I hired Sustainable Energy Systems to do a fairly complicated install of a roof top residential system at my house. Mine was complicated as I wanted to add a second system in addition to an older system that was still functioning. They dealt with the special issues this created with no drama or surprises. I'm an engineer and both get and care about the details. I worked with Kurt Zwally and he was patient and technically excellent. I double checked every calculation we talked about and they were all spot on. The system has been working great for several years now. I had two service calls they handled very effectively - one was a warranty replacement for an inverter that stopped working and the other was repairing damage caused by squirrels (!@?! squirrels!). I don't hesitate to recommend this company. They've installed systems for two of my friends since mine was done. read more

Half my panels stopped producing electricity. Their customer service is difficult to contact and doesn't return calls promptly.

I work in the energy/sustainability industry and a coworker recommended SES for the installation of a solar PV system at my single family home in DC. I talked to SES and a couple other companies. Prices were similar but I liked the pressure-free approach of SES. While there were some delays on Pepco's end, the SES install and interconnection teams were always available either by phone or email when I had a question. My system is online and I'd recommend SES to anyone considering installing a solar PV system. Note: If you're reading this in 2025, I recommend you read up on the upcoming changes (elimination, as I understand it) to the solar tax credit. read more

Customer service was very bad. And make sure to check if their salesperson is a licensed salesperson.

Glad we worked with Kurt Zwally for our solar install -- he was honest, straightforward, reliable, and answered all our questions. And, now we watch the solar production on the monitoring app, love our near zero (Dominion won't go to zero) electric bills, and just got our Fairfax County property tax credit! That's on top of the 30% federal tax credit! Hope everyone takes advantage of that while they still can!! read more

Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) installed a critter guard on my Solar Array. l was good until a panel went dead. The SES technician went on my roof and discovered a couple of zip ties on the guard were not installed enabling a critter to go under the array and chew through an optimizer wire. There was a delay fixing this due to bad weather no bad feelings on my part (Nobody goes on my roof in rain or high winds). But SES fixed this, and replaced the damaged optimizer at no cost to me. Under their workmanship warranty. As soon as they learned the critter guard had an install problem? They owned up and fixed the problem. read more

I am very happy to chose SES. The price was great. I ran the materials they used by a few solar forums and all got thumbs up. Virginia and Loudoun County were a pain - like they don't much want solar (compared to where I used to live in DC where it was a breeze), but SES was great about navigating all the hurdles. Kenny in particular was responsive and nice. Aric doing the inspections was very skilled and personable. read more

The system is very nice, BUT when a Panel went down shortly after commissioning, they kept blaming a "Shadow" and would not show up. It took 7 months to show up to fix the system and that was only after entering a complaint at the BBB. Now another panel is dead (6 June 2020). The system was commissioned August 8th 2021. 2 Dead panels within a year. I called them and just get voice mail. -Sigh-. I text their sales lady, Solar Girl. She won't say it, but I don't think they respond to her either. That is NOT a fact, just a guess on my part based on experience this last year. I understand they are probably overwhelmed with business for the number of people they have on staff and new installation take precedence over exiting systems, but come on at least respond to your customers! read more

This company does not do a good job. Firstly, they are not clear on timelines. I understand that this will take a while, but they should do their best to keep customers updated with schedules and what is involved in the process. Secondly, even though we had a technician out who did an in person review of the design, when they came to do the installation, they did not have the equipment necessary to do it. Thirdly, due to the height of our house, they needed to get a specific permit, but they did not do this. Part of their job is to secure the proper permits. It's very concerning to me that they aren't aware of what the proper permits are. Lastly, during the installation, they damaged our ceiling fan wiring that is in the attic. Also, their customer service is very lacking. When I called about these issues, the Customer "Care" was quite rude and didn't even apologize until I pointed out that their incompetence is what led to this. read more

*Update* After connecting with a couple of roofers regarding our leak and receiving their advice I went back to Sustainable Energy Systems and reached out directly to the owner, Zayn. We talked on the phone and exchanged a few emails and he agreed to have his team remove the panels and hardware, replace the back section of roof that was leaking, and reinstall the solar array. He also offered to reimburse us for the money we spent repairing the first leak. For them to reinstall the array on our roof they only wanted us to use a torch down roof,which wasn't really our top choice aesthetically-speaking, but the roof is barely visible so it wasn't a super high priority for us. So far they've removed the hardware and had their roofer replace the roof, and next week they'll reinstall the solar array. Assuming nothing goes wrong, despite how frustrating this has been overall I'll be pretty happy with the resolution and I'm pleased with how the owner, Zayn, ultimately brought this issue to a close. read more

