Alternate Energy Overview
Expert Score: 3.7/5
Founded in: 1993
Service Areas: HI
Certifications & Licenses: NABCEP, SEIA, DCCA.
Alternate Energy, established in 1993, has been an active participant in the solar industry, providing services across 1 states. Our evaluation takes a closer look at their offerings, customer experiences, and industry standing, presenting you with an unbiased perspective to aid in your solar journey decision-making.
At a Glance: Alternate Energy’s Offerings
Customer Experience: With an average rating of 3.7, customer feedback highlights both strengths and areas for improvement.
Diverse Services: Offers a range of services related to solar solutions including Photovoltaic Systems: They offer photovoltaic systems that allow you to harness the power of the sun. PV + Storage Solutions: They provide solar storage solutions that capture excess power, store it onsite, and deliver it when you need it, without exporting to the grid. Energy Efficient Air Conditioning: They offer Mitsubishi Split Ductless AC systems that are up to 40% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Solar Water Heating: In Hawaii, up to 40% of the average family’s electric bill goes toward heating water. They offer solar water heating solutions to help reduce this cost. Solar Attic Cooling & Ventilation: They provide solar attic cooling and ventilation systems that can reduce attic temperatures by 40 degrees, and your home temperature by 10 degrees. Electric Vehicle Charging: They can install your EV charging station. Electrical Services: Their in-house team of licensed electrical journeymen can handle your next repair or renovation.
Online Presence and Engagement: Their website attracts 1784 visits monthly, with a positive trend, indicating their market presence and public interest.
Reach and Impact: Their services span across HI, demonstrating their commitment to spreading solar energy solutions to a wide audience.
Certifications and Reputation: The company holds certifications such as NABCEP, SEIA, DCCA., and maintains a BBB rating of -, reflecting their industry compliance and service quality.
Whether you’re considering Alternate Energy for their reputable services or weighing your options due to mixed reviews, it’s essential to review detailed evaluations based on comprehensive data. Our analysis, derived from 10 independent sources, aims to equip you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision.
Independent Sources
Alternate Energy Reviews
Source | Votes | Average Score |
---|---|---|
energysage.com | No reviews | No reviews |
solarreviews.com | 2 | 3.1 |
yelp.com | 142 | 3.6 |
bbb.org | No reviews | No reviews |
consumeraffairs.com | No reviews | No reviews |
indeed.com | 5 | 3.8 |
trustpilot.com | No reviews | No reviews |
angi.com | No reviews | No reviews |
birdeye.com | 99 | 3.8 |
Google reviews | 37 | 4.0 |
Expert Score | 3.7 |
Learn more: What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
Based on Company Info
Alternate Energy Reviews
Company Website | alternateenergyhawaii.com |
Year Founded | 1993 |
Areas Served | HI |
Services Offered | Photovoltaic Systems: They offer photovoltaic systems that allow you to harness the power of the sun. PV + Storage Solutions: They provide solar storage solutions that capture excess power, store it onsite, and deliver it when you need it, without exporting to the grid. Energy Efficient Air Conditioning: They offer Mitsubishi Split Ductless AC systems that are up to 40% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems. Solar Water Heating: In Hawaii, up to 40% of the average family’s electric bill goes toward heating water. They offer solar water heating solutions to help reduce this cost. Solar Attic Cooling & Ventilation: They provide solar attic cooling and ventilation systems that can reduce attic temperatures by 40 degrees, and your home temperature by 10 degrees. Electric Vehicle Charging: They can install your EV charging station. Electrical Services: Their in-house team of licensed electrical journeymen can handle your next repair or renovation. |
Roofing service | – |
Tesla energy equipment installation | yes |
Panel Options | Panasonic, REC. |
Battery Installations | Enphase, Tesla PowerWall, Generac. |
Certifications | NABCEP, SEIA, DCCA. |
Military discounts | yes |
Solar system leases service | yes |
Expands dealership network | – |
Delegates installation to subcontractors | – |
BBB Rating | – |
Warranty | 25-year – Manufacturer’s performance, parts, and labor warranty. |
Alternate Energy Website Visits Trend: negative
Learn more: Website Visits Trend.
