Better Earth Solar Review: Warranties, Certifications & More

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Our Take
3.7
WattHive rating
3.7/5
The final say:

Experienced co-founders improve overall solar experience.

Better Earth Solar Logo
Founded
July 2019
Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA
Services
Solar lease, solar purchase, PPA & battery storage
*directly from Better Earth
  • Co-Founders are Zain Jan, Patrick Butler and Shaun Sharabi
  • Co-Founders previously at Sungrade Solar
  • Currently servicing 4 states
  • 25-year energy production guarantee
  • 60-day install guarantee or $2,000 compensation
  • Exclusively uses Tier-1 black-on-black solar panels
  •  Has “Earthies Awards” ceremony to honor top performers

Pros and Cons

Better Earth Solar Overview

Company Background & Locations Served

Better Earth Solar is a top-rated solar company specializing in residential solar installs. Based out of California, the solar company currently has its headquarters in Cerritos. While California has been its primary market, they’ve expanded and now serves Arizona, Texas, and Florida.

Services Offered

Better Earth currently offers the following solar solutions:

  • Solar System Design: An engineer at Better Earth will develop a custom solar design for your solar project.
  • Installation: The crew will handle the installation process once the solar system is designed and permits are retrieved.
  • System Monitoring: Better Earth also helps homeowners to set up system monitoring to keep track of their solar panel’s production.

Solar Panel Systems

Solar Panels and Brands

According to Better Earth’s website, the company only uses “Tier 1” solar panels. Put, “Tier 1” is a label given to solar panel manufacturers that are considered trustworthy and produce high-quality panels.

They not only have a good reputation and financial stability, but they’re also vertically integrated – meaning they control the entire production process of their panels. While technically not an official standard, being labeled Tier 1 indicates that the manufacturer is reliable, has a good track record, and is here to stay.

That said, Better Earth only uses Tier 1 Black-on-Black solar panels. This means your panels will perform as well as they look. Tier 1 solar brands include Solaria, Canadian Solar Panels, and Hanwha Q Cells.

Battery Storage Offerings

On top of high-efficiency solar panels, Better Earth Solar also offers battery storage options. Reputable brands offered are SolarEdge, Franklin, and the highly coveted Tesla Powerwall. Battery storage systems are great for homeowners who want to store excess power produced from their solar panels.

Solar Inverter Solutions

Converting your solar energy into usable electricity is done through a solar inverter. Better Earth Solar also offers top-of-the-line solar inverter solutions, primarily from SolarEdge. SolarEdge inverters have been in production since 2006 and are known for their reliability and efficiency.

Solar Consultation & Installation Process

Pre-Installation Assessment

As any reputable company would do, Better Earth Solar conducts a solar consultation to assess the homeowner’s electrical needs. They evaluate the current electrical consumption, solar roof potential, and any potential electrical panel upgrades that may or may not be required. The assessment helps Better Earth Solar to design a solar system tailored to the customer’s needs and maximize their return on investment.

The pre-installation assessment also includes evaluating the home’s orientation, shading, and roof space. They also consider the customer’s budget and preferences while selecting solar panels and inverters to install. Upon agreement of the design, materials, and financing approval, the next step is submitting permits for the solar project to begin.

Installation Crew and Subcontractors

Better Earth Solar prides itself on being a vertically integrated solar company. This means that they do not use sub-contractors; everything is done through their in-house team of experienced professionals.

Their installation crew is trained and certified, ensuring every job and work performed is completed swiftly, efficiently, and with high-quality workmanship. They handle all aspects of the installation, from securing permits to interconnecting the solar system with the utility grid, providing a seamless experience for the customer.

By performing all the work in-house, the Better Earth Solar company can maintain strict quality control and avoid communication gaps that may arise if subcontractors are involved. This results in faster installation timelines and greater customer satisfaction.