SES installed my solar residential system, but was unable to help when 3G service shutdown, rendering it unable to report credits to Dominion Power only three years after it was installed. So .. I now generate solar power but still pay the utility company for power I generate. SES was unable to offer me a 3G modem upgrade. They referred me to 365Pronto, who is unable to order parts. The equipment manufacturer referred me back to SES, who is still unable to help. They never mentioned this issue on installation. Do not use this company. Their warranty is only for defects in installation, not for actually making this system work as advertised. Heidi M read more

Couldn't be happier with the quality of the install. We did a 2 array 26kwh rooftop install on 3 roof surfaces. Super clean installation, conduit has clean lines and there in none visible on the rooftop. Project was on time and spot on budget (despite some unplanned interconnectivity charges). SES took care of everything including permits, interconnection, and SREC monitoring and brokerage. When the sun is out this system cranks! read more

Super responsive and helped troubleshoot a problem with our solar system, including working with the manufacturer to resolve it.

Among the worst customer experiences I have ever had! I signed a contract for solar panel installation with the understanding that it would be part of a home renovation. Language was added to the contract that the project would not begin until the home renovation plans were complete. The salesman assured me that I would be able to get my hefty deposit back as long as no work was done. The project manager (pm) told me no work could begin until my drawings were complete and a site inspection was done. In Spring 2020, the salesman sent an email saying they'd be switching me to a different brand of panels because the original ones would be phased out. I agreed to switch to the new brand. The salesman emailed that they would send a change order, on 4/30/20 but then called on 5/1 later to say that they would still have the original brand, so nothing would change. I spoke to the pm on the phone on 5/4 and he told me the same. After many delays due to the pandemic and contractors completing the drawings, prices for the renovation skyrocketed, and I had lost a lot of income. I had to cancel my plans, along with the solar installation. The contract states that the contractor can deduct from my deposit if they have done work on it or if they have ordered materials, but neither had been done for my project. Nowhere does it say the deposit is nonrefundable. I emailed the salesman to cancel. I was shocked to learn that not only would they be keeping my deposit, they also want $1500 more for panels the pm claims were purchased for my project. The two other "options" they gave me were to complete the project or forfeit my deposit. As evidence, the pm sent an order acknowledgment for an order (not even a receipt) of 94 panels for their inventory, which far exceeds the 20 on my contract, and a photo of a loose sheet of printer paper with my name handwritten on it, sitting on a pile of solar panels. He also claims I agreed to the purchase on our 5/4/20 phone call, yet the call was 6 days after the 4/28/20 order on which he claims my panels were purchased, so it's impossible. At no point before I asked to cancel my contract was I told that panels were ordered for me. In fact, both the pm and salesman clearly told me in emails dated 4/16 and 4/28 (note this is the date of their order) that they don't buy panels until the site survey is done, and if they made an exception, I'd have to pay in advance. This is why I agreed to switch to the new brand - I wasn't sure if my reno was going to happen. I didn't receive an invoice, nor have I been shown evidence that panels were purchased for me. I can back everything I'm saying with email documentation. It's unbelievable that panels were ordered for me w/o evidence and against everything stated in the emails, their own policies, and their own contract. I've spent months typing emails to show that what the pm is claiming is impossible based on the facts and try to find an amicable resolution, but he is stubbornly uncooperative, will not return phone calls, tells me he is the only person I can speak to at the company, and continues to try to gaslight me into believing that I agreed to the purchase. The timeline of events based on emails, phone records, and the date of the order show that what he's claiming not only goes against his own stated policies, it is impossible. This company lacks integrity or accountability, and I would not recommend them to anyone. read more

Our first installation failed Inspection and the Inspector remarked that the workmanship was terrible. Our panels needed to have all the wiring redone. Sustainable would not call for our final inspection so we finally called ourselves. After the inspector was here, Sustainable was required to come and they were visibly angry with us for calling ourselves. After a bad storm 6 months ago, one of our panels was damaged. I have called them more times than I can count. I always get voice mail and no one ever calls me back. I do not recommend this company. The customer service is non-existent and the workmanship is poor. Don't waste your money on this unreliable company. read more

