Exploring the Largest Privately-Owned Residential PV Installer in the US

rinity Solar is a well-known and respected name in the solar energy industry. With over 28 years of experience in the field, they have become one of the most experienced and reliable companies in the business. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the installer and examining the company's history, services, and customer satisfaction.

A brief history of the company

Trinity Solar, originally established in 1994 as Trinity Heating and Air Inc., has undergone a big transformation over the years under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Tom Pollock. Initially providing heating and air services, the company pivoted to the solar energy industry a decade later and has since become the largest privately-held residential PV installation company in the United States. With a team of over 1,900 employees, it has successfully served over 77,000 homeowners, establishing itself as a prominent player in the renewable energy sector.

Where the installer operates

The company currently serves customers in nine states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. However, the company has announced plans to expand its operations to additional locations.

The provider installed a total of 83,066 kilowatts in 2021, according to Solar Power World magazine. The state with the highest installation was Connecticut, with 29,143 kilowatts installed. Massachusetts and New Jersey also had significant installation numbers, with 15,933 and 14,067 kilowatts installed, respectively. Since it was founded, the company has installed a total of 6,000,115 kilowatts of power.

Solar energy services

The installer provides a range of services to customers looking to install photovoltaic panels on their properties. One of their main services is the design and installation of custom PV systems for homes. This process involves working with the homeowner to assess their energy needs and determining the most efficient and cost-effective solution for their specific location and energy usage.

In addition to installation services, Trinity also offers ongoing maintenance and repair services to ensure that the PV modules are functioning at their optimal level. This includes regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs as needed.

The company primarily installs Q Cells panels, which are among the best residential modules on the market. They have efficiency ratings ranging from 19% to 21%, meaning they can convert up to 21% sunlight they capture into electricity. While these products may not be the absolute most efficient available, they are still among the top performers in the industry. In addition to Q Cells modules, the company can also consider other options upon customer request.

When it comes to inverters, the installer typically uses SolarEdge inverters, which are known for their high efficiency (up to 99%) and long-lasting warranties that can be extended up to 25 years. In certain cases, the provider may also utilize Enphase microinverters, which offer efficiencies of up to 97%. These inverters, combined with the Q Cells panels, help to ensure that company’s solar systems are highly efficient and reliable.

The company also installs a wide range of batteries, including those produced by Tesla and Generac.

Pricing

The company does not provide pricing information on its website because the cost of the installation can vary significantly from one project to the next.

However, we can estimate the cost of a PV energy system by using the average per-watt cost in the United States. The average cost of photovoltaic modules, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy, ranges from $3 to $5 per watt. For a 6-kilowatt system, which is an average size for a residential installation, homeowners can expect to pay between $18,000 and $30,000. This estimate includes the base cost of the system, as well as additional charges from installers for labor, operating expenses, and other costs, which can range from 100% to 200% of the base cost.

The final cost of going solar may vary based on the specific details of your situation, including the size of your home, your energy usage, and the type of equipment you select. Additionally, there are often state and federal rebates or incentives available that can reduce the overall cost.

One example of a solar benefit is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of their installation costs from their federal taxes. Different states may offer their own incentives, so it's worth researching what options are available to you. But generally, even without these incentives, a PV power system will eventually pay for itself through lower electricity bills.

Warranty

The company provides a 12-year standard warranty for inverters and a 5-year workmanship warranty. The workmanship warranty covers issues that arise during installation, while the inverter warranty covers the inverter itself. However, this level of coverage is less comprehensive than what is offered by other installers, which typically provide 25-year warranties for both equipment and workmanship.

Qcells panels, which the provider typically installs, offer the most reliable warranty in the industry with a 25-year product and 25-year performance warranty. Additionally, Qcells has the most rigorous testing program in the industry, which is 2 to 3 times stricter than global standards.

Financing options available

Similar to other businesses, the installer provides various financing options to suit various budgets. Now, let's examine the company's financing and payment plans.

Full purchase

One of the financing options available for those interested in Trinity Solar panels is a full purchase. in which the entire cost of the photovoltaic system is paid upfront. While this option may seem appealing at first glance, it is important to consider the pros and cons before deciding if it is the best choice.

One of the main advantages of full purchase is that it allows the owner to fully own the solar system rather than leasing it from a third party. This means that all of the energy generated by the system can be used for the owner's benefit, and any excess energy can be sold back to the grid. Full purchase also allows for more flexibility in terms of maintenance and repairs, as the owner can choose their own service provider rather than being bound to a third party.

