SolarMax has installed more than 15,000 solar panel systems in California over the past 16 years — an admirable feat. But SolarMax’s most unique aspect is its in-house solar panel manufacturing. SolarMax installs its SunSpark solar panels, made locally in its Riverside headquarters.
SolarMax does not offer many financing options, but it does offer a comprehensive, 25-year warranty covering both equipment and labor. This review will discuss all aspects of SolarMax in detail and help you decide if it is the best solar company for your home.
What Do We Think of SolarMax?
SolarMax is an experienced solar company with decent customer reviews. Its in-house solar panels can make it easier to process warranty claims and resolve other repair issues.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of SolarMax below.
Pros
- Manufactures its own solar panels locally
- Has significant local experience in California
- Offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty
Cons
- Only available in California
- Does not offer solar lease or PPA options
- Some customers mention slow responses
How Does SolarMax Technology Compare?
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25–30 years | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
What Are the Services That SolarMax Offers?
SolarMax Technology offers battery storage and solar panel installation for residential and commercial customers.
Solar Installation
From consultation to installation, SolarMax follows a five-step process for getting a solar panel system running for residential solar customers.
- Consultation: Before providing a quote to customers, SolarMax requires a free consultation to analyze your home’s energy consumption and solar readiness. A SolarMax solar consultation will typically include property and solar savings analysis and a discussion about energy goals and consumption. They will also discuss whether you wish to install only solar panels or a solar battery as well, and guide you about the cost and savings for both.
- Financing: SolarMax offers a variety of solar financing options, including in-house loans and third-party financing, and discusses financing before entering the design phase.
- Design: SolarMax assigns an experienced solar panel engineer to your home to design a system that contours to your roof and energy needs.
- Permitting: Since a permit is required before installation begins, a SolarMax energy consultant will obtain this permit for you by submitting the necessary applications and paying the required fees.
- Installation: Once your system is designed and the necessary permit is acquired, a technician can begin the installation.
SolarMax also offers commercial installation that provides solar energy systems for businesses of any size. Similar to residential solar panel installation, an analysis of your business’ electricity consumption is required before designing a system that’s ready for installation.
How Much Does SolarMax Cost?
Although SolarMax doesn’t provide pricing details on their website, the cost of your solar panel system can be affected by a variety of factors, including:
- Household electrical demand
- Size of your roof
- Choice of solar panels
- Cost of labor
- Solar incentives in your area
What are the Payment Options that SolarMax Offers?
SolarMax offers two purchasing options:
- Buy: If able, purchasing your system outright allows you to forgo monthly payments and earn tax rebates.
- Finance: Financing gives you the benefits of owning the system but comes with monthly payments that include the cost of borrowing money to finance the system. SolarMax offers financing terms from 10 to 20 years with rates as low as 2.99% APR. SolarMax offers solar financing under the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing program, which allows you to repay your loan through additions in your property taxes.
What Are the Types of Solar Panels Offered by SolarMax Technology?
SolarMax offers four different solar panels, including its own SolarMax SMX solar panels. In addition to its solar panel offering, SolarMax sells LG, QCELL, and Panasonic solar panels that come with their own distinct benefits.
- SolarMax SMX: This high-quality 300 monocrystalline solar panel is designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S.
- LG: The LG solar panel is known for its high-powered output and enhanced performance warranty.
- QCELL: This solar panel provides high efficiency and weather ratings for extreme weather.
- Panasonic: The reputable Panasonic solar panel has a low, long-term degradation and is highly efficient.
What Does SolarMax Technology Provide Its Customers?
Most SolarMax offices are available by appointment only, except the Riverside location which is available via phone, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7 pm PST. Additionally, SolarMax allows customers to send personalized messages to each of their locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Warranty
SolarMax protects its customers with three distinct warranties, each spanning 25 years:
- A 25-year solar panel warranty
- Up to a 25-year inverter warranty
- A 25-year workmanship warranty
Our Conclusion
If you live in California cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, we recommend SolarMax Technology for its comprehensive warranties and extensive solar panel offerings.
If you’re considering SolarMax, we recommend receiving quotes from multiple solar companies. Please utilize our tool below to begin the quote process.
Other Solar Company Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About SolarMax
What is a solar tax credit?
When purchasing and installing a solar panel system, you may qualify for federal and state incentives. At the federal level, solar owners in 2022 receive a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of their solar energy system.
How long does it take to install solar panels?
Installing physical solar panels requires a couple of days of labor. What typically delays the installation process is the steps required to begin the installation, like conducting inspections and acquiring permits—this process could take over a month.
Does solar energy increase a home’s value?
According to a Berkeley Lab study, home buyers view solar panels as an upgrade and are willing to pay about $15,000 more for a home with an average-sized solar array system.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
