Solar Universe Diablo Valley.

Two years ago I was shopping for a Hybrid solar energy system. (grid-​connected to sell back to PGE, with battery backup when PGE stops working). I met with three other solar companies: two had no idea what I was talking about, one promised they could do it, I signed the quote, the engineer came out and informed me they dont do hybrid.
Then I got in touch with Dean and Steve at Solar Universe Diablo Valley. The process was very relaxed, no pressure, no sales talk and neither one of them ever muttered «At the end of the day…». They worked with me on my requirements (no lease, hybrid, American Made) walked me through the installation process, setup financing through Provident Credit Union, took care of the permits and paperwork, and expedited the install (¹²⁄₁₂) so I could receive the 30% Tax Credit the next April. It was their first hybrid installation so it took longer than expected — so they paid my power bill for 2 months. I didn’t ask for it, Steve offered it. The installation guys were very respectful and fun to hang out with. They would explain what they were doing and would answer all of my questions. they would clean up the garage when finished, and actually brought me a pizza one time.
The original quote said that the system would lower my PGE bills from $ 200 to $ 88 based on the size of the system and my roof area limitation. After installation, I created the online PGE account, started tracking my usage and became more energy conscious. I have had three bills this year that were credits (based on PGE energy rebates, not related to my solar). My electricity bill is constantly $ 4.44 for net metering. The panels are very efficient. Last Thursday, I was cooking a turkey, running the dishwasher and the dryer, the sky was a little overcast, the sun is low and I was STILL selling electricity to PGE, according to the control panel. I actually went into the kitchen to see if I forgot to turn the oven on.
They are low pressure, thorough, detailed, responsive and professional. If you are looking at solar for your home, definitely include these guys in your list of potential installers.

After years of paying $ 300 — $ 500 per month PG and E bills, we decided it was time to go solar. We met with a number of companies, each promising something greater than the next… it was so confusing and overwhelming. A friend recommended we call Solar Universe and we are so glad we did! Steve came out to meet with us, and for the first time I felt like we were talking to someone we could trust. When his crew came out to install the panels, we were pleasantly surprised to see how considerate and non-​invasive they were. We have had many contractors in our home and we’ve never had an experience as pleasant as the one we had with this crew. They updated us well before they needed to do things so we could prepare (if they had to turn off parts of our electricity, if there were going to be loud noises, etc) and they were immaculate with their work. We have 3 small children and have had horrible experiences with careless contractors (including one of our kids stepping on a large nail in our front yard). This crew left their workspace even cleaner than it was when they arrived, and I am not exaggerating! They swept up every night even though I told them it was a mess before they got there. Since the panels have been switched on, we have been producing more than was estimated — which is great! Steve has followed up with us several times to make sure we are happy and that everything is running well. From beginning to end, this experience has been so wonderful, we are thrilled to recommend Solar Universe to everyone we know!

It’s now August, about 8 – 9 months since I installed my solar panels with Solar Universe which they did in December, January of 2013,2014.
After great patience on their sales rep’s part (Nick D’Anna), it took me about 5 months (from June 2013) to research solar, the rebates and everything I could think of related to it, leasing, buying, etc.
He was patient with me through out this process as I kept having questions for him while I gradually did my research.
When the time came for me to do the project, I did have bids from other companies, some of whom were cheaper and some more expensive, I asked Nick D’Anna why some others were cheaper.
He then sent me a detailed breakdown of the products they’d be using.
After reading what Solar Universe offered compared to some other companies, their product seemed better. Fortunately, during this time, I happened to find out that one of my friend’s good friends, was a solar installer in Los Angeles. This solar installer looked at the numbers and the product for me and told me that the numbers were very fair.
The installation process happened very smoothly and the communication from them was good throughout.
Clearly, Solar Universe wants to be a company that lasts and recognizes the value of good customer product and service.
Fortunately, I’ve not had the need to deal with them since the install as everything seems to be running fine.
Best wishes to Solar Universe and Thanks for making it a pleasant smooth experience.
Incidentally, I bought the system outright rather than leasing or renting it. It made the most financial sense for my budgeting and finances.

I appreciate great customer service and with Solar Universe that is exactly what we got. From their sales rep, to their installers, to Dave Brown, the principal — my questions were addressed and we were kept in the loop all the way through the process (and the ‘process’ with solar is not just the installation, but dealing with the PG&E element). Solar Universe handled all the interaction with PG&E — the forms, the scheduling of their technicians, and PG&E sign-​off.
This is the way business is supposed to work!