California Solar Electric review

Positive reviews:

“Today my solar project was completed awaiting SCE’s processing. What an amazing company. As I stated in my previous review I researched solar and received many quotes over many months and it wasn’t until I spoke with Mark Howe at CS&E did I commit. Mark was knowledgeable, friendly and a no BS kinda guy. Mark outlined options and features and pricing and committed to excellence if I selected CS&E. The value was there just in experience, pricing was competitive and the crews that came out were stellar. Luis the electrician was a master at the trade, David, Henry and all the others were dedicated to excellence and true performers at their trade. Elias the project manager was my go to and what a kind and professional individual. Elias is sincere and cares about the client satisfaction and did a fantastic job at scheduling and managing the project. The invoicing was handled by Vanessa at the office and the progress payment schedule and submittal were perfect. Chris the owner was excellent as well in corresponding to ensure overall satisfaction and to outline the goal and vision for the success of the project. This company is a Diamond in the business of Solar and Electric and I” – GAUSKU ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ November 15, 2024

“We’re up! Thanks to the entire California Solar Electric team. Start with Roger: clear presentation of the proposal, responsive to our questions and phone calls, and just a nice guy. The roof installers: Aaron and Gavin, and the electricians: Alex and Jake gave us a excellent neat appearing and serviceable system. Cody and Josh also did their important tasks. My wife and I feel like we have friends along with our new solar system. Thanks to you all and hope I didn’t miss anyone because you all were great.” – John Schneider ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ August 29, 2018

Positive reviews:

“Nice to deal locally! A big thank you to Cody, Jake, Aaron and Gavin who installed my system. And thank you to Stephen Dobbie who helped me to design the system. I have worked with many contractors on my homes and rentals. California Solar Electric takes the cake for professionalism and perfection. All was installed precisely as it should, I am a perfectionist, these guys are really good at what they do. I am using the black Sunpower panels. The electrical and conduit work is beautifully laid out. The system they installed for me is a 3.9kw system with 2 Tesla Powerwalls coming in a couple of months which California Solar Electric will install. This is a second system that we added to a home as we now have 3 Teslas. Our first system was 4.4kw from a big installer who was ok, but not as quick and considerate as California Solar Electric. About price, California Solar Electric was about the same price as the others, maybe a hair more expensive, yet totally worth it. I can say this company has a great ethic and I expect them to be around a long time in case I ever need any service.” – Gene R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 17, 2018

“Ish and the crew at CSE were great to work with on our solar installation. I interviewed 4 different solar companies, and Ish was by far the best about explaining details based on facts (our actual usage and angles of sunlight) compared to other companies who seemed to just be making guesses. They were well ahead of schedule with the installation, and the crew did a really good job getting the panels on the roof. They look great and are generating more than was estimated initially. Highly recommend the team at CSE!” – Aaron M. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 8, 2018

Negative reviews:

“Our solar system broke and we called California Solar Electric (CSE) on March 12, 2024. Roy, the technician, determined that the problem was a faulty inverter. We paid $4,730.87 for a replacement that was installed April 24. Two months later the system crashed again . CSE stated they had just disconnected the system on July 1. This is a dubious diagnosis since there would be no need for anybody to do so and our roof can only be reached by ladder. The system failed on November 13 again. Roy got it operating again on January 24, 2025, but he didn’t say what he’d done. The system went down again on Feb 17. I phoned CSE and talked with Chris, the only person who is helpful there, and he indicated a tech will follow up. I’ve phoned 5 more times since then, talking to either Chris, or another tech, Josh. Every time I am assured they will get back to me. Nobody ever does. After spending over $5,000 I would expect good service and good communication. Instead I have had many system failures and no accountability or follow up from CSE. I would not suggest this firm to anybody searching for skilled and reliable solar service.” – Steve M. ⭐☆☆☆☆ April 16, 2025

“No idea who these people are but they call constantly and hang up when it goes to voicemail. Four calls so far on 12/23/22. I have no idea if they have a good or bad business but making robocalls is not they way to get any.” – Douglas M. ⭐☆☆☆☆ December 23, 2022

Positive reviews:

“The Santa Barbara Center of Art, Science and Technology (SBCAST) appreciates these folks. California Solar Electric has been responsive regarding the photovoltaic system they designed and installed 10 years ago. As with any complex system, there are issues that crop up – and it’s been heartening to experience California Solar Electric’s core values of readiness for support of their historical work.” – Alan Macy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026

“Chris and her staff really came through for me during a difficult time in my life. We needed to add a house battery to our solar system because of frequent loss of power on the Ventura Hills and a growing need for medical equipment for my now-deceased husband. We may not have made the deadline for him, but Chris and her staff were empathetic and wonderful from start to finish.” – Shannon Meyers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ December 2025

Negative reviews:

“This company keeps calling my house two to three times a day, Monday through Sunday, I opted out for their calls five times and they just keep calling, I just talked to some representative on the phone and as I explained her I already opted out from their marketing calls she just hanged up the phone, VERY RUDE PEOPLE, I would never make business with a company that has that kind of customer service” – Noel Beltran ⭐☆☆☆☆ 2019

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Expert Choice

Our Expert Choice badge goes to California Solar Electric, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating back to 1986 and a commitment to not using subcontractors, California Solar Electric offers warranties ranging from 10 years, ensuring long-term reliability. Their in-house expertise and quality of work make them a top recommendation for homeowners seeking unparalleled solar solutions. You can expect a wonderfully high-quality solar panel system project, carried out by experienced in-house specialists.