Westcoast Solar Energy - Santa Rosa, California

Tom Boylan

When Westcoast Solar Energy reviewed my home’s energy use, they gave me options. They didn’t try to sell me, they informed and educated me about the long-term benefits, as well as the short-term costs. What I especially enjoyed about my interaction with this company is the way they left me to make my own decision on what would be best for my country home, and gave me the information needed to make that decision. Westcoast Solar Energy is an exceptional solar company.

Jasmine

I'd not recommend even spending your time speaking with them. I reached out and the only thing the appear interested in is selling big, large and more expensive systems. My wife and I, only the two of us, want to electrify our home and plan for future families should we sell. We were told it would be cheaper to change to PG&E's 4pm - 9pm rate plan and use less electricity. Wow, what a sales pitch! That was basically their way of saying "We don't want your business because we won't make any money". I'd not recommend anyone even reach out about a solar quote, you can do better.

Damian Bouné

I contacted Westcoast Solar Energy on Sept 29th asking if they could handle a generator install for an off-grid location, along with some electrical work, and hopefully some solar improvements. I was directed to, and spoke with, co-owner Jeremy who specializes in off-grid situations.

Jeremy was friendly, courteous, and professional. He quickly gave me an initial cost range on the job, and scheduled to meet me the following Saturday to see the site. At the end of the visit Jeremy told me he would have a quote to me early in the next week.

Unfortunately after the visit Jeremy evaporated. I emailed and called several times after waiting about one week. On one occasion several weeks later I reached him by phone and was told he would have a quote to me in a few days. After nearly two additional weeks I attempted to call again, and sent an email.

I received a response via email on Oct 27th informing me that several days after we met at my property he had closed a contract for a large corporate job, and wouldn't be able to work with me. In total, it took two days less than a month, and a misleading promise to provide a quote, to find out I would not be able to work with Westcoast.

This is a shame because I'm pretty confident Westcoast does perform good work, and at what I feel is a fair price, but after this experience I wouldn't recommend relying on them if you have a serious need, and aren't a high dollar client.

I'm giving Westcoast two stars for the way Jeremy handled initial contact, which was very positive. The remaining three stars would have represented timely quoting and job start, completion of the contract, and quality of work.

Edit (Oct 30): I'm updating this review to reflect an email I received after I wrote it.

Apparently Jeremy was upset about this review. I believe his email informing me that he was aware of the review was written in an attempt to make me feel remorse for it, while also being insincere about wishing me luck getting my project done (without him). For this handling, I'm deducting another star from this review.

My suggestion for the business owners is to clearly communicate to prospective clients. Let them know the immediately when a project gets in the way of providing a quote, or performing work. When a client or prospective client complains (however they do so) about something rational, apologize, and ask how you can repair the damage. I am incredibly disappointed that I'll never be able to work with Westcoast, which should tell you something.

Donovan Raaum

I’m in Utah and in the process of getting solar installed and I’m down to the final two bids. I was doing some research on YouTube and came across a video of a guy from West Coast solar showing you how to clean your panels. He seemed like a nice enough guy so I decided to call them and see if I could pick their brains I was expecting them to answer a few questions and then send me on my way . I called right after they opened and I spoke to Peter the GM. I explained to him that I’m in Utah and that I was trying to get an unbiased opinion on the two bids and the equipment the companies are using. Peter went completely above and beyond to help me, instead of just answering a couple of questions for me he took the time to go over both bids me and answered all of the questions that I had. He talked to me for a good 15 – 20 minutes (but I know that he was busy I could hear the door chime in the back ground) and made sure that all of my questions were answered before we hung up.
Because of Peter I’m able to make a more educated purchase. I would love to be able to by my system from West Coast Solar, Peter’s willingness to take that much time and effort to make sure that I’m comfortable knowing that he will never make any money off of me speaks volumes for him and West Coast Solar.
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S. Forbes

Debbie Pineda

I had no clue how to maintain the solar panels on the home I am renting but I watched a video on You Tube produced by West Coast Solar & now Ill get up there & clean mine when it gets cool & monitor if the production becomes more efficient. They are really dirty and I had a $100 dollar electric bill last month where it is normally like $3.00 a month in Palmdale CA & we leave our AC at 74 all day everyday! Ill report back!

Wot Dabny

I had an issue that came up and of all the places I called they were by far the most professional and accommodating. Knowledgeable, friendly, and very service/customer oriented.