Simpleray Solar Review 2023 - The Residential View

Simpleray LLC Overview

Simpleray is a mid-sized solar installation company headquartered in Fairfield, Iowa. Founded in 2008, the company’s mission is to be a one-stop solar solution that simplifies the design, procurement, finance, and installation of solar. Its projected revenues for the current year are $7.6 million.

Its customers are organizations, utilities, and residential property owners. The company understands the perceived complexities around solar and tries to educate its customers through informational webinars, articles, and direct contact with its renewable energy consultants.

Simpleray Services and Specifics

Simpleray states that it aims to build the best possible solar array for its customers and only install a system that will achieve your energy goals. The company does not specifically state brands of solar panels it uses in its systems; however, we were able to gauge from customer reviews that two of the more prominent panels used are SolarEdge and SMA solar panels.

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.

SMA Solar Panels 

SMA has installed over 50 gigawatts of solar products globally and is ranked as a top-three inverter company worldwide. These panels carry the title of “German Engineered” and are designed according to strict specification to ensure optimal performance and durability.

Specific Types of Solar offered

Simpleray offers four categories of solar systems: residential, commercial, agricultural, and utility.

Residential Solar Systems: Simpleray designs each residential system according to each home’s structure and power consumption requirements. Homeowners are able to sell additional power back to the grid in a process known as net-metering.

Commercial Solar Systems: This includes agricultural and utility systems. These systems are ideal for businesses of all sizes to reduce their massive power bills and also display environmental responsibility.

Installation Costs and Processes

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 $15,500 – $20,500 to install. Simpleray 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.

The company says it uses technology to expedite service and reduce costs, although, in terms of equipment, they believe in quality over cheap products. To them, the better the equipment, the more energy it will produce, and the more savings for customers on electricity costs. Reviews of the company spoke more of Simpleray’s professionalism, impressive technology, and how their equipment was top of the range.

Not much could be found about them being competitively priced. They do, however, offer financing options, applying all available incentives to help determine the best option for any type of solar installation. We are of the view that durability and reliability are priceless, and it seems that Simpleray mainly believes in the same principles.

Legitimacy

Simpleray is a legitimate company. Some of its notable credentials include:

Awards and accreditation:

• Solar Power World Magazine – Top 500 Solar Contractors 
• Certified Member –  Midwest Renewable Energy Association
• Certified Member – Solar Energy Industries Association

Maintenance

The products offered by Simpleray, particularly solar panels, have a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. You are also assured of replacement of the panel if the efficiency is degraded beyond the limits set in the warranty. Their workmanship guarantee is five years, and they perform free check-ups every year for the first two years. They have also introduced their own production guarantee, that the annual production of the system will be no less than the Estimated Production Amount shown on the quote for the first five years, less an annual 0.5% degradation factor.

It should be noted that Simpleray’s workmanship warranty and power production guarantees are shorter than what many of its competitors offer.

Solar Panel Repair and Maintenance: Simpleray offers repair and maintenance services to customers even if they did not provide the original installation. Simpleray has assisted customers in replacing polycrystalline panels with monocrystalline ones, which have more efficiency. While the company does advertise maintenance services, it seems that this is the main area that customers have expressed discontent with Simpleray.

Here is an example:

In addition, when you take into consideration that they company has not managed to maintain a customer rating of 4 stars or better, it does create a reason for concern.

The SolarEmpower View

Simpleray does not seem to compromise on the quality of the equipment used in their installations, and they do state that such equipment does not come cheap.However, there are a few concerns around the company’s ongoing customer and maintenance services as detailed above. The company has been featured in national publications in the solar industry as a leading company in the sector, which earns them consideration for your next project, though we do advise clarifying the terms relating to maintenance and repairs beforehand.