Business Details
About
Solar Energy Company
United Solar Electric offers residential Solar Panels services and installations , work on and service on Grid and off Grid Batteries, Install level 2 fast charging car chargers. We provide installation services in Brentwood, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Napa, and Solano, CA, Northern California, Bay Area California
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.9
49 reviews
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- DBDoug Brott4 days ago5.0I couldn’t be happier with how my solar and battery project turned out. From start to finish, the installation was handled professionally and thoughtfully, even when the system involved some fairly advanced components. The solar panels, Enphase batteries, IQ System Controller 3M, and meter collar were all installed cleanly and correctly, and everything works exactly as it should. What I appreciated most was the willingness of the team to take the time to get things right, answer questions, and work through details rather than rushing the job. That gave me real confidence in both the equipment and the installation. Now that the system is fully up and running, it’s been rock solid and performs just as expected. This was a significant investment for me, and it feels great knowing it was done properly. I’m genuinely grateful for the support and follow-through and would absolutely recommend them to anyone considering solar and battery backup.
- AAAbhinav AnandNov 17, 20255.0It was great working with Ben Vanni for speccing out and coordinating our 12 kw solar install in Pleasanton CA. I chose all top of the line equipment including REC panels snd Enphase microinverters. United Solar are real, good folks to do business with.
- DSDuane StinsonOct 1, 20255.0Whom it may concern. I give my highest recommendation to United Solar. They kept their word to my contract since inception for 5 years. Service is fantastic
- AJAli JanSep 8, 20255.0The best price, high quality, professional crew, outstanding customer service, fast process, very reliable and easy to deal with. I recommend them to anyone who wants solar panels and batteries.
- PCPaul ChengAug 27, 20245.0I had a great experience getting my solar system from United Solar Electric. From sales to installation and turning on the service, the entire process was executed according to the schedule outlined in the contract. Everything went smoothly. The project was scheduled to be completed in three months and was finished two weeks early. It's working without a hitch. Shoutout to some people I worked with the most at USE: Sales: Angel Ortiz Angel was a great guy to work with. He was patient in helping me understand how solar works and what competing options were available. He helped me find the right size solar system for my needs. His pricing was also competitive. Most importantly, I really appreciated that there was one go-to person that I could get all my questions answered before I buy. Project Manager: Anahi Ortiz Anahi managed my installation. She communicated with me regularly to keep me updated on our progress. Everything went smoothly and on time, from the evaluation, installation, inspection, permits, touch-ups, to the final turn-on. Every target date was met on time, and there was never a moment when I felt lost or unable to find someone to help. Evaluation/Installation Team and Inspection/Turn-on The installation looks good. I didn't see any visible damage to my house. The installation team installed the equipment as I had instructed. For example: (1) they kept the electric conduits away from the skylights to avoid future skylight maintenance that could damage the solar system if they were too close, (2) they installed the batteries on two wall studs instead of one for stronger support, and (3) they made the conduits more aesthetically pleasing by using more straight lines with minimal steps. Areas of Improvement: The battery outer shell cases had multiple scratches along the edges and on the front side. They were probably laid on the concrete ground and dragged or kicked while the main batteries were installed or during inspection. While the product is outside the house and I won't notice the cosmetic blemishes, I still wish that they could look impeccable, especially considering the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About United Solar Electric
Is solar energy free?
Solar energy is not only free but is a renewable energy source. After the installation cost, you will not have to pay another cent for the electricity you use that’s generated by your solar panels.
You will need to do some maintenance on your solar panels here and there or repair them if something happens to them due to external factors. Still, the money you save by installing solar panels outweighs the cost of paying for your electricity.
Solar panels have a long lifespan. Some panels come with a 25-year warranty, although panels can last up to 30 to 40 years on average.
What are solar panels made of?
Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. These cells are made of semiconductors that transform sunlight into electricity.
There are two types of solar panels — photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity; and solar thermal panels, which are used to heat water by absorbing the warmth from the sun — the latter can be used to heat homes and pools.
How efficient are solar panels?
