Blue Raven Solar Overview
History and Background
Blue Raven Solar is a solar installer impacting the solar industry. The company has managed to carve out a strong reputation and shows no signs of slowing down. With over 200,000 installations and counting, Blue Raven Solar has established itself as one of the largest solar installers in the US.
Blue Raven Solar has earned a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional growth and quality in the solar industry. In fact, in 2019, the company made it to the renowned INC. 500 list, showcasing its impressive accomplishments.
With a four-year revenue growth rate of 63,813%, Blue Raven Solar has become the fastest-growing solar company in the United States during that period and one of the fastest-growing private solar companies ever.
Having established itself as one of the country’s most prominent residential solar solutions. Blue Raven Solar boasts a team of over 2,300 dedicated professionals operating in 22 states, with an impressive annual sales volume of over $300 million. Blue Raven Solar has contributed to offsetting more than 10 billion pounds of coal by offering affordable and clean-energy alternatives to homeowners.
The company’s commitment to its employees has also been recognized, as Glassdoor ranked Blue Raven Solar as the 20th best place to work in America in 2021. This acknowledgment further attests to the company’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
SunPower Acquisition
Founded in 2014 by Ryan Lee, Blue Raven Solar blossomed into one of the fastest-growing solar panel installers in the country. SunPower, one of the titans of the solar industry, took notice and acquired Blue Raven Solar in 2021 in a reported $165 million cash deal.
This strategic move aimed to extend SunPower’s market presence and make solar options more accessible in underserved regions, particularly the Northwest and Mid-Atlantic areas.
By combining SunPower’s cutting-edge solar products with the Blue Raven team’s effective direct sales model, the acquisition sets the stage for significant growth and an enhanced customer experience.
The deal included Blue Raven’s former CEO joining the SunPower executive team, where he has since resigned. Ryan Lee runs a real estate holding company and owns and operates rental property near Zion National Park.
Products and Services
Solar Panel Installation
They currently use Tier 1 black-on-black monocrystalline solar panels, which are known for their efficiency and are regarded as the best in the industry.
While specific solar panel brands are not disclosed, it’s likely that SunPower solar panels, along with other tier 1 solar brands ranging from 385Watt to 415Watt solar panels, are used.
During the installation process, Blue Raven Solar also uses Enphase iQ8 microinverters with the Enphase IQ Gateways, some of the best inverters and technology available on the market to date.
Blue Raven Solar Warranties
Blue Raven Solar offers excellent warranties for its customers. Homeowners who chose blue raven solar can expect an industry standard 25-year production guarantee, which essentially guarantees their solar system will create a set amount of electricity over a set period.
They also offer a 10-year workmanship warranty, giving added peace of mind that your installation is done with quality in mind. On top of that, the solar panels themselves come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty.
While the details of these warranties can be cloudy after browsing through Blue Raven’s FAQ page, they advise referring to your specific solar agreement for more information.
Generally, solar warranties last for 25 years, but coverage can vary depending on the company. In the case of Blue Raven Solar, the contract should cover the panels, microinverters, production guarantee, and labor costs. However, the duration and exact specifics aren’t mentioned.
Smart Thermostat
As part of their energy efficiency value stack, Blue Raven Solar also offers smart thermostats with their solar services. Smart thermostats are a great way to increase the overall efficiency of your home.
Installation Process
Permits and Inspection
Blue Raven Solar understands the importance of getting the correct permits for installing solar panels. They closely collaborate with local authorities to ensure they have all the necessary paperwork. This helps them follow the rules and regulations for home solar systems. Customers can trust Blue Raven Solar to handle all the permit-related tasks, relieving them of worries.
Once they secure the permits, Blue Raven Solar’s skilled installation team takes charge of the installation process. They use their expertise to smoothly and efficiently install solar panels on the customer’s property. They pay careful attention to every detail, ensuring everything is done correctly, and the system is safe to use.
After the installation, Blue Raven Solar coordinates with local inspectors to conduct a thorough inspection. This ensures that the solar system meets all the necessary standards and regulations.
This is important to ensure the custom solar system benefits the environment and meets required safety standards. With Blue Raven Solar, customers can confidently believe their solar system is in good hands and will be set up correctly.
