I was looking for a long-standing Big Island-local solar company mostly because I wanted someone who would be there to service the system instead of just install and run.
From the first call with Kathryne, I knew I was dealing with a first-class, professional outfit. No hard sell, just a lot of useful information about the product, the process, and what it would be like post-install. I can't think of any part of the pre-sales process that was sub-par, Kathryne really cares about her customers and the products and advocates for the best system that will provide the correct amount of power and value and last a long time.
After we decided to move forward, Kathryne met Elmar (chief engineer) at our house and they did the analysis on the house position, roof, electrical system, etc. They correctly pointed out the need to re-roof, taking care to note that not only is it prudent for the system, it was safer for the installers. I appreciate that they think of the safety of their installation crew. The system spec'd top line equipment, including a Tesla Powerwall and SunPower panels. The latter were recommended based on their long experience and the superior output of the panels. (More on the performance later).
The permitting process was slower than I would have liked but ProVision Solar was always on top of it and pushing the process along. i.e. it was not their fault. Due to my own fault and lots of competition from people who were trying to get systems installed at the end of 2019 (bigger tax credit), I could not get my roofer to give me a bid. I missed the deadline and the install happened in 2020 (and 100% not the fault of ProVision Solar). They were extremely busy but continued to communicate that they could get the install done in time for the 2019 tax credit.
The install was probably the most impressive part of the process. We could not have asked for a better crew. Chris, the crew and electrical lead, was thorough, communicative, and very detail oriented. The install was incredibly professional and clean. I was most impressed, though, when they put the ladder up and secured both the bottom and the top of the ladder. And the roof workers all wore harnesses. I had a tight install window due to trips to the mainland, and the office / scheduler really went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule.
And Kathryne was there all the way through the process, and even showed up at the beginning of the install to make sure everything was correct, etc. Full-service sales support, which was very much appreciated.
When Elmar came to do the final touches on the system and final inspections, he was thorough in both his inspection and explaining the various parts of the system to my satisfaction and understanding. It gave me further confidence in the goodness of the installation and the system that was specified.
Since then, with 12 panels, we have gotten as much as 22kWh output in one day. The lower end of the output, on a very cloudy Holualoa day, was 7.5 kWh. We have been 99-100% self-powered and have been putting a lot of power back into the grid. The house is 2200 sq ft with one split A/C system. I expect our HELCO bill to be the minimum basically forever. Even with just one Powerwall, we have not come close to draining the battery overnight, even with AC usage.
If you want the very best solar company on the Island (and maybe in the state), I am convinced, based on my personal experience, that ProVision Solar is that company. read more