I got my panels, but have not got started on having power come into my house. 6/6/2023 I finally got someone on the phone. They said that they have someone to come out next week. We'll see. I did talk to somebody from MLGW, my local utility company, and this person did say that Design 1 did exist and that they did in fact exist, but this person also said that they do take their time servicing their customers. 6/17/2023 Update: I got my panel's yesterday and they are online. They appear to be working. The only complain that I have was that I should have had dispersal power (I get paid for overages) rather than self-regenerating power. That's the only reason why I upgraded to a four star rather than a three star. read more

All contact phone numbers that I was given (including the one on their website) are no longer in service. In the meanwhile, we don't even know if our solar panels are working, because we cannot connect to the Gateway monitoring online service with the enphase/ enlighten app, and following the instructions to reconnect do not work. I suspect that Design One Solar has gone out of business due to its non-existent customer support--can't even contact them!! It appears that we were scammed to the tune of thousands of dollars. read more

just now New If I could give negative stars, I would. My electric bill went up, the solar panels on my home do not work, we cannot get ahold of the company, we have filed 2 complaints with the BBB, called our attorney General to no avail, and come to find out that the company did not acquire the permits to even install the system. They didn't install them until 6 months after we signed the contract that was supposed to lower my electric bill by 85% or they were going to install more at no additional cost. So now, I currently pay an increased electric bill and a solar panel payment. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. We are contacting an attorney. Again, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. read more

System purchased in 2019 but not installed until 2020 reducing our income tax rebate from 30% to 25%. While I was able to negotiate a discounted cost on the project to offset the time delay causing the reduction in the rebate, the constant delays in receiving permits was the first big red flag. Further project delays and communication challenges ensued with my system finally being installed by summer 2020. While not producing nearly as much electricity as "advertised", this seems to be a common theme, the system did work and I did get my reduced "rebate" via income tax that year. I have since required 2 different service calls. The first instance was in 2021 due to squirrels chewing through wires and shorting out equipment. Design 1 was relatively responsive and did replace the bad inverter and wiring free of charge. Although I did have a $1500 squirrel removal fee from a 3rd party company, the system was back up and running until about 4 weeks ago (11/2025). After multiple emails and failed calls to numbers that no longer exist, I guess I will have to find to another company to help. In short, do not use or trust this company. read more

I was promised to have my instalation done in Dec 2021, and didn't happen until mid Jan 2022 for starters, I should have known this was a sign of things to come ! So eventually they were set up for a date in Jan... after staying home all day, at 4:00 in the afternoon I called to inquire when they planned on arriving? I was told , "oh .... the installers are still at a previous job and can't make it . I wasn't thrilled about wasting an entire day ! They showed up the following day to do the installation. During that time, one of their installers decided to take the work van and drive all over my back yard driving repeatedly over my septic system. (Still waiting to find out if any damage was done to septic system. Then the installer got work van stuck in my back yard just before going over a 20 foot cliff !! And had to leave van stuck over night until their return visit the following day, they had a couple things to finish the next day and would only take 1 maybe 2 hours to complete. Well, the following day, they returned early to finish the 2 hours work. I had to jump start the stuck truck for the 3rd or 4th time at this point for the installers , and use my personal truck to pull the van out of my back yard .. After working on the install all day not 1 or 2 hrs, they left knowing the system was not working in any way,as they left ? I had to listen to the solar unit outside beeping 24 hrs a day in Alarm mode .! That was close to 3 months ago at this point !!! I've made repeated calls inquiring when someone was going to come out to finish the installation? ALWAYS told , I'll look into this immediately and get back to you .. It's been1 month since my last inquiry and Still haven't heard a word !? I decided to write my contact person for this company a couple days ago Again inquiring when can I expect someone to call or fix this install ...? 3 days later at this point and of course , NOTHING !? The usual nonresponse . I have a huge hole in the drywall in master bedroom still un repaired, I haven't had lights in my basement working since the "installation " because they were supposed to work off of solar panel system witch has NEVER worked. So no lights or power in my basement, no power to my refrigerator since early January tomorrow is April ! At this point I'm going to have to contact an attorney to get out of this deal with what appears to me , to be a very confused shady company! I also told them if they cannot respond to my emails or calls, I will remove all of their equipment from my home and rewire the basement and refrigerator circuit so they will again work as they did before Design 1 Solar Group came to my home and will have it all stacked at the end of my driveway ! It can sit there for a year for all I care at this point . I would Strongly advise you DO NOT by any means use this joke of a company ! read more

