Review for Green Home Systems

03/15/2024
wish I had known Roseville, IL

This is what you should know before going solar

Ask specific questions and get specific answers. Then will know if you must have batteries in order to have power when grid is down, and other such things. Do not believe ratings or accreditation on homepage for example like BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited. Instead go and look. When looking at BBB uncheck your location to get full search. Then put in name of company. For me it was “Green Home Systems Inc” (but whoever you are checking), if prompted to look for unaccredited also, check it. Once you find the business click on go to their home page to be sure it is the same company your checking on. For example, below is what I saw when I did at on BBB site. https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/sherman-oaks/profile/solar-energy-contractors/green-home-systems-inc-1216-1272476 Anyone you ever do business with, anyone! you need to do the same thing, don’t just go by high star rating. With GHS wound up they were not accredited and had a BBB F rating (they have since removed BBB accredited from their site). Check all accreditations and if they refer to an accreditation that is not accurate, or no longer part of homepage in their review, don’t trust it might even get hold of them on it. Before signing a contract (especially if 20 or pages or more) don't just have them read through it with you, or even read it yourself. Print it off and let a lawyer read it before signing, will be worth the money (wish I had), because what you “think” parts of it mean and what it might really mean may not be the same. Get specific start and completion date so it doesn't drag out for months. Also, make sure it is in writing that any property damage will be fixed. If told approximately of how much you will save on power bill, get that in writing too, if not don’t believe them. If things like a underground gas line to house is cut, don’t trust subcontractor to fix. Inform contractor that you want your power company to come out and repair it, at their cost(wish I had). That way no future regrets and worries about if it will last, or hassle with contractor over it. Make sure you do not leave tools or anything laying around where subcontractor works, and check before they leave to be sure they don’t “accidentally” take your stuff. Will save hassle with contractor, to get back or reimbursed. Check to be sure all power lines in breaker box are installed properly and tightened properly so will not come loose after subcontractor leaves. Remember the person doing installation is the subcontractor, the person selling the product is the contractor and (at least where I come) is responsible for correcting any problems that involve the subcontractor. Be sure that is clearly stated in contract (again get a lawyer) With solar don’t be afraid to contact who owns or monitors solar panels, for me was Enfin (a great company, who will work with you), where you got loan from, and any government office that will be processing for state and federal tax rebates, payouts or whatever. Also look up solar help sites like Solar Review, Solar Neighbors United https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/ . Also in my state Illinois Solar Education Project https://illinoissolar.org/ , and anyone else you can That is the one smart thing I did, just should of done before not after. With any business or job you are contracting out follow these steps don’t be like me and wish you had