Monthly Visits | Page Per Visit | Time On Site | Bounce Rate | Direct Traffic | Search Traffic | Paid Referral Traffic | Referral Traffic | Mail Traffic | Social Traffic |
2,856 | 0 | 0 | 0.33 | – | 100.00% | – | – | – | – |
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What do Customers Say about the Alternate Energy?
Negative Reviews:
- One customer reported that 1 of 13 panels has not been working since May 2023 and AEI has not been able to resolve the issue, which is still under warranty.
- Another customer experienced a sudden spike in their electric bill due to the suboptimal placement of the Solar Water Heater (SWH) installed by AE, resulting in the water heater being on 24/7.
Positive Reviews:
- The company is locally owned and operated with more than 30 years of experience.
- They offer quality products with warranties.
- The sales team, particularly Leeland and John, were praised for their excellent service.
- The installation team was efficient and the installations were of high quality.
- The company was able to provide competitive bids.
- The company helped customers maximize their tax credits.
Negative Reviews:
- There were complaints about poor customer service, particularly in relation to issues with the Powerwall.
- Some customers felt ignored and gaslighted when they encountered problems.
- There were issues with the company’s communication, particularly in relation to warranty issues.
- One customer reported that their electric bill doubled and their grid usage increased tenfold due to problems with the Powerwall.
- There were complaints about the company’s response to issues, with one customer stating that they were told “there are no issues with the system” despite evidence to the contrary.
Positive Feedback:
- Alternate Energy provides opportunities for employees to showcase their skills.
- The company is supportive and helpful.
- The work structure at AED is good, with efficient management.
- Coworkers are dependable.
- The job offers repetitive overtime and can create other opportunities.
- Some employees would be willing to return to work for the company.
Negative Feedback:
- Some employees feel there isn’t much to learn.
- The work is described as very straightforward, requiring no special skills.
- Some employees feel it’s a “dead end job” and a “no brainer job”.
Positive Reviews:
- Customers appreciate the professionalism and knowledgeable staff at Alternate Energy.
- Many reviewers mention efficient installations and quality workmanship.
- Some customers highlight the company’s reliable solar systems and excellent customer service.
Negative Reviews:
- A few users express concerns about communication delays and scheduling issues.
- There are occasional complaints about pricing transparency and unexpected costs.
- Some reviewers mention installation delays or issues with subcontractors.
Positive Reviews:
- In 2019, Alternate Energy installed 34 solar panels on a customer’s home, and they were happy with the service. Recently, when rain caused leakage underneath the panels, the company promptly responded. Alexis from the roofing department coordinated the repair, and Austin (lead roofer) and his team fixed the issue professionally and efficiently. The service was covered by the company’s warranty.
- Another customer appreciated working with salesperson Faith Texeira. They felt assured that Alternate Energy would be there for them throughout the process. Seeing the solar system with batteries up and running was a gratifying experience.
Negative Review:
- In contrast, a neighbor’s experience with Alternate Energy was negative. The company dug a trench through their front yard during a solar installation in 2017 but failed to repair it. The yard remains damaged, and the customer feels the company’s business ethics are minimal.
Summarizing:
Do we recommend Alternate Energy services?
Average Performer
Alternate Energy, getting our badge of an Average Performer, maintains a presence across 1 states, supported by a third-party rating of 4 or less. They do not have a high level of local community trust, earning 3.7, according to our expert evaluation. This badge means they are somehow reliable, but you need to pay more attention to what they have to offer. While Alternate Energy might not lead the pack, they are certainly recognized for their capacity to meet a broad range of solar installation needs with commendable customer satisfaction. When considering this solar installer, you can add Alternate Energy to your list as a lower priority and one that requires additional research before you decide to work with them.
Learn more: How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
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