CB SOLAR INC Review 2023 - Is The Price Right?

CB Solar Inc. Overview

CB Solar has been providing affordable and reliable photovoltaic systems to residents and businesses across Iowa since 2013. By using a large variety of suppliers and brands, the company works to ensure its customers get the most cost-effective installation for their property, while ensuring superior customer service. 

The company is proud to be locally owned and operated by a team of engineering graduates from Iowa State University, and boasts the installation of four of the ten largest solar projects in the state of Iowa. CB Solar has designed and deployed systems of varying sizes and complexities, ranging from farmhouses and to barns, to office spaces and apartments. 

CB Solar Services and Specifics

CB Solar Products

CB Solar’s services cover a range of properties – including residential, commercial, and agricultural – across the state of Iowa. Each solar energy system is designed with the specific location and income bracket in mind, ranging from 3.5kW roof-mounted systems to larger 60kW arrays that power entire farms. This range in systems is reflected in the variety of brands and parts they use, including:

SolarEdge Solar Panels

SolarEdge solar panels are equipped with the company’s own Power Optimizers that are specifically designed for maximum energy production, easy installation, and easier servicing over the lifetime of the system. The company combines its industry leading DC optimization technology with enhanced module performance to ensure that users receive maximum module output.  

EnPhase Solar Panels

EnPhase Energy is an energy technology company and one of the world’s largest suppliers of micro-inverter based solar systems. The Enphase Energy IQ systems is the company’s most popular line, providing users with an all-in-one solar, battery, and software solution that can be controlled via their state of the art mobile application, which has been deployed in over 130 countries worldwide. 

Panasonic Solar Panels

Panasonic solar panels have been around since 1975, and is one of the most recognizable names in the solar industry. The company specializes in creating the half-cut HIT Module solar cell which is used in their newest line of solar panels, the EverVolt series. 

Specific Types of Solar Offered

CB Solar only provides grid-tied solutions, which is more cost effective and provides users with the additional advantage of selling excess energy back to the utility provider in a process known as net-metering. 

CB Solar promises a turnkey installation process, meaning they’ll be with you every step of the way – from their free initial consultation through designing the system and even helping with the applications and permits necessary for your installation.

Installation costs and process

Costs

The average cost of solar panels in Iowa is between $3.10 and $4.50 per watt. This means that a solar system that is 5 kilowatts in size would generally cost between $14,000 – $21,500 to install. CB Solar does not advertise a specific cost for its solar installation since its system’s costs vary depending on factors such as the design, size, and materials used.

Promising a cost-effective solution is a tall order, but according to CB Solar’s customers, they absolutely deliver on this front, without skimping on quality. CB Solar promises competitive pricing and a return on the investment in as little as five years, with several customers reporting that their panels are turning out more power than they can use.

Here’s an example of one of their reviews: 

The team at CB Solar also offers to help its customers finance their installation; however, they will need to complete a consultation in order to provide their recommendations of the best solution available. Residents of Iowa can also take advantage of the Federal Tax incentives available to them, which allows up to 26% of the cost of their solar system to be reclaimed, helping to offset the cost of transitioning to solar. 

Based on the customer reviews, it seems like CB Solar’s key competitive advantage is their pricing structure. While cheaper solar options often come at the expense of quality, CB Solar seems to have struck the perfect balance between the two, leaving most of their customers satisfied on both fronts. 

Legitimacy

CB Solar is a legitimate company. Below are some key facts to support its legitimacy:

Awards and Accreditation

• CB Solar has consistently ranked as one of Solar Power World’s top solar contractors since 2014.
• The company is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Though sparse, CB Solar’s reviews are consistently five-stars with no recorded complaints; impressive for a company that’s been working for almost a decade. In addition to their accolades, every member of CB Solar’s upper management boasts at least a decade’s worth of electrical engineering, retail management, or sales experience.

Maintenance

CB Solar promises that the equipment used in its systems are maintenance-free, but it does come with a 12-year Manufacturer’s Warranty on all parts used, and a 30-year Power Production Warranty. The company also provides a 5-year workmanship warranty. 

It should be noted that the manufacturer and workmanship warranties cover a notably shorter period than most competitors who typically offer 25 and 10 year warranties, respectively. 

Based on previous customer reviews, there is no information relating to CB Solar’s maintenance processes; however, several customers do mention that their systems are still working perfectly years after the initial installation. 

The SolarEmpower View

Despite an understated online presence, CB Solar has made a name for itself as one of Iowa’s best and brightest when it comes to solar energy systems. With high-quality yet affordable installation, customers are guaranteed a significant return on their investment. The only area that we feel that the company could improve upon is its warranties, which are slightly lower than many of its competitors. Aside from that, CB Solar is a worthy option to consider for customers seeking solar in Iowa.