Alan B | Portland, Oregon | 04/27/2024
Good Price, Straightforward, great support
Smart Solar was our best price per kWh out of six bids. They were quick and responsive to questions while I was reviewing options. They did not try to upsale, if anything they did the opposite and recommended providing what I needed and not more. I was most impressed by their follow-through after we signed a contract. They were clear on the next steps and the permitting took a little less time than anticipated. I appreciated the project management support provided to answer questions during the process and the set-up.
Chris K | Lincoln City, Oregon | 04/10/2024
Great Partner in the Solar Journey
Let's start with this: solar power is a journey. Everyone wants solar power, but two immediate questions come into play: - can I afford it? (i.e., whether I borrow or pay out of pocket, does solar power make sense from a return on investment perspective?) - can I trust the company? (i.e., will the company that is drilling holes in my roof and attaching thousands of dollars worth of equipment be around in 10 years to pick up the phone?) Armed with these not-so-profound concerns, I did my due dilegence in researching solar installers, and many seemed to be able to do the job. However, my home builder was super impressed with a company called Smart Solar Energy. Why? Because they did what they said they were going to do within the budget and schedule they agreed to. No BS, just getting the work done as promised. That kind of thinking resonates with me--just do what you promised to do. So I gave Smart Solar Energy a shout in November 2023. From our first emails I was impressed. No fluff, just focused on the task, addressing the concerns I had, setting expectations, more than anything helping me understand if and why solar power might make sense for me because, as it turns out, solar power is not for everyone. From that point forward we steadily marched toward an understanding of the need and what meeting that need would entail in terms of cost and schedule; basic project management ideas. But the difference was that Smart Solar Energy took care of literally everything from unscrewing the local city hall bureaucracy to permits to scheduling the work. This kind of hand-holding was awesome and I appreciated it very much. We were scheduled to get our system installed in May 2024 and somehow got it actually installed in March 2024. That's pretty cool. I won't go into detail about how awesome the installers were (great folks, great communicators, and getting on a roof in a steady rain with a stiff wind still amazes me) but Smart Solar Energy did their part flawlessly and stayed in touch the entire time. In fact, the only part of the process that was frustrating was dealing with the power company, something Smart Solar Energy can't control but helped with from an expectations point of view. My system went on-line just within the past week, so I have no comments on Smart Solar Energy's long-term viability, and I do hope they can maintain their high standards and "produce to promise" ethos. From what I've seen so far, they have their stuff together, and when considering the two questions addressed at the beginning of this review, they are on the right track. Last thought: generating power is its own addiction, so be forewarned. You'll spend time watching the dashboard, trust me.
Brian Butler | Portland, Oregon | 03/30/2024
Smart Solar review
Smart Solar was exceptional to work with from start to finish on our solar panel project, and they were very responsive whenever we had questions. Highly recommended!
James OConnor | Portland, Oregon | 03/30/2024
Smart Solar is GREAT !
We chose Smart Solar because they had by far the most experience of any local installer. And, it’s obvious why that is. Smart Solar was AMAZING to work with. First, their bid was the lowest of the 5 we received. They explained things clearly from our 1st contact, never over-promised, and did everything they said they would on time and on-budget. They installed the panels despite nasty winter weather, which allowed us to have the job completed in time for receiving the federal rebate on our 2023 income tax filing. The installation was neat and quick. I’m not great at tech so I was especially pleased that, when the job was finished, they hand-held me through the process of getting the monitoring app working. I tell my home-owning friends that solar is a no-brainer, and using Smart Solar is too! We could not be more pleased with their service.
