Solar Direct Review 2024 - Is The Price Right?

Installer
Installing solar since 1986
7.4
(Expert Rating Score)

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Updated on 2023-05-30

Solar Direct Overview

Solar Direct is a solar installation company based in Florida. Established in 1986, Solar Direct has decades of experience in consulting, engineering, sales, and installing the highest quality solar technologies available today.

Solar Direct has completed hundreds of residential and commercial installations worldwide, including US Embassies, High Schools, Community Centers, Medical Facilities, Hotels, Factories, Agriculture, Aquatic Centers, and a wide variety of other businesses.

Solar Direct was early to adopt the internet as the preferred platform to educate consumers on the benefits of discovering and implementing environmentally responsible solutions for various energy-related needs in Florida.

 

Solar Direct Services and Specifics

Specific Solar Panels Offered

Solar Direct has partnered with SolarEdge, TrinaSolar, LG chem, Sonnen, SMA, Enphase, and LG. These companies are well-known manufacturing brands of solar panels and systems. 

The company does not provide any information about the specific models of panels used for the services.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

LG Solar Panels

LG Solar panels are developed using some of the most advanced and cutting-edge technologies available in the solar industry. The award winning “NeON” range is the company’s most popular line, and comes backed with an incredible warranty that promises unmatched product performance.

 

Specific Types of Solar Offered

Residential Solar Systems – Grid-tied:

One primary solar service provided by Solar Direct is installing grid-tied residential and commercial solar systems. To estimate the returns and evaluate your roof’s compatibility with the solar panels used by Solar Direct, the company gives a free cost survey and consultation.

 

Commercial Solar Systems – Grid-tied:

Solar Direct helps your company in going green. Solar Direct will assist your organization in obtaining deferred tax credits, rebates, and initial cost incentives to make your investment in solar more affordable.

 

Additional Services

  • Solar Hot Water: Solar Thermal Water Heating is a simple, reliable, and cost-effective technology that harnesses the sun’s energy to provide for the hot water needs of homes and businesses. Solar direct is well-known for installing quality solar water heating systems based on customers’ needs.
  • Solar Pool Heating: Solar Direct has over 25 years experience in commercial and residential solar pool heating. Solar Direct installs Vortex pool heating systems backed by a 10 Year Full Replacement Factory Warranty.

 

Installation Costs and Process

Costs

Florida is widely considered one of the best states for solar power generation in the US, which makes it much cheaper than in some other states. The average cost per watt in Florida ranges from $2.30 – $2.85, compared to other states that average around $3.50 per watt. Therefore, a typical 5kW solar system should cost anywhere between $10,250 and $13,000 to install.

Solar Direct has several finance plans to help customers afford solar panels and many customers have mentioned that the company’s prices are competitive in Florida. Here is an example:

“Whole Sun Designs was a pleasure to work with, from the first informational lecture we attended to having the final product installed. Ryan Zariki and his whole crew were professional and courteous and were always able to answer all our questions. We feel that the price was fair and the work top notch. The placement of the panels on our roof created a very pleasant design. The entire process was trouble-free.”
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Solar Direct has been installing solar in Florida for nearly 40 years and has tremendous buying power that allows them to purchase a high quantity of factory products at a discounted rate. This allows them to pass these savings on to their consumers and offer top-quality products, also at a discounted rate.

The most popular option is a home improvement loan which allows you to borrow money against your home’s equity. Typically, the monthly solar loan payment will be less than the electric bill, and you’ll start saving money right away. Other available options include personal loans, solar leases, utility or city loans, and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs.

 

Legitimacy

Solar Direct is a trustworthy and reliable company.

The company has been registered with the State of Florida since 1986.
The company has been accredited by BBB since 7/17/2009.
The company is accredited by NABCEP.
Solar Contractor License: Kirk A Maust, CVC56728 | Electrical Contractor License: Jeffrey Voss, EC13002053 | Professional Engineer: D. Chad Godwin, PE81360
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Awards and Accreditations:

  • Partner – Sungage Financial
  • Certification – LEED, PACE, Building and Construction Law, Building Code
  • Certified Membership – Solar Energy Industries Association

The accreditations, licenses, and affiliations of Solar Direct are legitimate, and we do not have any reservations about recommending this company to customers in Florida.

 

Maintenance

Solar Direct provides a solid warranty of 20 to 25 years on different systems installed by them, ensuring that the company itself sees through any dysfunction before the warranty expires. They also provide a bumper-to-bumper workmanship warranty for a five-year period to maintain and repair any issues encountered.

The initial consultation is free of cost. The engineers show the customers a customized design of the arrangement of solar panels on the roof. The company gets permits and schedules the installation process. Its workers handle the whole process with the least trouble to the house or business owner and answer all the necessary inquiries made by the owners.

The company’s complete contact information, including the address and phone number, is available online, which means that the company is quite reliable regarding services.

Key Points
Solar Panel Warranty 20 – 25 Years
Workmanship Warranty 5 Years
Power Production Guarantee Unspecified
In-house contractors Yes
Free Consultation Yes
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The SolarEmpower View

Solar Direct has been in the market since 1986, which means the experience of the company is unparalleled. But, the customer experience, especially after initial installation, has deteriorated throughout the last few years due to failed inspections and the inability to provide updates. Solar Direct does deserve consideration for your solar needs in Florida; however, we do suggest gathering several quotes before making a final decision.

💲Cost: 8/10 ✅Legitimacy: 10/10
⭐️Quality: 7/10 📞Customer Service: 4/10
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Industry Certifications

ASES – American Solar Energy Society
ASES – American Solar Energy Society

Service Types

Residential Solar
Commercial Solar

Solar Direct Solar Details

Established
1986
Workmanship Warranty
5 years
Contact
Headquarters
6935 15th Street East Suite 120
Sarasota FL
34243
(941)-359-8228

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