Solar SME, Inc. - Profile & Reviews

I had great experience with them. System has met all my expectations. It's been a little more than 3 months since the installation. Some of the folks in their team may not have the best communication skills, but if you give them a chance you will notice that they try their best to please their customers. I haven't had the need to call them for service yet, hoping their service is as good as their sales and installation team.

I had SME install solar panels on my new town home which only had a small roof area. They were able to install 9x370W panels (commercial size). The workers were friendly and on-time and did a good job. I had a small issue since my roof was flat using TPO roofing,they were very helpful fixing a leak that developed and it has not leaked again.
Last month (August) my solar cells generated $85 worth of electricity and my bill was only $65, in the winter I will accumulate credit (based on GreenEnergy plan at $0.129/KWH)

I chose Solar SME after receiving 3 other estimates. I feel that they offered the best combination of value, quality of equipment, warranty, etc. The only thing I wish had been more clear to me was the mounting brackets I assumed were removable but didn't ask. They are technically removable, but not without destroying the shingles directly underneath (it makes sense in retrospect, they have to use a strong enough sealant to keep the rain out). Also never having worked with installation of solar panels, maybe all mounting systems tear up the shingles to a certain extent? I discovered this after Oncor made them move a few panels to qualify for a rebate, but Solar SME repaired the damaged shingles. It's pretty cool getting an electric bill with a credit!!

I obtained a quote good through March 2019 for a solar system at $10,620.00. I obtained comparative bids and then went back to this company to close the deal. The quote was now several thousand more. I asked for an explanation. I was told the prior bid was "really old." I advised the company I would sign the contract at the prior bid and made concessions re: equipment. The company told me the deal was then with the supervisor to sign-off on it. The company then went silent. A complete waste of time. It seems like this might be a company that underbids to get in the door, but then finds reasons to increase the price. I would recommend caution.

I wanted to go with solar before the moron changed the tax credits, something he can't do for a few years. I vet things a lot before I buy and Solar SME has the best panels and at the time the best reviews. Now seeing how good it is everyone wants them so understandable they have more orders than they can handle. Yes it took a little longer to get them installed but when they did it was a very good job. Was also happy they handled all the red tape that one has to go through, that took some time dealing with the state= CID. One hast to be registered as a utility company in order to feed back into the lines and each electric company has it's own rules.
Now that the system is in and up and running I love seeing my meter run backwards and am looking forward to the next many years 25 guaranteed!!!
that the system will be running.
Happy to be cutting the carbon footprint. Dana.

"Going solar is a big decision. Alex and the rest of the team at SOLAR SME provided us with the information we needed to make this decision.
The communication during the entire project was outstanding and the people were incredibly friendly! We are very happy with our system and have even gotten compliments on how it looks on our roof!"

I started my journey in solar by doing a lot of research for over a year.
I contacted almost 8 local installers in the area and was surprised that only about half got in touch with me.
Solar SME was in my top 3 but first I chose another company and was so unsatisfied with the sales and design team that I stopped working with them.
Then I have reached out to the other preference Solar SME. The whole process was wonderful. The sales staff listened to what I wanted and didn't go for the hard sell or try to sell me what they wanted in my house.
The designers were detailed oriented. Communication from the office team regarding billing, utility forms, tax paperwork, and permit application was smooth. The installation team showed up early to complete my 10KW system install in a single day. Just within one week following my install, the system was commissioned and ready to operate. Since then it is producing as per what I was guaranteed by Solar SME.

Hmmm.... don`t think i`m doing business with a company that cant even keep a phone appointment.....OK up-date company did call me one hour after the appointed time apologized for not making the appointed time. Now there giving me good service. As an Engineer I must say I`m more interested in the off set as that is the most important number as it relates to solar. I have a very good Azimuth 191 on the main roof.

The review just prior to mine states the exact same thing. It appears that they keep having these same "uncommon" issues. In my case, we had an appointment tonight, which the salesperson blew off. An hour later, he called to casually and dismissively state that they had other meetings and that's why they didn't show up. Clearly their time is more important than mine, or at least more important than my $70,000. Folks, this was the world's easiest sale.

A little later, the salesman emailed: "inconvenience regretted." This must be almost like "sorry."

So, it is now the day after. Salesperson Adam called me from what sounded like a factory. He was completely unaware of anything that had transpired. He either hung up on me, or the call was dropped. He didn't call back, and nobody at the entire company answers their phones. Definitely give ALL your money to this thoroughly unprofessional business.

