It's very rare for me to write a review or a "fan letter," but my experience with Solar Forward was so excellent that I wanted to let everyone else know about this wonderful company. The day that the inspector from LADWP came to inspect my new solar system, he commented to me upon leaving that my new system was perhaps the best and most professional installation job he'd seen in a very long time. He summed up my thoughts exactly. Solar Forward delivered everything they had promised and much more. The work was done on time, with respect for the home and grounds, the workers were professional and courteous . . . . . and on time, a rare treat in LA! The job was started and completed on time and within budget. It has worked perfectly since. The installers answered all my questions and patiently went over anything I didn't understand on the first explanation. In my personal case, Solar Forward went the extra mile for me when they were under no obligation to offer me "extra help." When I installed my system, I was unaware of a sudden flood of LA area people who were installing similar photovoltaic systems at the same time to take advantage of LADWP's generous solar rebate program. I became one of the people trapped in limbo when LADWP suspended the rebate program and had no inspectors to give the OK for people like me to turn our systems on and start using them. Above and beyond the call of duty, Solar Forward helped me work with LADWP long after Solar Forward had completed the job and all their contractual commitments to me. They assisted me in overcoming massive paperwork problems created by LADWP's extensive Solar Power Department staff cuts during the City of LA budget crisis. Solar Forward even joined me in a Channel 2 news story filmed at my home, a media story which I am certain is the reason I finally got inspected and allowed to turn my system on. I give my highest recommendation to Solar Forward. I have told all my friends to use this company if they install solar panels. The company is the best because it's run and staffed by the best and most knowledgeable and helpful of people. Mark Smith, my installer and one of the company heads, is not just doing this as a job. I discovered during my problems with LADWP that Mark is very involved in the solar power community and movement in California. For him, solar power is a mission and his customers are important for a lot more reasons than just money. I researched this company before I signed up with them. I discovered that all the good I'd heard about them falls short of the truth. They are the best. Call them if you want the best in service and equipment for your solar photovoltaic electric panel system! read more

I researched and spoke with many companies over several years before contracting with Solar Forward, and we weren't sorry. Most of the solar companies have a business plan and either they hustle you to fit into it, or they try to squeeze you into it. Not all houses are alike, and not everyone's solar needs are the same, but most of the solar companies don't want to hear that. This is not the case with Solar Forward. They adapt to what you want, and offer solutions and ideas you never thought of--something the solar cookie cutter companies seem incapable of doing. Solar Forward deals exclusively with SunPower Panels, providing the latest technology they offer. SunPower panels were something else we felt was a must. I started with Mark the owner, and as our job moved on down the line from Andrew to Trevor to Kirk to Kyle, each one with their own expertise and enthusiasm, they never lost sight of the whole--there was never a missed beat. We were given what we contracted for--plus--we came away feeling we were getting what we paid for. Always a nice feeling when you're spending that kind of money. If you're like us and decide it's time to pull the trigger on Solar, and you do go with Solar Forward, you will have a knowledgeable, hardworking team. They are smart, thoughtful, and innovative, and enjoy what they do. And when you enjoy what you're doing, you always do it better than the other guy. It's always nice not to be sorry... read more

We've had our SunPower panels for over 11 years, and the inverter died about a month ago. Since the original installer has been out of business for almost as long as we've had the system, we needed to find another company that could service it. I called several SunPower authorized dealers, but most of them wouldn't even look at a system installed by another company. Wish I'd called Mark at Solar Forward first! Mark and his crew were GREAT! We ended up needing to replace the inverter (about 1 year out of warranty), which sounded like it could be expensive, but not really a problem. However, due to changes in solar technology, finding a new, compatable, inverter proved to be a challenge. Mark was definitely up to that challenge, and was able to get a replacement inverter at a good price. His crew installed the new inverter, but it continued to short out. Mark and his crew worked until they found the problem, actually several problems, and made the repairs. Essentially they needed to rewire much of the system. Our panels are back up and generating power, and Mark expects that we'll have no more problems with the system for at least another 10 years. Not only is our system back up, we now have a relationship with a reliable solar company, and we will definitely go back to Solar Forward when the time comes to replace or upgrade our system. read more

It's been 7 years since Solar Forward (and All Valley Solar) did our full solar installation - solar hot water as well as photo voltaic. If not for the stubborn resistance of the Department of Water and Power here, I would call the entire project flawless. We could not be happier with Solar Forward and the system they designed for us. The systems have worked reliably for these many years requiring nothing other than a regular annual washing to keep cranking out the power. Notwithstanding what my general contractor kept saying, "You'll never get back your investment," I consider our investment in these solar facilities to be the best secure investment I have ever made returning about 8.5% every year in utility savings. To say nothing of the contribution to the environment and the knowledge that we are doing the right thing (which is more important to us anyway). Solar Forward did a great job on the install and has been there right away when we have needed them over the years we have had our system. We recommend them without reservation. read more

