The Solar Detective®

Solar is sold as a "maintenance free" product, but it turns out that the equipment manufacturers recommend annual maintenance.  Annual maintenance for panels and inverters. The recommendations are right in the owner's manuals, but are typically overlooked by both the salesperson and installer.  Some installers offer production guarantees, guarantees that require semi-annual or annual maintenance, and if the maintenance is not performed the guarantees are voided.  The Solar Detective can help you meet the manufacturer’s and installer’s unspoken requirements that are tucked away in the fine print.  

 A truly smart home is much more than a remote light switch, a remote thermostat control or a remote door lock. The Solar Detective can adapt your home so that it helps you find the energy hogs providing you with information that helps you save money.  

Which has a worst reputation, the car salesperson or the solar salesperson? For good reason, they're about the same.  A commissioned Solar salesperson's job is to sell and upsell you, or they don't eat. Who are they looking out for?  The Solar Detective offers another option, solar advice without the pressure of commissions. The Solar Detective will work with you to determine the right size solar system for your home based on your needs. When we give you advice, it's because it is good advice backed by years of solar experience - not some sales tactic. Let us help you understand what you need before you start the shopping process. You'll shop for solar as an empowered educated consumer. 

The Solar Detective has performed hundreds of Solar Inspections over the years and we’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly, we know the installers. We also regularly hear the project stories from solar homeowners. We check out the new companies and keep track of the others. This industries' history is full of businesses that failed due to their rapid success, great installers that let the work spin out of control.  Some of the fallen stars; HelioPower, Real Goods Solar, Verengo, Sungevity, Peterson Dean, American Solar Direct, Sullivan. Of those that survive some specialize in Tesla roof tile solar, some in battery back up, some specialize in ground mounts, others in off grid. Some offer options while others only install one manufacturer.  The Solar Detective can help you find the best match for your needs.

Energy assessments will show your home’s energy performance which will help you understand where you can save money.  Showing you how you can reduce your heating and cooling costs and reduce the amount of solar panels required to power your home.

 The Solar Detective offers consulting services to help you make an informed decision.