Gretchen and Dave | Portland, Oregon | 03/27/2024
Excellent service from Smart Solar
Smart Solar Energy did a fabulous job of putting solar panels on our small house in Portland. When other solar companies couldn’t be bothered with a “small job” like ours and wouldn’t even give a bid, Jordan from Smart Solar studied our home roof and gave us a thorough explanation of what a small solar system could do for our energy bills as well as the resale value of our house, He was explicit about both the cost of the project (including available rebates) and the projected slow timing to completion due to expected permitting delays. He was also very honest about what made the most sense for this project rather than what might make the most profit for the company – and only the most trustworthy will put the customer first like that. Once we had an agreement, the project was turned over to Jenn to manage – she kept in touch with us every step of the way so we were always clear on what needed to happen next. Everything was efficiently taken care of from start to finish and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We have no hesitation in recommending Smart Solar for residential solar projects!
Wayne | Ocean Shores, Washington | 03/27/2024
We recently installed solar panels at our home in Ocean Shores WA. After vetting several companies, we landed on Smart Solar Energy out of Portland, OR. After an extensive zoom meeting with them we looked at our options and pulled the trigger. Our system at 8kW included 20 Silfab panels and APS microinverters. From design, permits, installation, inspection, and post-installation customer support, our experience was trouble free, staff were super helpful, and very professional. The investment in solar saves us approximately $100 a month on our electrical bill and this capital improvement increases with the value of our home. After federal and state incentives, which covered a third of the cost, we enjoy a better return on our investment in solar than traditional market investments. If you are considering solar, call Smart Solar Energy, they were able to debunk a lot of solar misinformation floating around social media and help you make the right decision based on your circumstances.
JohnF | Washougal, Washington | 02/27/2024
Outstanding service at a good price
Smart Solar's team is outstanding! Within a day or so of first contacting them, we had a detailed video call where the entire process was described and all our questions were answered. Once we signed on, Smart Solar facilitated the financing (zero interest loan!) and explained how to get the tax credit for the installation. The process of installing the system was also smooth and efficient and completed more quickly than expected. The follow-up with Jenn to ensure the monitoring app was working and to iron out any issues was similarly informative and thorough. I can recommend Smart Solar Energy unreservedly for your solar installation.
Dan Johnson | Noti, Oregon | 02/23/2024
Could not be happier
Could not be happier with the whole process. total install only took 1 week. followed by a second week for the final inspection by the county. the permit process took a bit only because our county is know for being really slow at issuing permits. Especially for structural as we did a ground mount system. Jen our project manager was very helpful. Any question since install have be answered very quickly. Can not wait for summer when we actually get some real sun to see this really produce. System was installed late 2023 like October ish.
Matus M | Monmouth, Oregon | 02/22/2024
Smart Solar installed on our roof beautiful set of solar panels and all was completed within a few hours. I was impressed with the service and professionalism. Also it was nice to get the panels installed right before summer, one-month before the original estimate. The communication with both Jordan and Jenn was prompt and very efficient. I will also use them when I am ready to expand the system in the future. After a few months, it is nice to track the Watts generated and used on my phone
Dan B. | Bend, Oregon | 02/19/2024
Awesome company to work with
I am very satisfied with Smart Solar Energy. Jordan, Jenn and the installation crew (crew on your roof and electricians) were excellent to work with from quoting, to inspection, to permitting, to installation, to system start-up, and finally to our closing call. After we decided to have solar installed on our roof, we selected Smart Solar Energy to install our solar system for four reasons in order: 1) price 2) 25 year service/parts/labor warranty 3) friendliness 4) PNW business. Jordan's quote was very competitive and was actually better than 4 other solar vendors we interviewed. Jordan, Jenn, and the installers were also incredibly friendly through the whole process. Everyone at Smart Solar Energy was punctual and did an excellent job setting the homeowner's expectations at every step of the project. As homeowners, we did not have to schedule anything. Smart Solar Energy handled every communication with the city, utility company, and their installation crew. This was by far the most simple project that I have ever done to my home. All the homeowner has to do is let the inspector in, pay the deposit, let the installers in, pay the remaining balance, and set-up the monitoring app on your smartphone. There are many more steps to the process, but Smart Solar Energy handles them all. Thank you Smart Solar Energy and thank you Jordan and Jenn.