See all

Is there a way to give less than 1 star? These cons cost me 50k, never sent me the 2k I was duppose to get at the end of installation. I waited a year to get those panels inspected and the only reason they passed is because I had to beg the inspector to give me mercy. We had to sell the house and got 15 damn days of use out of them after almost 18 months. Don't do business with these crooks. Do some research and see how bad they do with other people. I'm not the only one they ripped off. read more

Absolute WORST company I have ever dealt with. I purchased their package because of the savings on my monthly electrical bill they promised. I am now over 2 years into having a $46,000 roof decoration that has never saved me a cent. NEVER do business with this crooked company! Don't believe me? Here is an article from NewsChannel 5 out of Nashville about how awful they are -- https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/customers-say-solar-panel-company-took-their-money-but-failed-to-deliver-panels-promised-energy-savings read more

Worst company I've ever dealt with. Overpriced, took forever to get installed, and system doesn't even come close to providing the savings they guaranteed. They don't return calls or emails. Zero customer service. read more

Took a couple of months to get an installation crew out the first time, not a big deal. The crew had the wrong information from the main office. They thought they were installing on a shingled roof, not on a metal building, so they had the wrong tools with them. Took months to get an install crew back out. Install went fairly smoothly, but the panels are not angled correctly for our latitude, but installed flat compared to the roof angle. The system was tested and then disconnected pending an inspection from our utility company. Installation was a month and a half ago, and the system is still not inspected and operational. It took me 2 days to get an inspector out from the utility company, but the grid disconnect they used is built into the inverter. This means the inspector cannot do a proper inspection without the system in an operational state. I cannot even get anyone involved with inspections from Design 1 to call me back. Their customer service department is good about calling me back, but they cannot transfer me to the correct department or get the correct department to even call me. We have seen nothing from their rebate program either that was supposed to offset part of the system cost. read more

This is the absolute worst company I've ever dealt with! Do not deal with them, they will take your money and never finish the job! All you'll get is the run around along with excuses after excuses and lie after lie! No one is ever available when you call, no one ever calls you back, nor will they answer your text or emails! You will be stuck paying for a system that doesn't exist and/or a system that isn't working! Looking for solar power, this is not the company for it! Even if you're lucky enough to get it installed, turned on and actually producing electric power, it'll break down within months if not weeks and you'll be playing the same game as before with no communication! read more

I have been trying to get solar panels installs since Sept 2022! They failed to advise my meter needed to be moved, This is covered under Contractors Errors and Omissions Insurance so they agreed to pay for the movement of the meter. I am still waiting to hear back from them. "Brandon' advised on 10/16/23 that they were working to make my installment payments and it would be 3 weeks before he would have an update on the project timeline. It is now Jan 2024 and I still do not have solar panels. The company refuses to return my calls while i continue to make monthly payments! Now my calls are going directly to a strange voicemail when calling their direct number and Brandon's direct. I am keeping a detailed log of all calls and details provided. At this point I am forced to take formal legal action. 6/29- Brandon confirmed it was a subcontractor problem but not to worry he was going to be handling my project. Sent pics of the meter that needs to be replaced. 8/18 - Sent Brandon a text per our prior convo and no response 8/18 - Called D1G - Deanna took a message and stated they would call by Wednesday - no response received 8/31- Leticia stated Brandon would call by end of day and my situation was escalated to the CEO - no response received 9/12- Letica stated Brandon was unavailable and she sent a message to Brandon and CEO - no response received 10/11 - Leticia tried to transfer to Brandon - no response. Left a voicemail and she sent email to Brandon and CEO - no response received 10/12 - Leticia xfered me to Brandon. Per Brandon permits and licenses to move the meter were in the works with the electrician and will call back tomorrow with additional details - no response received 10/16 - Leticia - Brandon not available - left VM for call back. Brandon did call back stating he was working to cover payments with the loan company approved. It would be 3-4 weeks before the project would proceed and would call back next week - no response received, no payments made or received 11/27 - Leticia sent email to Brandon who was not available and I left VM 12/4 - no answer from company or overflow - left VM 1/2 - no answer from company or overflow - left VM 1/3 - Rings once and dumped into voicemail for 'Caroline Street' - left VM. Verified phone number was correct 844-765-2755. Called Brandon's Direct # and got VM about 'medical records' - did not leave VM : same number I've had saved since June! read more

