Energy Concepts Solar (ECC Solar) Review 2023 - The Residential View

Energy Concepts Corp Solar Overview

Energy Concepts Solar, commonly referred to as ECC Solar, is a mid-sized electrical and general contractor headquartered in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The company began operations in 1991, and its founder, Cary Lane, is still very much involved with the business.

Residential projects make up the bulk of the work they do and over the last 4 years, they have completed more than 63 projects in solar installations and about 55 projects in house additions. Focusing on best price and best quality, the company has been lauded by many of its long standing customers for professionalism and dedication.

ECC Solar Services and Specifics

Specific Solar Panels Offered

SolarEdge Solar Panels

ECC Solar supplies solar panels by SolarEdge with optimizers built in, unlike other panels where the optimizer is separate and has to be integrated into the system. This allows more power from individual panels, as well as faster and simpler installation. With these panels, there is usually one inverter for a string of solar panels. SolarEdge’s 300W Smart Module has a conversion efficiency of 18%, which is not quite the best in the market.

SunPower Solar Panels

Sunpower Solar panels have the highest efficiency AC solar panel available on the markets at 420-440 watts. SunPower’s flagship product is the Equinox system, which delivers more power and savings using fewer panels on the roof. They also supply solar panels from SunPower, which have an efficiency rate of 19%, slightly better in comparison to SolarEdge panels.

Specific Types of Solar Offered

Residential off-grid solar systems:

The company thrives in this market, and it comprises the major part of its business. They custom design installation to meet the customer’s needs, whether the requirement is to be removed from the grid completely or installed at a remote place with no connection to any grid at all.

Grid-tied solar systems: 

For both residential and commercial customers, they provide a cost-effective and reliable solar system. Owing to their extensive experience in the business, the components they install are tried and tested and will be designed to meet the customer’s energy and mounting requirements. Having been in the industry since 1991, it is certain that they have a fairly good idea of what works and what doesn’t.

Utility installations:

For electrical co-ops and solar community projects, ECC Solar offers small, utility-scale PV systems in the 1-2 MW size. They have a temporary workforce that is flexible and can meet the needs and demands of customers and developers around New Mexico and west Texas.

Installation Costs and Process

Costs

The average cost of solar panels in New Mexico is between $3.15 and $3.50 per watt. This means that a solar system that is 5 kilowatts in size would generally cost between $13,000 – $18,500 to install. ECC 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.

Customers who reviewed the company did not make specific mention as to whether they paid the quoted price or not. They stated, however, that the company fared well compared to national installers. One reviewer stated that despite ECC Solar being priced more than other companies, they chose them for their professionalism and knowledge and the promise of price and quality that matched.

ECC Solar has created a long partner relationship with solar manufacturers, which allows them leverage in obtaining good products at reasonable prices. An installer who has special access to manufacturing companies tends to benefit customers in a huge way.

The company works with local credit unions, national banks, and specialty remodeling lenders to offer financing options.

Legitimacy

ECC Solar is a legitimate company:

Many of the reviews we saw were from customers who have been with the company for 10 to 20 years. While the company is legitimate, it does lack BBB accreditation and industry-related awards. 

Maintenance

ECC Solar’s products carry the standard manufacturer’s warranty, which typically covers between 20 – 25 years from the time of installation. We could not ascertain exactly what their workmanship warranty is; however, the testimonials of clients who have been with ECC Solar over the years would suggest a warranty that covers a substantial period of time.

Here’s an example: 

The company does appear to provide good and constant maintenance, and we did not come across any negative reviews regarding their response to customer issues.

The SolarEmpower View

ECC Solar is a company with many years of installation experience behind it. Although they offer reasonable prices, we find that the products they supply fall in the mid-range in terms of quality. They had an overall 5-star rating in reviews. We would advise you to exercise a little caution if you decide to use this company and advise gathering a few quotes for your solar project in New Mexico.