The solar panel industry has come a long way since its inception. Nowadays, the solar cells used in domestic solar panels can convert around 20% of the sunlight they receive into electricity that you can use at home. Of course, there are more efficient solar panels that can reach 40% solar efficiency — these are usually more for commercial systems.
With more incentives being given to people who install solar panels and the technology advancing due to the high demand, the near future looks bright for solar panels as the prices keep decreasing and their efficiency keeps increasing.
Do you need direct sunlight?
Maximum efficiency is reached when the sun hits the solar panels directly, although electricity can still be produced in a cloudy sky and during winter. At night, the solar panels would not generate any electricity, creating the need for a solution to this problem. That’s where batteries shine.
A good solar power system coupled with the right-size batteries can result in never needing to resource other means of electricity.
Do I need permits?
You will need a permit from your city as well as the need to follow codes in your HOA or any safety measures that are put in place by your community and city. You can contact us, and we will help you with any permits, how to request them, and make sure that everything is good to go before any installation takes place.
What's the required maintenance for solar panels?
Taking care of solar panels is simple. All you need to do is make sure that the panels are clean so they can absorb as much sunlight as they are supposed to. Placing the panels in the right location and angle can mean that the cleaning and servicing will have to be performed fewer times.
What are the cons of solar panels?
Solar panels do have a negative aspect to them, although they can all be mitigated with proper planning and location.
Placing the solar panels in a place that receives shade during the day can mean that your solar power system will not generate as much electricity as you had initially planned.
If panels are placed too close to trees or tall vegetation, two negative outcomes may occur: The shade produced by these features can lower your solar efficiency, and the branches can scratch your solar panels, making them less effective.
Aside from free electricity, what else can solar panels provide?
With the rise in efficiency of commercial and residential solar panels comes increased demand. Having a solar power system installed on your property can instantly increase its value, as potential buyers often consider it an attractive deal when a house has a fully functioning solar power system in place.
We can also add that installing solar panels not only generates jobs for a growing industry but also helps our environment by reducing our carbon footprint — this is invaluable!
For some people, solar panels can be visually appealing since they add a modern touch to the home exterior.
Does solar increase the value of my home after installation?
Yes, solar power increases a home's value after installation by greatly reducing monthly energy bills and helping homeowners achieve energy independence.
Is solar energy truly free after installation?
While solar energy itself is free as a renewable resource, there are initial installation and occasional maintenance costs. However, the savings on electricity bills and long lifespan of solar panels often outweigh these expenses.
What materials are used to make solar panels?
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells composed of semiconductors that convert sunlight into electricity. There are photovoltaic panels for electricity and solar thermal panels for heating water or pools.
How efficient are the solar panels offered?
Domestic solar panels typically convert around 20% of sunlight into electricity, with some commercial systems reaching up to 40% efficiency. Efficiency improves as technology advances and demand grows.
Do solar panels require direct sunlight to generate electricity?
Solar panels perform best with direct sunlight but can still generate electricity on cloudy days and during winter. At night, battery systems help ensure continuous power supply.
Are permits required for solar panel installation in Brentwood, CA?
Yes, permits from the city and compliance with community codes like HOAs are necessary. United Solar Electric assists customers with the permitting process before installation.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels require simple maintenance such as keeping them clean and properly positioned to ensure maximum sunlight absorption, reducing the frequency of servicing.
What are potential drawbacks of solar panels?
Issues can arise if panels are shaded or placed near tall trees, reducing efficiency and causing potential physical damage. Proper planning and location can mitigate these concerns.
Does installing solar panels increase my home's value?
Yes, solar panels can increase property value by reducing energy bills and providing energy independence, making homes more attractive to buyers.
What other products and services does United Solar Electric offer besides solar panels?
They provide on-grid and off-grid battery systems, Level 2 car chargers, solar panel installation, battery installation/upgrades, system design, servicing, and main panel upgrades.
What nearby places can I visit before or after my appointment at United Solar Electric in Brentwood?
Nearby fitness centers like 1st Class Fitness and Kaia FIT Brentwood offer workout options. For grooming, Old School Barber Shop and Ultimate Styles are close by. If buying or selling a home, nearby real estate agents like Weichert Realtors HH and Associates can assist.