After researching solar companies and getting quotes from 3, CSA installed 14 solar panels about a month ago. I love seeing the electricity generated every day on the app, knowing that it's contributing in a small way to slowing down climate change. I am so enthusiastic about this that I also bought an electric car, and am now driving on sunshine! Ish Goldstein was great - very patient in explaining the technology and in keeping me updated on the progress of the order. He answered numerous emails, usually within an hour. He came the day of the install to answer more questions and show me the app. Installers Aaron Wilson, Jake Sessing, Gavin Ames, and Alex Carrillo were friendly, professional, and well trained in the installation process. They left my yard clean and dealt with my annoying dogs without complaint. Last week, I realized the outlets in my yard weren't working and wondered if it was related to the solar work. Josh from the main office sent his crew out that same day to have a look, and they found that one of my GFI outlets had died, unrelated to the solar. But they installed a new outlet anyway and didn't even charge me for it! Truly great customer service! Highly recommend. Now waiting for Tesla batteries to go in for a fully functioning system that can operate off-grid. After rebates and credits for solar and batteries, this package was a steal! read more

We were very happy with the solar installation at our home by California Solar Electric, led by Dan Maher and Josh Cauley, and 100% recommend CSE. They have the best customer service ever, and we also loved that they're local to our Ventura home, based in Ojai. We were unimpressed (even put-off) by the marketing and proposal efforts by at least 3 other companies before we luckily found out that CSE had been vetted by the City of Ventura in 2014 to be one of just two companies selected by the Solarize Ventura program. From CSE's professional proposal (offering a choice of SunPower or SolarWorld panels) to their installation and follow up, they didn't miss a beat. I won't go into all of the details here, but when there was a non-trivial issue with our roof after the installation of our solar system, Dan again surpassed our expectations with his communication and project management, taking responsibility on behalf of his company. Dan wrote, "This is the right thing to do given the circumstances, and despite the occasional problems that inevitably arise when interacting with reality, you can count on me to at least do the right thing when given the appropriate insight and opportunity." It is increasingly rare to find honesty and performance like that in today's business world, so needless to say, we are strong advocates for CSE, there employees and work are among the finest! read more

I decided to go solar under the Solarize Ventura program. I had 3 companies come out and discuss the purchase of a system for my home. California Solar Electric was the obvious choice for me. From the initial quote all the way through the installation process, everyone at California Solar Electric was wonderful to deal with. Dan, who provided the quote, was very patient with me and provided me with quotes for solar panels from different manufacturers and various layouts on my roof. Dan graciously provided me with all information I requested so that I could make an informed decision on the investment I was about to make. The project manager Josh was also great to deal with. Once the installation was scheduled, the crew showed as scheduled and had everything completed within the time frame that I was given. (2 days for my project). I am happy that I chose a local company where the staff strive to understand their customers needs and didn't push me to buy what they think I needed (as one of the other companies did.) It was also important for me to know that the installation crew were actual employees of California Solar Electric, not some regional contractor like some of the larger national companies use. I would definitely recommend California Solar Electric to anyone considering solar. read more

I was introduced to California Solar Electric via a free introductory seminar sponsored by my local Green Coalition here in Ojai, California. The presentation was entirely informational and they explained all the choices available when choosing a solar system and what to expect if I decided to move forward. I took them up on getting their free evaluation of my needs based upon many past months of my electric bill then had my home evaluated for what system and how large a system I would need. I was so impressed with the evaluation and the projections on my energy costs savings that I entered into an installation contract. The installation crew were first rate and first class - and given that my home has fragile Spanish Tile roof, I was both impressed and delighted in the way the installation went: Smoothly, meticulously and successfully. I've been saving over $200 per month ever since the system was powered-up and not only am I completely satisfied, but I was delighted that California Solar Electric handled any red tape involved with obtaining my rebates. I strongly recommend California Solar Electric for their professionalism, expertise and complete customer satisfaction. read more