Quality was great, communication could use work. Had these guys install a 5.7kw system in late 2019. Product was great, install was great, price was competitive, communication wasn't great. I had to contact them to get updates after internal schedule milestones were missed. They got it done in time for the 2019 tax credit expiration, but it was close. Bottom line: I would recommend them to a friend. Best technical solution I was quoted. Just paid your schedule expectations. read more

Update: A few hours after I posted this long review, the loan company confirmed that SES authorized to pull back the deposit (a half of total contracted amount) to my loan account. They're responsive until you sign the contract. Then you'll be ghosted for months because they don't have any updates (milestone events). You can find other people's review regarding terrible communications/customer services of SES. 1. 5/23/22 Contract signed; timeline shows project completion will be 60-120 days after signing the contract, i.e. 7/22-9/20. 2. 6/16 design confirmed email with 1-page attachment of drawing ("no change needed from site visit") 3. 6/23 I sent an email about next steps, sales representative (KT) replied on 6/24 that "I would expect 30-60 days until you are scheduled for installation", which means 7/24-8/23. 4. 8/16 KT notified that they can't complete the project within the contracted budget because the company review department found (?) drywall work will be needed; it's 85 days after the contract and 7 days before the latest date of installation scheduled according to KT's email on 6/24. In addition, KT informed that the project will be completed in 160-200 days without any explanation for the delay. He asked "if the customer still want to proceed" with this unilaterally changed terms and conditions. I rejected the terms and requested cancellation via email. KT acknowledged it on 8/17. 5. I notified the loan company (ezsolar loan) via email. They notified that they need approval from SES about pull back the deposit (a half of the contracted amount). 6. I sent a certified mail (cancellation notice with several exhibits) to SES, it was delivered on 8/22 morning. I clearly requested in writing that they should refund (authorize pull back by the loan company) within 48 hours of the receipt of the cancellation notice via certified mail. 7. KT acknowledged the receipt, then wrote the office will contact me for the next steps, but he can't confirm when the office (who?) will contact me. 8. No contact (email or phone call) from the office until now (more than 3 days). I'm still paying daily interest. So they delivered just 1-page design for 3 months after the contract. Even it's before permit process, still under company review. They overpromise (competitive price, reasonable timeline) to sign the contract, then underdeliver. This company was selected by Co-op, but I'm very disappointed. read more

There was a relatively long lead time SES told us about ahead of time to prepare us and SES's estimate was accurate about how long it took to get started. There were really no other significant delays. The team doing the installation work were very professional and good at communicating. Final costs were as originally quoted. During permitting process, a concern was raised by SES about possible problem with their own design having panels covering entire width of rooftop over garage. SES were second guessing / concerned about evolving fire codes that may or may not require a roof access pathway for firemen. In the end, the original design was kept and SES got it through permit approval. We had unusual situation where panels were being placed on both house roof and separate garage roof. This led to some issues with initially passing the electrical inspection / needing a second disconnect switch, etc. But SES remedied the issues without significant delay and passed the final inspection. System has been operating for a year this month - no issues. SES had estimated 15,165 KWHR/YR power generation; the actual first year power generation was about 13,300 KWHR (~12% less than anticipated). Really like the smart phone interface / power production tracking system. Suggestions: you might want to see if you can purchase SolarWorld panels with dark frames rather than the metallic ones we have so they don't catch your eye as much (dark may be more discreet). Also, during the sale SES indicated they would paint / disguise the conduit to match the house. However, I had to ask them after the fact to follow-through and they later said it's not something they normally do. I bought the paint and they took care of it but you may want to get this clarified better up front. read more

I had many questions about my solar array/system two years after it was installed, and I received incredible support and short response times from Sustainable Energy Systems. I know that folks who are considering having solar installed are often concerned about whether or not a company will be there for them and help them down the line. Kenny, at Sustainable Energy Systems, took the time to patiently answer my many questions over several emails and also helped to track down some paperwork that went astray. Great customer service! read more

We had a great experience with Sustainable Energy Systems. They created a plan for us to install solar panels with an integrated Level II Charger for our electric car. The whole process went smoothly from start to finish, and everyone we worked with at the company was both competent and friendly. They were very patient with us throughout the process and took the time to thoroughly address all our questions/concerns (including a bunch of technical questions from my mechanical engineer husband). Our solar panels work wonderfully, and we would definitely recommend Sustainable Energy Systems to anyone interested in either solar panels and/or a Level II Charger. read more

