Performance 5/5 Stars
Price, Product quality and customer service are important to me. I feel that I was provided with those things. If the trade-off was to sacrifice some time to get the PTO approved I am well satisfied. I have other friends and family that have gone solar prior to me. Unfortunately, some of them have hade major issues. I wish they would have gone with Mark at Calstate Solar. In the future, I plan on getting an electric vehicle as well as an additional nine panels installed. Mark at CalState Solar will be my first call when I am ready.

Thank you Mark and all associates of CalState Solar!
You are all appreciated.

Joaquin.

Salim H.

I had my residential 12 panel solar system installed in 2015 by Mark at Calstate Solar. The project went real smooth that I decided to have a 103 panel system designed and installed by Mark on my commercial property in 2016. One of the challenges before contracting with Mark was that no more than one solar panel would need to be removed to access any panel that needed service or replacement. The job was completed and the system worked excellently. I had an email from the monitoring company Enphase notifying me that one circuit on the 103 panel wasn't reporting any production of electricity in December 2019. Called Chris at Calstate and it was taken care of immediately. In March 2020 my system at home reported two panels not producing. One call and Chris at Calstate took care of it. Now that's called professionalism and service.