System Monitoring
Blue Raven Solar offers a great feature called system monitoring. It gives customers an easy way to monitor their solar system performance. They have a user-friendly interface showing real-time data on how much solar energy their system produces and uses. It’s helpful because it lets homeowners see how well their system works and make any adjustments if needed.
Blue Raven Solar continues beyond just providing a monitoring tool. They also keep an eye on the installed systems themselves. This way, they can ensure the solar panels are working at their best and quickly fix any issues.
With Blue Raven Solar, customers can enjoy a hassle-free experience when getting a residential solar system. They take care of everything, from getting the permits to arranging inspections. And with their advanced monitoring tool, customers can trust that Blue Raven Solar is a reliable company for installing solar panels.
Financing Options
Cash Purchase
Purchasing a solar system with cash is usually the best choice regarding long-term savings. Blue Raven Solar allows customers to pay for their solar installation upfront, avoiding monthly payments and interest fees. With a cash purchase, you fully own your solar system and can benefit from tax credits and other available incentives. It’s a cost-effective and hassle-free way to go solar.
Solar Loan
Blue Raven Solar has you covered if you want to avoid paying for your solar system upfront. They offer different financing options, including solar loans with low down payments.
With a solar loan, you can spread out the cost of your system over time with affordable monthly payments. Plus, depending on the loan terms, you may qualify for tax credits and incentives. Blue Raven Solar makes it easy to go solar and find the financing option that works best for you.
Leases and Power Purchase Agreements
Blue Raven Solar currently doesn’t offer leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for financing. Consider other solar providers if you’re specifically looking for these options.
However, Blue Raven Solar understands that everyone has different budget and preference requirements. That’s why they offer a range of financing options to cater to their customers’ needs. They want to ensure you can find a suitable solution to go solar and power your home with clean energy.
Incentives and Guarantees
BluePower Plus+ Plan
Blue Raven Solar has a fantastic financing option called the BluePower Plus+ Plan. It’s designed to give customers even more benefits when they choose to go solar. With this plan, you won’t need to pay any money upfront for the first 18 months. That means you can enjoy significant savings on your electric bills immediately, even before paying for the solar system installation.
Here are the key advantages of the BluePower Plus+ Plan:
- 8 Months of Free Solar Power: You get to enjoy free solar power for the first 18 months, including federal and state tax credits. Plus, if you want to pay off the loan early, you can do so without any penalties.
- $0 Upfront Costs: You won’t have to worry about paying anything upfront for the design, permitting, and installation costs. Blue Raven Solar takes care of it all.
- $0 Escalation: The loan term’s interest rate and monthly payment are fixed. You don’t have to deal with any unexpected increases. Additionally, Blue Raven Solar covers the system’s maintenance, repairs, and insurance at no extra cost to you.
The BluePower Plus+ Plan offers even more advantages, including building equity in your home by owning the solar system, increasing your home’s value, and receiving federal and state tax credits.
You’ll also get top-quality inverters, panels, smart thermostats, and LED lights. Plus, your solar panels are backed by a 25-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
By choosing the BluePower Plus+ Plan, not only will you be saving money in the long run, but you’ll also be making a positive impact on the environment by reducing your reliance on carbon-based energy. It’s a win-win situation for your pocket to save money and the planet.
Federal and State Tax Credits
When customers choose to invest in a solar energy system with Blue Raven Solar, they become eligible for valuable federal and state tax credits. The federal solar tax credit allows homeowners to claim up to 30% of the installation cost, which helps reduce the overall investment in solar technology.
It’s important to note that state tax credits and other solar incentives can vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to check your state’s requirements regarding renewable energy systems.
Production and Productivity Guarantee
Blue Raven Solar believes in the quality of its technology. It provides a warranty for 25 years on both workmanship and products, as mentioned above. This warranty guarantees that the solar system will continue to generate reliable energy over its lifespan, usually measured in kilowatt-hours.
Net Metering and SmartStart Program
Blue Raven Solar offers valuable programs for its customers. Customers can benefit from the net metering program in states where it’s available. This program allows any excess solar energy they generate to be sent back to the grid, earning them credits on future energy bills or carrying over to the next billing cycle. It’s an excellent way for homeowners to enhance energy efficiency and potentially lower energy costs.