First, my original sales rep didn't keep the appointment that was scheduled today though I did get a call from one of his colleagues 30 minutes later. Once we settled on a new time, I got a call back from the next rep who promptly handed me off to someone else named Mike. Due to the background noise (sounded like a call center) and the heavy accent, I could barely understand what Mike was saying which made communication a chore. Once I thought we were on the same page I was trying to clarify that I don't have enough roof to hold the panels they were recommending to which Mike said they could mount the panels on the north side of the roof. Since I live in northern Michigan, the north side of my roof is just not an option; unfortunately Mike disagreed even though I requested an adjustment to the quote for a ground mount system. Rather than giving me the quote adjustment I asked for, Mike proceeded to explain how they would mount the panels HIGHER than the roofline on the north side so it could get sun...which is when I terminated the conversation. Of all of the consultants I've spoken to through EnergySage or independently this was the worst experience I've had and thought the only thing I was getting out of the conversation was where I led, not the other way around.

Regarding the original quote I received it was really competitive with other quotes which was why I was excited to talk to them. Needless to say I'm very disappointed and will caution anyone who gets a quote from Solar SME.

They provided a quote, and followed up well. But I decided to go a different direction and told them to please remove me from their contact list. Their very pushy salesperson keeps calling and calling even though I've asked multiple times to be left alone. Very annoying.

After reviewing multiple EnergySage proposals we decided to go with Solar SME because of their price point and also their positive reviews. After choosing Solar SME as the winning proposal they quickly reached out to us and walked us through the process. They responded to questions we had about the contract and worked with us on the timing and amount to be paid throughout the project. Early on the installation products we wanted to use were not readily available, so Solar SME proposed using another brand of products that were comparable in quality and price. We not only asked for a newer Phase Inverter to be installed, but were also compensated for the original materials not being available. Solar SME also took care of the permit and HOA approvals. Less than a week after both approvals, the materials were delivered to our house and installation work began. The installer was very knowledgeable and completed the work in 2 days. All wiring was routed through the attic so we didn't have galvanized tubes on the outside of the house. The result is a very clean look from the outside, which is what we wanted. The solar system has been up for about 3 weeks now and we would highly recommend Solar SME if you plan to go Solar! Also, take the time to educate yourself about the components of a Solar System and the different products that are out there, EnergySage makes it easy.

On Price -- I checked their price against six other companies —best price.
On quality of materials -- 18 LG 330 W Panels & 18 EnPhase micro-inverters -- exceptional & I'm very very happy.
On Ease of process--most of it is automated taking little time from the buyer; the company handled the details.
On Professionalism -- the email price quote presentation was A++; I was able to double check their numbers to my satisfaction.
On dedication to the job—SME Solar, Inc. installed my array in 19F and 30mph winds weather and traveled 9.5 hours to get here the night before...it looks awesome! I am very VERY HAPPY!

Price better than anyone I spoke to, quality of panels and equipment as good and generally better than I found elsewhere. They explained the process every step of the way. They were reliable and dependable. I have referred them to family members based on their overall efforts. I highly recommend these folks. Call Tanzeel or George. Not only will you be glad you did, but you will get a high quality system at a reasonable price from true solar professionals!

Did research and Solar SME seemed like the best solution- best priced/quality equipment. Got the solar installed 8 months ago after signing contracts a year ago. My energy costs have doubled since. System production is a fraction of what was quoted and I can't get any response from SME on next steps. Wish we had the option to un-do the whole thing.

This system is very easy to use and very informative. After you invest a big chunk of money in solar panels it is reassuring to know that you are getting your moneys worth. Also, the ability to check individual panels is a great advantage. Due to this feature, I have discovered that in the early morning hours, some of my panels are shaded more than had expected, leading to the need to trim a tree in the front yard.

I’ve gotten two home installed by SolarSME and they know how to get the job done. My electricity bill instantly dropped 35-55% received great incentives and now making residual income from the excess energy from the buy back program! It’s a win win!

First rate Business. Very knowledgable, polite. professional, and well trained from the front office to the installers. They gave me exactly what they contracted to do. And answered all my questions completely. I couldn't be more happy with the quality of the product and the work.
Patrick Schumacher Homeowner

Everything works well and up to mark. I am really satisfied by their services and quality of products and professional installation team.

Solar SME was noticeably different from other Solar installers. Besides being very knowledgeable of the products, I was able to customize the options to fit my needs. This was very important to me. They went above and beyond to keep me informed and deliver exactly what was contracted. I highly recommend them if you want a company that will work with you through the entire process.

Only been on grid a few days. ..averaging 64.7 kws a day. .was told February was worse month and only one day was clear..I am generating at least 3 times what I am using. ..
I have 10,800 watts of Panels on the roof. ..and had a max output of 10,247 watts. ..with all rebates and grants this is definitely the answer. ...it really exceedseems my expectations. .