It took about 3 months from the first meeting with the sales man till the installation completed. And another 3 months until the final inspection of LADWP. It took a lot of patience for everybody involved,but after 6 months I think it was worth waiting. Now I am enjoying my solar systems thanks to California Solar Electric Co. It is a good feeling that we are saving the energy every day,and we are a part of the group that is contributing for the wellness of our earth. It is a surprising experience to be able seeing some solar energy is coming even in the rain just by looking at the converter. It is fun going solar.I wish I had gone solar many years ago. I am still expecting for the monitor connected to my pc so we can monitor what is happening at home and at the Solar Electric Company at the same time. It's because I live in Northridge and a little away from Ojai in Ventura. Thank you Jim, and Josh and all the people involved in this complicated project. I really appreciate very much. keiko read more

We operate a farm and have $800. electric bills because of our walk-in cooler and other equipment. We interviewed a couple companies and chose California Solar Electric because they had the expertise in our County and knew our higher than usual above-ground installation would require extra work dealing with the building department. And so it was that they had to re-engineer the system twice! Our goal was to get the installation completed before the end of 2015 so we could take the federal credit in that tax year. Completion was December 30th! Both Roger and Josh were always quick to respond to our questions; a rare commodity in today's hurried business culture. We're happy with the installation and excited to see the electric meter running in the opposite direction. Although we haven't received our first statement since the installation we expect to see a considerable drop in the use even though it's winter and been raining. Thanks, California Solar Electric especially to your employees. read more

I did a lot of shopping around, starting with the big national companies first. After I had those bids I looked through a lot of reviews to get a couple local companies to give me a bid. I expected the smaller local guys to be able to give me better tech but cost more. I was very pleasantly surprised to get better tech and a better price from California Solar Electric. Dealing with Tom and everybody else was way better of an experience than with the big guys and I was able to really geek out and look at lots of different options before deciding on what was really best for me. Josh, Alex and the rest of the installation crew were knowledgable efficient and in general just did a fantastic job. The permits and inspections were a breeze. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. Also it's nice to know they are monitoring my system on a daily basis and always readily available and nearby. I highly recommend this company. read more

I interviewed several companies before choosing one to install my solar system. I chose California Solar Electric because everyone was so friendly, responsive, and professional. They gave me several at options for buying the system and I chose the one that fit our situation best. With any solar installation there is always a long delay while the permits are being obtained. I called the office and said I was feeling kind of confused about how the progress was going and immediately there was a noticeable increase in communication with me in response to my concern. Josh is especially impressive! And during the actual installation and construction process the office would call me every day and tell me who was coming out the next day and that was really so helpful and communicative. Everything went very smoothly and the work was neat and orderly and I couldn't really ask for anything more. read more

We had an excellent experience at CSE from our initial meetings with Tom Burt thru the preparation of the roof and installation of our SunPower panels with Josh Cauley. Very professional. The system was turned on at the beginning of Sept 2015, so we're just completing our first year and we're hoping to finish at least 85 to 90% off the grid. If we didn't have so much June Gloom through May and June, we would certainly have done better. I think it worth mentioning that we live in LA and even though CSE is in Ojai, they showed up everyday bright and early for the install. For example, when there was a problem getting our SolarEdge inverters to communicate over wifi, they were back down right away to install it via Ethernet. We are pleased to recommend the whole team at CSE. read more

We just turned on our new system this month and so far so good. Quiet, instant energy. We went with Cal Solar Electric because they had the high quality equipment we wanted and gave a generous donation to the World Business Academy to pursue their good work in bringing locally controlled alternative energy to California communities. The installation went smooth and they kept the schedule as promised. They worked with PG&E and took care of all the permit work. They made some adjustments to the attic insulation to keep our attic access open. Installing on my "S" tile roof is difficult and they took great care to make sure no leaks will occur. If we ever get rain, we'll see how well they did. They are a great bunch of guys. read more

