Mark E | Berkeley, California | 07/17/2017
Very Satisfied
While their price was lower, my main reason for choosing Save A Lot Solar was the knowledge displayed by the owner (John Orfali) and his senior electrician, along with their patience in considering several configurations. <br /><br />The new system augments my existing string-inverter system, which has been working well for 10 years, and generating nearly half my total usage. But last year, PG&E terminated their E-7 rate plan, forcing users like me to switch to their less favorable E-6 plan, and my bills for the remaining usage went up some 20%. Since the cost of solar systems has dropped significantly, I opted for a second system from Save A Lot Solar to cover the remaining usage -- plus some more for a future electric vehicle. <br /><br />The new system cost less than half of my first system, it generates about 30% more power while using fewer panels, and has a 7-8 year payback period (vs. 10 years for the older system). The new system has been in use for one month now, and is performing better than predicted. Unlike the older system, the new system uses microinverters, one per panel, which allow on-line monitoring of each panel. Also, the new system can be expanded without having to match panel types and balance string voltage levels. Now that the two systems are generating all my power needs, PG&E can raise their kilowatt-hour rates all they want, and my bills should be limited to connection fees. <br /><br />The installation went smoothly, and the crew was considerate of my neighbors. I recommend Save A Lot Solar.
Jules01 | Berkeley, California | 06/29/2017
Patient and competent!
I had an odd situation -- I already had the actual solar panels, but no system to install them on. The larger installers wanted nothing to do with me -- they wanted to put in their own systems and panels. John Orfali of Save a Lot Solar was willing to work with me -- he designed a system that would work with my panels, his installers were fast and wonderful, and he got it up and running in no time. He was nice, patient and flexible with my unusual situation, and he was very competitively priced. John also took the time to explain everything to me, both the process of setting things up with PG&E and how the solar system actually works. John is great -- I would recommend him to anyone.
Thomas Channing | Berkeley, California | 02/07/2017
Berkeley Installation
I had several larger companies such as SolarCity, SunRun, Sungevity give me estimates and information about PV installation. Each time I felt hounded by their reps, they just wouldn't leave me alone. Finally I decided to go with a smaller local contractor, based on reviews. I called John Orfali, owner of Save a lot Solar. He came, explained everything in great detail, and gave me as very competitive price estimate. Within 1 week after my initial contact, the system was installed with much better and up-to-date converters (each panel can produce individually) than offered by the "big ones". John designed the system so that I could add to it later, all connections already prepared - for no extra price. Two days to install - great and very friendly crew of two. 3 days later the City inspector ok'd the system. 2 days later PG&E accepted - and I now feed into the PG&E system. The online option to check the function works great as well and is easy to use. Couldn't have been happier. Very highly recommended !!
Eagles' Nest | Oakland, California | 08/29/2016
Highly Recommend Save a Lot Solar
When we decided to seriously investigate solar power, we turned to solarreviews.com to find solar contractors in our area (at the top of the Oakland, CA hills). We decided to focus only on "five-star" companies and we were pleasantly surprised to find a five-star contractor in our zip code: Save a Lot Solar.<br /><br />John Orfali was the first contractor we interviewed and he set the bar very high for his competitors. In fact, John was not the low bidder for our business but he instilled such confidence--and his Solar reviews were so good--that we really had no choice: we went with Save a Lot Solar and we are very pleased. <br /><br />Our 4.9 kW, 18-panel solar array installation went smoothly and without a hitch. John took care of all of the paperwork (permit, NEM application, inspection sign off, etc.) We highly recommend John Orfali and Save a Lot Solar.
Joseph Held | Oakland, California | 07/14/2016
Great cusomer service and installation,
I don't usually write reviews, but John and his crew went above and beyond what was necessary to design and install my system. Within a week of contacting John, my system was up and running and producing better than what was expected. John was always available to answer my questions. The system I got was far superior to Sungevity or Solar City's panels and inverters, and actually cost less.
ptrusk | Oakland, California | 06/10/2016
Great experience
Save a Lot Solar just completed our solar installation, and the whole process was excellent. From planning, to installing, we were kept informed, and the work was done well and on time.
J.M.C. | Oakland, California | 05/16/2016
A Great Company
You will not find a better team to take care of your solar needs than Save A Lot Solar. We co-own a small duplex and received the kind of service one would expect if we represented a much bigger job. John Orfali the team CEO met with us and explained everything clearly and in detail, and he took care of virtually all the paperwork--forms, permits, inspection. We would have been lost otherwise. The cost of the hardware and installation were competitive and the installation itself was completed by a team of workers who were efficient, informative and cordial. If you are considering a solar system, we highly recommend John Orfali and Safe A Lot Solar.
Rani | Brentwood, California | 03/24/2016
Professional Company
Yes, a great company and great experience. When I started to look for solar, I shopped around for the best rate and SAVE A LOT SOLAR had it. I got panels with Enphase micro inverters and am very happy with them. Through the whole process, I communicated with John the owner and everything worked out as we discussed.<br />At the end of the project, we ran into an issue with city inspector however John took care of the details within 24 hours and Yes, we passed inspection the next day. I'm extremely pleased to say that John and his crew were extremely professional and put us completely at ease by taking full responsibility and going over and beyond what was expected just to ensure our complete satisfaction.<br />We would HIGHLY recommend SAVE A LOT SOLAR to anyone looking for solar installation.
Vic | Moraga, California | 03/15/2016
High Praise for Save a Lot Solar
Save a Lot Solar's 5 star rating reflects the company's knowledgeable and professional performance starting with the initial phone conversation and at each subsequent step through inspection and sign off. In particular, the system proposed by Save A Lot included highly rated components at the lowest cost / Kwh. Save A Lot's quote included Enhpase micro inverters and installation on a cedar shake roof both of which were additional charges on every other vendor I spoke with. Several of the larger vendors, especially those affiliated with roofing companies, attempted to foment concerns about roof leaks. I thoroughly reviewed the flashing requirements with cedar shake roofs and without question Save A Lot Solar knows what is required and how to accomplish it.
seaotter | Berkeley, California | 01/26/2016
Superb
Reputation is everything. So glad I found Save a Lot Solar and owner, John Orfali. Locally owned (Oakland, CA), services entire SF Bay area. Fair pricing. Very professional, low key, straight-forward. High-quality components. Installers are his own employees, not subs. Delivers what he promises and, in my case, ahead of schedule. No drama. Could not be happier.
