Universal Solar Direct Review

Installer
Installing solar since 2002
6.6
(Expert Rating Score)
Shaun
Shaun
Solar energy enthusiast
Updated on 2023-03-19

Universal Solar Direct Overview

Universal Solar Direct is a mid-large solar installation company. They have branches based out of Nevada, Florida, Arizona, Utah, Indiana. The company has been in business since 2012, and they specialize in residential and commercial solar energy installations.  

 

 

Universal Solar Direct services and features

Universal Solar Direct Products

Solar Energy:

  • Solar Panel Installation
  • Grid-tied, grid-mounted, off-grid, and ground-mounted solar system services
  • Battery-bank storage installation and services
  • Inverter installation and maintenance services
  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging system installation

They offer zero-down solar loans and 25 year warranty on the solar products they sell as well as maintenance and monitoring. They assist clients with tax credits and taking care of all permits, engineering paperwork, and H.O.A. submissions. 

Commercial Electricians: The Better Business Bureau lists Universal Solar Direct as a commercial electrician contractor and solar installation contractor. It is unclear if they do any electrical work outside of solar installations.

Heat and Air Conditioning Installation: Universal Solar Direct lists heat and air conditioning installation as part of their services.

 

Universal Solar Direct Costs

We have found project costs from $22,000 to $56,000. In Arizona, the typical size of their permit is approximately $30,000.  One client said that the cost of their project was $3.04 per kWh, while another source had $2.31 per kWh as their average installation cost.

They have a solar cost calculator on their website. After you input your address and monthly electric bill, it will show a satellite photo of the rooftop of your home, and estimate the square footage of your roof. It will give you a ‘ballpark’ estimate of how much your system will cost and how much you will save on electric costs each month. But you have to enter your name, address, phone number, and email address in order to see the results of your estimate. And the calculator is very clear that it is only a rough estimate, and that you’ll need an assessment from one of their technicians before you get an official estimate.

 

Universal Solar Direct Legitimacy

Our research found:

The Las Vegas, Nevada branch (Main branch) has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2015, and has an A+ rating with the BBB. They have had 10 complaints in the last 10 years, and 3 complaints in the last year. All complaints have been closed.

The Florida branch has completed over 1000 solar installations 

The Utah branch has completed over 5000 solar installations and is listed as being in business since 2002

The Indiana branch has completed over 1500 solar installations and is listed as being in business since 2002

The Arizona branch has completed over 5000 solar installations and is listed as being in business since 2002

  • All employees are in house, no sub-contractors
  • Member of the SEIA Solar Energy Industries Association
  • Home-Advisor top-rated 

 

Universal Solar Direct Maintenance

Universal Solar Direct does not provide specific details on their maintenance and continued support policy on any of their websites. 

 

 

The SolarEmpower view

Universal Solar Direct is a full service and solar installation company for home and residential properties, with branches in 5 States.

Their websites are easy to navigate and provide basic information about the services they provide. However, their websites do not go into specifics about their pricing and installation costs, or maintenance programs. You will need to contact them to get specific details.

They are a one stop shop, all the technicians are certified. They don’t hire sub-contractors and they offer solar hardware products from the best name brand suppliers.

They’ve completed over 12,000 installations, so they have a lot of experience. However, a company that is large with branches spanning several states is going to have some management challenges and it shows in some of the low reviews they received and some of the employee challenges they have faced.

Some of the 1 star customer reviews were concerning and there also seem to be problems with a toxic work environment in the Nevada and Arizona branches, though that may or may not translate into how well they install your system.

We rate Universal Solar Direct 6/10 because of their experience and the vast number of successful installations they’ve completed. However, we also urge caution and due diligence.

 

 

Universal Solar Direct Contact details

Phone:

  • (702) 363 6390 main
  • (702) 847 8762 Nevada
  • (317) 526 5122 Indiana
  • (435) 243-7693 Utah
  • (480) 372-3511 Arizona
  • (904) 580-3467 Florida

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.universalsolardirect.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universalsolardirect/

Industry Certifications

CALESIA – California Solar Energy Industries Association
CALESIA – California Solar Energy Industries Association
UL Certification
UL Certification
Better Business Bureau
Better Business Bureau
Solar Power World
Solar Power World

Service Types

Residential Solar
Commercial Solar
Energy Monitoring System

Service Areas

Select State:
NV

FAQ

Is Universal Solar Direct worth it?

Our analysis of Universal Solar Direct is that they might be worth it, but proceed with caution. They offer all the top brands of solar equipment and have solar financing options. With over 12,000 installations, they must be doing something right. Their portfolio of finished jobs looks very impressive.

 

They’ve been featured on many major television news outlets and radio stations, and have very professional advertisements and endorsements. They are also very active in their communities and have made substantial donations to charity.

 

However, some of their former employee reviews/concerns are concerning and there are some bad customer reviews that raise red flags. But again, a company that does that many installations is bound to run into some challenges and even difficult customers. So do your own due diligence and investigate the branch and the people you will have to deal with directly. 

Is Universal Solar Direct good to work for?

Universal Solar Direct has a 1.5 star out of 5 stars rating from employee reviews. Some of their former employee reviews are very alarming. One stated that the work environment in the Las Vegas branch is toxic, an absolute nightmare, and that the owners get into fistfights, throw things, and threaten each other and their employees. Another former employee stated it was HORRIBLE and “… do yourself a favor and STAY AWAY!!” There is a mention of nepotism, and a former foreman for their Arizona branch stated that the company lacks organization and leaders who understand solar operations. 

 

Some of these concerns may or may not have the potential to carry across to the job they do on your property.

Is Universal Solar Direct trustworthy?

After researching customer reviews across the web, there are mixed reviews. 

The average rating seems to be between 3 on some sites and 4 stars out of 5 on others. 

 

They have many detailed 5 out of 5 star reviews from customers who are delighted with their service. Customers said: “Best solar installer in Vegas,” “Very Well. But the price was on the high side.” “It was a good experience and we’re happy. The install crew was quick and polite.”

 

However, there are also many 1 star reviews with customers that are very unhappy with the service. 

 

One customer had paid for monitoring but not received it for a year, another had obsolete equipment installed on a new build. One customer had paid $73,000, but still had no solar power generation for a year. “…one of the worst experiences with a company in my life!”

 

Every company will have some complaints, especially a larger company with branches that span across several States. However, some of these are significant and need to be addressed. 

 

They have A+ ratings with the BBB and have no current outstanding complaints there

Can I cancel a contract with Universal Solar Direct?

One former unhappy client in Nevada stated that the company wanted to start working on her home without construction permits. The client stated that she didn’t want them working without permits and tried to cancel the project, but Universal Solar Direct would not refund her deposit.

 

Nevada, Indiana, Utah, Arizona, and Florida all have policies regarding contract cancellation. However, in order to get full clarity on whether your contract can be cancelled after it has been signed, you should contact an attorney in your state. You can also contact Universal Solar Direct to ask what their cancellation policy is.

Universal Solar Direct Solar Details

Established
2002
Contact
Headquarters
4775 W. Teco Ave. Suite 115
Las Vegas NV
89118
(702)-483-6900
UniversalSolarDirect.com

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