We have had our solar panels now for about a year and a half and we have had nothing but positive results. Even now with charging our electric vehicle, we are still only paying around $10 per month, and have extra credits at the end of our 12 month "true up bill" with Edison. Ish Goldstein and the gang at Cal Solar did a seamless installation and coordinated with our roofer, Cody at Statewide Roofing, to ensure we had a smooth process. Furthermore, they advised us on Edison rates and recently reviewed our bills and production to ensure the system is performing as promised. Great company to work with. And if you're thinking of roofing, doing solar at the same time is well worth the effort. read more

I was referred to Roger House of California Solar Electric by Daniel Wilson, of Wilson Environmental Contracting. I wanted to augment an existing solar electric installation. I found Roger very easy to work with. He quickly prepared the proposal for my job, which I accepted. The installation was completed quickly, with no inconvenience. California Solar made all of the necessary arrangements with Edison, and with the county building department. I am completely satisfied with the installation, and am particularly pleased with the clear, easily understandable display of system operation (current power generation, total kilowatt hours for the day, and total system output from start-up.) read more

We were advised to engage a local solar company with a long history in the solar installation business that installs high-quality solar panels and Tesla battery power walls with experienced internal professional personnel to manage the entire project We selected California Solar Electric for our project. They did not disappoint. Professional, responsive, dependable in addition to providing excellent education and guidance throughout the project. Ish Goldstein (1-646-610-1045) was a wealth of information to get us started. The internal and installation staff were wonderful to work with. Referral driven marketing speaks volumes. Very happy with our experience. read more

We were directed to Cal Solar Electric by the good people at Santa Barbara's CEC (Community Environmental Council) who vetted the area's best solar companies. We selected Cal Solar, one of the two recommended by CEC, and have nothing but high praise for every part of the design/install process with them. I can't imagine how it could have gone better. Everyone at Cal Solar was just a pleasure to work with, and the install crew completed the 10-panel installation in less than a day. This was a piece of cake, which we can make more of in our double ovens now that electricity is cheap!!! Ha ha ha! We've got NRG on the ropes! read more

California Solar Electric was responsive to my needs for solar energy for a home in Ventura which serves head injured adults. The system was carefully planned and the installation went smoothly. This summer and fall have been much hotter than expected and we ran the air conditioning almost daily. California Solar Electric has explained to me the bills from So. Cal. Edison. The Edison company will evidently bill in a lump sum at the end of the year. I'm very proud to have solar panels on the roof. Overall I have been very pleased with the quality of work and continued consultation provided by California Solar Electric. read more

CS&E installed a 20KW solar array on our main residence and guest house. I requested that the solar panels be flush-mounted and recessed into the clay roof tiles, aware that it would not be an easy task. CS&E contracted a specialized roofing company, and both executed the installation beautifully. The entire process was handled very professionally and efficiently, resulting in a beautifully clean installation. During this time, I chose to add a large battery backup, which was also completed promptly. All their staff were friendly and accommodating, and I would not hesitate to recommend CS&E to my friends and family. read more

CSE installed my solar the end of October and it was functioning early November. I had many quotes from various solar companies and CSE was the most beneficial to my needs and budget. Tom Burt was patient and did not try to over sell me on options. The installation was quick and worry free. CSE contacted the city and 1 day after installation and inspection, I received a go ahead from my city to power the system. I cannot over state the professionalism and competence of this company. Instead of dreading my electric bill, I can hardly wait to receive the next notice. Thank you CSE! Deborah M read more

California Solar Electric did an amazing job on installing our solar system. They walked us through the design, cost/benefit and made the process easy throughout. We live on the beach and they gave us the assurances we needed that the materials they use would withstand the harsh environment of the salt and moisture. Their installation crew was outstanding and respectful of our property. Their customer service is outstanding and they fully stand behind their product. I have no hestitation recommending them to anyone looking to install a solar system. read more

Our experience with CA Solar Electric was exemplary. We already had an older solar system and wanted to add new panels. This, for some reason, made it a complicated enough job that other companies were unwilling to work with us. CA Solar Electric to the rescue! Not only was Tom Burt great to work with but he and the company managed to add a 2 kW system designed around our solar hot water panels. All steps of the process were professionally conducted and seamless. We can't recommend them enough - hoping our neighbors will be the customers soon! read more