Roofing Considerations

Roofing considerations are standard across all solar projects. Better Earth Solar conducts a site evaluation after documents are signed. From this point, the existing roof is evaluated to determine whether or not it’s suitable for solar panels.

So long as the roof has adequate structural integrity, longevity, and the appropriate roofing materials, it should have no issue being a candidate for solar. If, for whatever reason, the roof requires additional modifications or repairs before the solar installation, the Better Earth’s Solar team will help guide you through the process of the following steps to ensure a smooth solar installation.

Financing and Warranties

Financing Options and Available Incentives

Better Earth Solar offers a range of solar financing options to fit the needs of its clients. They understand that investing in solar power might seem daunting. Still, they aim to make it more accessible by providing suitable financing solutions. Clients can opt for loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs) to finance their solar systems. Additionally, Better Earth Solar helps customers take advantage of available incentives such as federal tax credits and state-specific rebates to lower their initial costs and increase their long-term savings.

Warranty Policies and Guarantees

Better Earth Solar focuses on providing its clients with high quality and security. They offer various warranties and guarantees to back their products and services:

  • Workmanship Warranty: Better Earth Solar offers a 25-year workmanship warranty on their installations, ensuring that any issues related to labor or craftsmanship are covered.
  • Installation Guarantee: They take pride in a 60-day installation guarantee, which means they promise to complete the installation process within 60 days after the agreement is signed, or they pay for your first year’s worth of solar payments up to $2,000.
  • Money Back Production Guarantee: Better Earth Solar provides a 25-year production guarantee. If the solar system underproduces, customers will be compensated accordingly.

By offering robust financing options and comprehensive warranty policies, Better Earth Solar gives clients the peace of mind they need to invest in renewable energy and enjoy the benefits of solar power for years to come.

Certifications and Affiliations

Better Earth Solar prides itself on its certifications and affiliations in the solar industry. Maintaining professional relationships and meeting solar industry standards ensures customers receive the best solar solutions.

Pearl Certification

Pearl Certification is like a report card for solar installations. It gives homeowners essential details about their solar system, like how much energy is expected to produce and how long the warranties last. This information helps homeowners understand the quality of their installation. An appraiser can also use it to determine how much the solar system adds to the home’s overall value. It’s a way to measure and showcase the value and quality of a solar installation.

NABCEP Certification

Considered the gold standard of professional certification in the solar industry, the Better Earth team currently holds its NABCEP certification. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) rigorously tests and validates the skills and knowledge of solar professionals. Better Earth Solar’s NABCEP certification ensures they adhere to high ethical and professional standards, ensuring customers receive quality solar installations.

SEIA Membership

Better Earth Solar is also a Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) member. This membership helps them stay informed about solar industry news, updates, and policy changes. It provides access to essential resources for continuous improvement. SEIA is a national trade organization dedicated to promoting the use of solar energy and helping solar companies succeed in the marketplace. Being a SEIA member, Better Earth Solar demonstrates its commitment to industry best practices and the further growth of sustainable solar solutions.

Customer Reviews and Complaints

Positive Reviews and Customer Satisfaction

Better Earth Solar has received numerous positive reviews across various platforms, including an 8.4 overall score on Best Company and 5-star reviews on Yelp. These reviews often praise the company’s customer service and responsiveness throughout the solar installation. Many have highlighted the company representatives’ friendly and professional demeanor and their efficiency in completing the job on time.

According to the reviews, customers value the quality of the solar panels and inverters used by Better Earth Solar and appreciate the extended workmanship warranty of 25 years. Furthermore, the company’s commitment to providing a seamless customer experience is paying off, with many satisfied customers recommending Better Earth Solar to their friends and family.

Common Complaints and Responses

Although most reviews are positive, there have been some isolated customer complaints. The main issues raised include miscommunication and scheduling delays. Some customers mention that communication between the project manager, the sales representatives and installation crews could be improved, leading to a smoother installation process.