Solar Forward is a different kind of company. Mark Smith approaches business like a work of art. Three years ago I noticed my photovoltaics were not generating much power and he came over, found that bad wiring shorted out half of the system, and also discovered there was a recall on my inverter that would expire in three weeks (the company that had installed my original system had gone out of business). We got a brand new upgraded inverter for free, and his team redesigned the wiring to increase efficiency. Two months ago, I noticed my system was not generating any power at all. He came by, found two bad circuits in my circuit box, replaced them for free, and refused to take any money. When I asked him why he said he was following through on his earlier work, and that his reputation was more important than relentless profiteering. Go Solar Forward! read more

After searching through many various solar companies, I narrowed my selection to Solar Forward. I felt confident in their service to provide solar to my residential property. They were very professional, courteous, and honest. They know their technology very well, and I was given a very clear plan and design for my project. All of their staff were so helpful and made sure to work around my schedule and even came out to my home to discuss what my needs and options were. They kept me updated and stayed in great communication throughout the process. Going solar has been one of the best decisions of my life. All my neighbors wondered about our solar panels, and I have gladly recommended Solar Forward to them. I've recommended them to all my family and friends as well. read more

Solar Forward did my solar over six years ago. They did a great installation and stuck with me to obtain my rebates. After all of the snake-oil guys selling solar systems I was glad to meet these guys. I am generating more energy then I need and besides having to pay DWP 20 bucks a month my electricity is free. I am thinking of getting an electrical car just so I can use all of that excess energy. When I had one problem with my system caused by a leak in a pipe, Solar Forward came out quickly and replaced a pump for a very reasonable price. My system works great saves me money and is ecologically good for the planet. I have sent all the people that asked me about my system to them and hopefully they are as happy as I am. read more

My wife and I spent considerable time interviewing a number of prospective solar power providers before we chose Solar Forward to install our solar panels. We were very impressed with everyone on the Solar Forward team. They were very responsive and conducted all business in a very professional manner. Andrew Hoesly was our first point of contact. We were extremely impressed with his knowledge and honesty, and at no time did he use any pressure to sell the SunPower panels. We are also convinced that the SunPower monocrystaline panels are the best on the market. We purchased our panels as opposed to leasing and even in the winter months we are producing enough electricity to offset our consumption. read more

I had an under-performing 2.2KW system. Mark "Solar" Smith analyzed my problem, designed an 4.6KW expansion and a reworking of the original. The new system has performed flawlessly for two years. His work crews were completely professional, on time and on budget. He handled the hassles of the early days of Santa Monica solar permits, as well as the refund from SC Edison. My total electric bill for all of last year was $160, including the charging of an all electric car for six months of that time. I give Solar Forward my highest rating. read more

From the beginning to the end, Solar Forward and Andrew Hoesly in particular were great. Andrew addressed answered all my questions and addressed all possible concerns that I had along the way. The system was installed professionally, on time and with all the top notch components we agreed upon. Andy and Solar Forward worked well with my contractor and the system performs great. I wouldn't hesitate to use Solar Forward again if I had another house that needed solar. read more

We have had solar for several years now and are very pleased we went with Solar Forward, when I noticed we were not producing energy recently I called Mark he was out that afternoon to check the problem. Apparently something happened with our inverter or converter or something like that, anyway a new unit was ordered and installed before our next bill was received, far better service than we had on our Las Vegas property. Only wish Mark covered multiple states. read more

Mark (the owner) came quickly to fix our solar system. Our installation company went out of business and sunpower send them to fix our problem. Great job! Then they asked sunpower the permission to rewire the system because the previous company did not do correctly. It took a while for sunpower to grant the permission - under warranty - and Solar Forward rewired my system. read more

After speaking with 5 companies, only Solar Forward was able to provide us a solution due to the unique roof structure of our house. The SunPower panels they installed are highly efficient and also look much better than any other panel on the market - aesthetics were very important for us. I highly recommend Solar Forward. read more

Mark Smith and Solar Forward installed my unit about 5 1/2 years ago. It has worked flawlessly. With the recent heavy rains, a minor problem occurred. Solar Forward returned my call on a holiday and had a crew out to fix the problem within a couple of days. The service simply cannot be better than Solar Forward provides. read more

The only way to do Solar in my opinion. No ugly panels and wires/cables sticking out. Very clean product. I put a reserve down and met with Zack over a phone call in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend looking this direction for a very discreet yet functional solar system to power your home. read more