Universal Solar Direct Review 2024 - NV Residential View

Installer
Installing solar since 2002
6.6
(Expert Rating Score)

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Updated on 2023-06-14

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:

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
9.1

Universal Solar Direct User Reviews

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Brock Gaston
Brock Gaston
April 21, 2023
Have seen multiple proposals from…
Have seen multiple proposals from different companies, they gave me the best price and also have a very good response time and customer service!
Emily Simpson
Emily Simpson
April 21, 2023
I just want to say…
I just want to say thank you to the whole team who helped me to understand better about solar and then get it on my roof. I met Dmitry on my door and he was very polite, informative, well dressed and just a good person. He told me about NV Energy increases and where all of my money goes, so I got so interested in the solar program. We scheduled an appointment and then I met Cody. I never seen any better salesman in my life. He is super knowledgeable about solar product, he understood my concerns and answered the questions that I didn’t even think about. Just in general the way he presents the solar idea is incomparable to anything.
I fell in love right away.
The installation took place in less than 14 days. They did everything for me, all the permits and paperwork. I was amazed with the installation crew how fast and accurate they were on my roof. It’s been done in less than 3 hours.
I love this company and will recommend it to everyone I know. I hope everyone else will take a note on that.
Thank you so much!
Jen Michigan
Jen Michigan
March 1, 2023
Great experience, on time ,…
Great experience, on time , definitely will recommend to others. Dylan was very professional and on time.
David Lopez
David Lopez
February 28, 2023
Very professional and helpful. Dylan’s…
Very professional and helpful. Dylan’s team knows the business.
Sonya Swanson
Sonya Swanson
February 25, 2023
Thank you and your team…
Thank you and your team for helping me! Being on fixed budget it's nice to know that your electrical bills are only going to be a set amount. Thank you. I sure hope other people will take this into account.
Ps tell Dave and Dmitry thanks, for they kindness! Both very nice, well dressed, polite, well spoken, kind, considerate, just good people. And big thank you to all the electricians who were on my roof. I was very hesitant and confused at first by seeing all the reviews but once David explained everything to me, I was very excited. All the guys who were on my roofs are professionals. They were updating me on every step they do. And at the end I was impressed how fast and accurate they do their job. Thank you so much again. I love this company and will definitely recommend it to my friends and neighbors.
Bill Davis
Bill Davis
January 22, 2023
I have a brand new…
I have a brand new solar system that was installed by Universal Solar Direct. From top to bottom all of their employees have been great. I first was helped with Omar and his group that sets up the systems and then Anita helped with delays caused by NV Energy. NV Energy was slow to give the OK to turn on and Anita made sure that happened. I was also able to communicate with the ownerships sons Jonathan and Eugene. They also helped to make me glad I picked Universal Solar.
Saul Sotelo
Saul Sotelo
January 1, 2023
Dylan was awesome!…
Dylan was awesome!
Henry Schlierkamp
Henry Schlierkamp
November 14, 2022
One year ago, I had…
One year ago, I had gotten 5 different solar quotes. Jon was the most willing to work with me on the price and gave me a great deal I couldn't refuse. It took 5 weeks from the down payment to system activation with no issues.

Universal Solar does have the charm of being a family business (from what I can tell) so you do have to give them some liberty as opposed to a big corporation, but it is 100% worth it. If you have any issues, get a hold of Theresa. She is very sweet and cares about her business and your satisfaction.

I actually just called Theresa since I couldn't get a hold of the maintenance person. I'm currently waiting for a tech to come by and fix my inverter comm. They are also checking my system's 1 year - 95% production guarantee.
dannysoro
dannysoro
November 13, 2022
Rita Khamoo was amazing went…
Rita Khamoo was amazing went above and beyond.
Juan R Ramirez
Juan R Ramirez
November 11, 2022
Project manager omar u r…
Project manager omar u r da man!!!
Universal solar direct is not only professional but very knowledgeable too. Solar didn’t always makes sense until they came and sat at the table with us and then we wondered why we hadn’t done it years ago. They made the transition into renewable such an easy experience I would highly recommend them to everybody!

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