In response, Better Earth Solar has tried reaching out to customers and addressing their concerns directly. In some cases, customers claim that the company promptly resolved any complaints and even provided compensation when appropriate.

It’s important to note that complaints are relatively rare when compared to the number of satisfied customers. Better Earth Solar takes these issues seriously and is committed to maintaining a positive customer experience.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Eco-Friendly Practices

Better Earth Solar is committed to providing solar energy solutions that incorporate eco-friendly practices throughout its business. They strive to improve environmental quality using sustainable materials and responsible installation techniques. The use of solar energy technology not only promotes less energy consumption and efficiency but also minimizes waste and resource consumption.

Some of the eco-friendly practices employed by Better Earth Solar include:

  • Utilizing high-quality solar panels with long lifespans reduces the need for frequent replacement.
  • Implementing resource-efficient production processes to limit material waste and minimize environmental impact.
  • Collaborating with certified recycling facilities to properly dispose of any waste materials generated during installation.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

A significant benefit of solar energy is its potential to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. By switching to solar power, homeowners and businesses can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint. Better Earth Solar acknowledges this by prioritizing using renewable energy sources and promoting the importance of sustainable development within the industry.

The following aspects demonstrate how Better Earth Solar helps in reducing carbon footprint:

  • Installing solar energy systems in residential and commercial properties contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Encouraging energy conservation and efficiency in clients’ homes and businesses by providing advice and guidance on best practices.
  • Advocating for the growth of renewable energy in the market, leading to an overall reduction in global carbon emissions.

Comparing Better Earth Solar to Other Solar Companies

Pricing and Incentives

Better Earth Solar offers residential and commercial clients competitive pricing and financing options. Their prices are often comparable to or lower than other leading solar companies. Customers can benefit from incentives such as federal tax credits, state and local rebates, and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) when working with Better Earth Solar. These incentives can help reduce the overall cost of a solar system by up to $2,000 or more.

Compared to solar companies like SunPower and Tesla, Better Earth Solar offers attractive pricing options for customers looking to switch to renewable energy.

Quality and Service Comparison

Better Earth Solar maintains a 4.5 average rating on EnergySage, based on response, quality, and value. This rating is on par with other reputable solar companies in the industry. Better Earth Solar covers various aspects of service, from system design and engineering to installation and maintenance.

Their skilled sales team helps clients determine the best solar system. In contrast, their professional installation team ensures seamless integration of solar panels into the customer’s property. These service aspects make Better Earth Solar a reliable option compared to other solar companies.

Additional Information

Better Earth Solar has a 3.77/5 average rating based on customer reviews on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Although the company has faced some complaints, its responses to these issues demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction. Additionally, they maintain a BBB rating and accreditation, emphasizing their dedication to transparency in business dealings with future customers.

It is essential to consider that BBB Business Profiles are for promotional purposes and may only sometimes be entirely accurate. The information presented is provided by third parties and compiled by BBB using its best judgment. Factors such as the volume of transactions, the nature of complaints, and the firm’s response to any issues determine BBB ratings. The data may change over the three-year reporting period.

When considering solar installation companies like Better Earth Solar, it’s crucial to research various options and compare their offerings. This enables homeowners and businesses to make informed decisions that best suit their needs and location. In the case of Better Earth Solar, their positive reviews and well-rounded services make them a strong contender in the solar installation market in California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

Frequently asked questions

Better Earth Solar and Sunrun are companies that help people install solar panels to generate electricity from the sun. Better Earth Solar promises that their solar panels will work well and be installed correctly for 25 years, while Sunrun guarantees theirs for 20 years. Better Earth Solar provides different ways to pay for the panels, like leasing or buying with a loan, whereas Sunrun mainly offers leasing or loans.

They have earned an excellent reputation and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Customers have given positive feedback about their installation services for solar panels. Additionally, Better Earth Solar offers a variety of solar panel systems from well-known manufacturers like Hanwha Q Cell, Canadian Solar and Solaria.

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