For those building new homes, Blue Raven Solar has the SmartStart Program. This unique program provides free solar panel installations for new constructions in the 20 states where the company operates. By participating in this program, homeowners contribute to a cleaner environment and gain easy access to renewable energy for their brand-new homes.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Better Business Bureau Rating
Blue Raven Solar has earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This top rating shows their dedication to addressing customer concerns and maintaining transparent business practices. It’s a testament to the company’s trustworthiness and positive customer relationships.
Customer Service and Communication
Customers praise Blue Raven Solar for its outstanding customer service and effective communication. They value the company and sales representatives’ ability to provide clear and timely information about their products and services. Blue Raven Solar has a dedicated customer support team handles inquiries and resolves issues, ensuring a satisfying experience for their valued customers.
Reviews emphasize Blue Raven Solar’s responsiveness and willingness to listen to customer feedback. The company takes proactive measures to enhance the customer experience, making necessary adjustments based on the feedback received. Blue Raven Solar ensures that clients are always well-informed about the progress of their solar installation and any extra steps that may be needed.
Pros and Cons
Another advantage is Blue Raven Solar’s Blue Power Plus+ financing program, which allows homeowners to have $0 payments for the first 18 months. This makes it easier and more affordable for people who want to go solar. Additionally, their Smart Start Program provides 42 months of savings, reducing the financial burden for interested homeowners.
But, it’s essential to consider some potential downsides when evaluating Blue Raven Solar. While most customers are satisfied, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, a group of Blue Raven customers has experienced issues with the company. Their rating on ConsumerAffairs is 2.0, suggesting some service or installation quality inconsistencies.
Blue Raven Solar has many benefits, including various panel options, a strong reputation, an extended warranty, and appealing financing choices. But it’s essential to be aware of possible drawbacks, such as inconsistencies in solar reviews about customer satisfaction and service quality. Consider these factors as you decide whether Blue Raven Solar is the right choice for your solar energy needs.
Panel and Payment Options
Blue Raven Solar gives customers multiple ways to make solar energy more affordable and accessible. One option is to pay for the solar system upfront in cash. This is great for those who can make a single payment and want to avoid monthly costs.
Another option is to finance the solar system with a solar loan. With this choice, customers can typically go 18 months without any money down. They can then spread out the cost of the solar system into monthly payments that are easier to handle.
To sum it up, Blue Raven Solar offers a wide selection of panel options and flexible payment solutions like cash purchases and solar loans. This makes it easier for homeowners to find the right solar system for their needs and budget while enjoying long-term savings and a more sustainable energy solution.
SunPower and Blue Raven Solar Comparison
SunPower and Blue Raven Solar are two leading solar energy companies with unique features and benefits. By comparing these companies, potential customers can make well-informed decisions about which solar provider best suits their needs.
SunPower is a well-established company with over 30 years of experience in the solar industry. They are known for manufacturing highly efficient solar panels, with a rating of up to 22.8% efficiency, according to their website. SunPower panels also come with a comprehensive 25-year warranty, providing customers with confidence in the quality and performance of their products.
On the other hand, Blue Raven Solar is a relatively newer player in the industry. Still, they have already completed over 200,000 solar installations. They prioritize affordability and offer innovative financing options, making solar accessible to a broader range of customers. Like SunPower, Blue Raven Solar also provides a 25-year warranty for their workmanship and products.
When it comes to customer service, Blue Raven Solar has earned a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. They use their labor force for installations, ensuring better quality control. In terms of coverage, SunPower operates in 50 states and 12 countries. In comparison, Blue Raven Solar serves customers in 20 states across the United States. This difference in coverage may be a crucial factor for customers outside Blue Raven Solar’s service areas.
SunPower and Blue Raven Solar offer various financing options for customer needs. SunPower provides solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). At the same time, Blue Raven Solar provides a range of financing choices for customers who prefer to own their solar systems directly.
However, it’s important to note that Blue Raven Solar does not offer solar batteries, which allow homeowners to store solar energy for later use or as a backup power source during grid outages. In contrast, SunPower does offer solar battery storage solutions, providing customers with added flexibility in optimizing their solar energy usage.
In conclusion, SunPower and Blue Raven Solar each have their strengths and may appeal to different customer preferences. SunPower is known for high-quality panels and widespread service coverage. At the same time, Blue Raven Solar focuses on affordability and customer satisfaction.