This company has done nothing but take my money! Buyer beware, they ignore you once you get the solars on your house. It took us about 3 years and a lot of complaining and a letter from my lawyer to get them to finish the installation and turn them on. We were told that the solars would cut our electric bill in half. So we were excited to see that in our next bill. But, when we got our next bill it was the exact amount as the one before they turned them on. I called the company,sent emails asking why this was happening. All they said was the solars were working. I was told by the electric company that we needed a battery to see the full benefit, the solar company told us we didn't need a battery, just to unplug everything and try not to use the electricity at night, or on cloudy days. Even when there's no sun shining bright try not to use the electricity! Now we have a high electric bill and a monthly payment for the solar panels that is pretty much worthless. I have contacted the Better Business Bureau and the consumer affairs in Nashville. I don't know what we can get done about this but I will keep trying, I've fought for nearly 3 years. Just please don't buy from this company. read more

It took months for them to install the panels, and several months after installation for them to actually work. We had to literally call and email them damn near every day to get them to do what they promised. Additionally, they weren't able to install the insulation as promised so they changed it to sending financial compensation and installing additional panels for free- since they signed that contract (two months ago), we haven't heard anything from them. We've tried emailing, calling, facebook and everything and they will simply just not respond. Do not waste your time or money on this company. read more

Steer away from these folks, they will lie, cheat and charm you into a useless $40K investment, and then vanish like a typical thief and con artist. Solar Panels have been installed for over 10 Months now. We literally have saved 0 dollars. Company keeps ignoring our attempts at communication. Their initial response to our claim is that the system is fine, the blame is on our HOA for forcing us to place the Solar Panels in the rear. If you knew this was the issue then why would you sell us $40K worth Solar System that wasn't going to bring us any benefit? Getting a response like this tells me that you knew this prior, but kept your mouth shut to make sure you collect. Encase they think to reply to this review and say that it's due to the HOA of making us move the panels to the rear during installation, why didn't you guys check with the HOA before installing the system? And Please don't say its not your responsibility, it is indeed your responsibility since you are the contractor just as it is your responsibility to get permits from the county. Not only that, your salesman was made aware of the HOA, but ignored it and said oh don't worry, the HOA does not get involved in things installed on the roof, they are only concerned about things on ground level! Needless to say, the company is ignoring us which is not surprising. I have given them a final notice as recommended by my attorney. Next step is litigation. We really don't mind spending every bit of the $40K in attorney fees to get justice as we are financially capable, but I feel for those who ended up with a similar situation and don't have the financial capability. Litigation is not cheap unfortunately; but we've been in these situations in the past with other crooks and we know how to deal with them. We are past the money aspect, its a matter of principal now. read more

I was so excited to get my solar panels especially when I was told I wouldn't have to pay for the first 2 years!! What a deal right.... nope I have been waiting over a year for my "reimbursement check". Every time I call (which is about 2 times a week) I get the same answer..."As soon as we get a release date on the funds you will be informed." I have yet to be told anything different. It seems that the "accounting department" doesn't know anything and I have yet to receive a different answer. I am extremely irritated with this company. No matter who you talk to or which department you talk to its the same answer. If I could do it over again I would definitely shop around and look into different companies. read more

If you deal with this business, know the topic and stay hands-on every minute. Their sales guy was really nice. He went through numbers which were pretty close to my own numbers. Everything made sense. My wife and I decided to go through with it. What I paid for versus what I received in terms of hot water has changed several times, but I feel like it has mostly worked out. The installation of the panels, which happened while I was working out of town, was definitely done so it minimized the cost of the installers. They did not give much thought to maximizing my benefit. Half my panels are in shadow by 2PM. Picture included. I've asked for them to call me, but I've received no response. read more

Design 1 Group - Panels installed so there was minimal distance to run connections to the meter. The panels on the left are in shadow by 1:30PM. - Solar Installation Near Me - Richlands, Virginia