I had first contacted another solar installer, but they refused to even come to my property based on outdated Google maps satellite images, despite my assurances about tree removal and roof elevation compared to the height of trees further off. Sustainable Energy Systems' Stuart Smith came out very quickly to offer a proposal and look at the property. He identified the trees that should be removed. He came out on May 11 and I had the solar panels turned on August 29, which was a pretty quick turnaround considering the time we had to wait getting inspections and contract with First Energy, and that they waited until the trees were removed. SES scheduled the work to not interfere with the tree removal and had the panels installed quickly once they started. Stuart was very responsive and the installation techs knew what they were doing. Would highly recommend. read more

Met with Ryan. He seemed like a knowledgeable friendly guy. A couple emails and some tuff questions seemed to scare him away. It's never a good idea to ignore potential customers because they ask tuff questions. We're taking our business elsewhere. read more

Our experience with SES was great. Everyone I dealt with was well informed, polite, punctual and happy to answer any questions I had. The installation crew was great and cleaned up well. The installation went smoothly and SES was great at following up after the installation and assisted with the permitting and registration paperwork. I would recommend them to anyone interested in going Solar in the area. read more

Very disappointed in the long run. Initially, the service was excellent. For the past month I have left at least 5 voice mails, and made over 20 phone calls and still no response. My system did not recorded any information for over 30 days. When I made the first call about 16 days were missing, I was told to reset the gateway and allow the system to update. I did that and the system updated some dates but there are still 30 days with no data. When the system was initially installed it failed and the inverter was replaced. Because the gateway kept going out the gateway was also eventually replaced about two months after the new inverter was replaced. During those times the company was very friendly responded to calls and sent techs out to take care of issues. The replacement inverter took over a month to order, when the replacement arrived it was damaged. It took almost two months to finally get the replacement inverter installed. The customer service was always good, and the team responded to calls. The lack of responsiveness now, for an issue that should have a solution, seems unnecessary and has resulted in a bad review. Without the data I am not able to report the correct number of SRECS which is critical for reimbursement. By the way I'm in the DC metro area, not sure why San Francisco is listed. read more

Did an excellent job on my solar project with special attention to the details.

Sustainable Energy Systems is doing the install for my SunEdison solar array. While the job is taking longer than expected for my small roof (evidently some challenges on the electrical setup side), the install team is cheerful, professional, attentive, thorough, and conscientious. They show up on time, clean up after themselves and have been careful of the aesthetics, respectful of my gardens, and generally friendly and helpful, a joy to have working on the property. read more

I think they were having a rough summer this year, but my experience with the company had almost no positives. I bought my PV system through Sungevity, and Sustainable Energy Systems was the local installer. On the day of the installation (a Friday before a 3-day weekend), the crew arrived at 7 and discovered within about an hour that their ladder was warped (without taking it off the truck; wish they'd done that check before leaving Frederick). They didn't want to go get another one, even though it was still very early in the day. When a rep from Sungevity asked to speak to the crew lead to request they stay while the company contacted his boss to figure out a plan forward, he refused to take the phone and declared that he didn't work for them and he should have already left. It's definitely true that he didn't work for her, but he also didn't need to be rude. Customer service skills? The install was completed the following week, once I took another day off of work. There were also mistakes and confusion getting my system inspected by the county. They did not follow the utility company's rules for access to a emergency shut-off, but told me their alternative would be okay (it wasn't). This led to more delays and unplanned time off. Each time someone came to my house, it seemed like they never talked to anyone else at the company. They wouldn't have the right ladder, enough people, or know how to get onto my (very tall) roof. That usually meant they'd have to come out multiple times. It was very disorganized. The only real positive was the crew who came out to reroute the conduit so it was less visible on my roof. They were very knowledgeable and efficient. I would not recommend this company to anyone unless they are able to improve their coordination and service. read more

SES installed my solar rooftop photovoltaic panel system via the Frederick County Coop initiative. All went as planned including the permitting, installation, inspections and coordination with Potomac Edison. System has been operating for 3 weeks and all is working well. My interactions with SES representatives have been courteous and attentive. read more

5 star rating for these guys! They did a great job on the installation of a turnkey solar system at my house in DC. They handled everything from design, permitting, construction, and coordination with PEPCO. Their crews were very professional, curteous, and prompt, always willing to go the extra mile to keep me informed. I highly recommend them. read more

Great teamwork. Great installation and coordination of the various required parties (HOA, county, etc). We would recommend this company to anyone looking for a solar PV solution. read more