Worse company ever I'm stuck paying a bill with no service and no installation date in site. i can't get any answers on what's the hold up. Please don't ever use this compan. read more

Totally my fault for not doing my due diligence when selecting a company for solar panels. The sales person was great, but the incentives they promised us were lies. We were told we.d be getting a discount for the location and a Rebate once the install was complete. After several major malfunctions while installing, we are now in debt to the company for over $10k more than they had quoted us and no one seems to know anything about a Rebate. Their customer service is Non Existent. Please don't waste your money. read more

We thought we'd try them, but after signing up, we saw so many negative reviews, we changed our minds. Luckily for them, they had the 3 days clause in the contract that they never told us about. The rep just said sign here here and here , its all I just told you about. It was a rush deal. They break it down so it sounds like a good deal. Then, when we tried to back out, they said we had to pay 25% or they would give us 2 extra panels free. We went through our Attorney General but no avail. So, we are seeking a lawyer for assistance b/c we were clearly scammed. They claim they told us 3 days but they did not. They just want the money. Steer clear of this company by all means!! read more

Our relationship with D1G began, in October, a little rocky. We hit several hiccups and were frustrated with everybody inside of their office. After a few frustrating months, we hit the jackpot with one of their employees, Ben S. He made a special trip to our house last Friday (Feb. 18) to size up the complaints and issues. Within minutes he had diagnosed the issue and promised to have the issue fixed within one week (by Feb. 25). Four days later (Feb. 22), Ben and a crew arrived at 7am and magically made all of our solar panels work as promised. He kept in constant communication prior to the arrival of the team and even after the team left he has followed up with me several times. D1G might be having internal growing pains, management might be horrible communicators but Ben S. stepped up and saved the day. Thank you Ben S.! read more

Design 1 left me with no job to return to after coming back from maternity leave. Wouldn't answer texts or phone calls. If they treat their own employees this way do you think they will care about you?? They only care about MONEY. Money hungry, SEXIST, arrogant management all around. read more

I don't even know where to start with this company, we have been fighting with them for YEARS. I don't even think our solar panels are producing anything and they refuse to at least send someone out to check our system. The salesman told us that give the size of our home along with the electronics we use daily, and without a battery to expect to pay about $50/month to the local electric company. We are paying 3-4X that much, meaning there was no change to our electric bill. On top we are paying the company their $250+ monthly fee for the loan. We don't even have access to the app that lets you see what your panels are producing bc apparently the app is managed by another company that they have to go through to get us access. So many emails back and forth and we'd be LUCKY to get someone to answer the damn phone when we call....and the receptionist can never help us because whoever we need to talk to is always just too busy. Worst company we have EVER had to deal with besides the damn moving company we had when we last moved. read more

We had our solar panels installed back in October 2021. Was told that they were up and running. We thought that that was to easy. after about a month we noticed nothing was different and made a call. The inspector was never called and miraculously The next day inspector was out at the house. Our system failed because they didn't put a sticker on the box. took a week to get everything fixed. after about 3 months our system is finally up and running. We are now fighting to get the rebate that was promised to us. When they say they will pay the first 2 years be prepared to pay yourself. We've been paying since December. when we call about the rebate we get the run around and told that it will be priority. Got an email saying if we don't have it by x day to let them know. when calling to let them know you haven't received it your told it hasn't even been mailed. WASTE OF TIME! read more

If I could leave zero stars, I would. I thought combat would be the worst experience of my life, but it wasn't, especially when compared to Design 1. My wife and I looked into solar panels, and after a strong presentation, decided to go with them for both panels and insulation. The long and the short is that delayed installation by months, forcing us to take off work more than once, which is very difficult when you're a doctoral candidate. When they did install the panels, they delayed turning them on for more than a month, and then the contractor refused to install our insulation. We nearly pulled out then, regardless of the cost, but a Mr. Rodgers there talked us down by promising a check for $4,000 dollars and four extra panels, back in October. We signed a contract on this, with the understanding that this money was NOT reliant on them finishing the job with the four extra panels. It is 30 January, 2023, and they STILL have not honored this contract despite promising in January that the money would be sent. They are utterly dishonest in every single possible way, and we're seriously considering legal action. Save yourselves the trouble and find a company that understands the concept of integrity. read more