However, the upfront cost of a full purchase can be a significant barrier for many individuals and businesses. Solar systems can be expensive, and not everyone has the financial resources to pay for the entire system upfront. In addition, the full purchase may not be a feasible option for those who do not have access to financing or who do not qualify for a loan.

Loan

Loans are another financing option offered by the installer that allows individuals or businesses to set up PV panels on their property and pay for them over time. This option has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

One advantage of a loan is that it allows the borrower to own their photovoltaic system outright. This means that they can take advantage of any available tax credits or incentives and are not subject to any restrictions on the panels' use. Additionally, the loan payments can often be offset by savings on energy bills, making it a financially sound decision in the long run.

However, a loan may not be the best option for everyone. It requires a credit check and may not be approved for those with poor credit. Additionally, the loan payments may be higher than other financing options, such as a lease or power purchase agreement.

Lease

The provider also offers leases - a financing option that allows their clients to install photovoltaic modules on their property without upfront costs. Instead, homeowners pay a monthly fee to the installer, who owns and maintains the panels. This option can be attractive to homeowners who are interested in going solar but may not have the financial means to pay for the installation upfront. However, there are a few key considerations to take into account before deciding if a lease is the right financing option for you.

First, it’s important to understand the terms of the lease agreement. This typically includes the length of the contract, the monthly fee, and any penalties for early termination. It’s also important to consider the rate at which the monthly fee increases over time. Make sure to carefully read and understand the agreement before signing on the dotted line.

Another consideration is the long-term financial impact of a lease. While it may not require an upfront investment, you may end up paying more in the long run compared to purchasing a solar system outright. In addition, you will not be eligible for any government incentives or tax credits that are available for homeowners who own their modules. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of these financial benefits, which could significantly impact your overall return on investment.

It’s also important to consider the maintenance and repair of the PV system. Under a lease, the installer is responsible for the maintenance and repair. However, if you own the system, you are responsible for these costs. This can be a significant factor to consider, as solar modules require regular maintenance and may need to be repaired at some point in the future.

PPA

Under a power purchase agreement (PPA), the provider solar installs and maintains a photovoltaic energy system on a customer's property, while the customer agrees to purchase the electricity produced by the system at a fixed price over a predetermined period of time.

One of the main advantages of a PPA is that it allows customers to go solar without having to invest a large amount of money upfront. Instead, the solar company covers the costs of installation and maintenance, and the customer simply pays for the energy produced by the system over time.

Another advantage of a PPA is that it offers a predictable and stable source of energy for a homeowner. The price of solar energy is fixed over the term of the PPA, which means that the customer knows exactly how much they will be paying for their energy each month. This can help budget for their energy costs and avoid the volatility of traditional energy sources.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when deciding whether a solar PPA is a good financing option. One potential concern is that the customer may not be able to take full advantage of tax credits or other incentives that are available to owners of solar energy systems. Additionally, the customer may not have the option to sell any excess energy produced by the system back to the grid, which can limit their potential financial return.

Comparison to other installers

It may be challenging to decide on the most suitable solar installer among the various options available. To assist you in making a well-informed choice, we will compare Trinity Solar with other companies in the industry. Our evaluation will include factors such as pricing, customer satisfaction, and overall reputation to determine which company stands out as the best option.

Comparison to SunPower

Since SunPower and Trinity Solar are both well-established companies with widespread service areas, it is likely that homeowners will consider them as options when choosing an installer. Let's see how these two companies stack up to help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.

SunPower is a leading installer in the United States, offering its services through a network of third-party installers across the country. The company installs high-quality PV modules, which are now produced by its subsidiary, Maxeon, and offers excellent warranty coverage. Despite its premium prices, many customers find SunPower's services to be worth the investment due to its reputation for excellent customer service and its decades of experience in the industry.

Service areas

SunPower is a nationwide installer, while Trinity only operates in nine states. This means that SunPower can service a wider range of customers.

Cost analysis

SunPower modules tend to cost more than other brands, with prices ranging from $2.85 to $3.25 per watt. While this is above the average price for solar energy, the high quality of SunPower's products often makes them worth the extra cost. On the other hand, Trinity Solar's prices are around the average for photovoltaic modules, making them more affordable than SunPower if you choose to buy or finance them. However, unlike SunPower, Trinity does not offer a zero-down payment option.

Efficiency and durability of solar modules

SunPower exclusively installs Maxeon panels, which are produced by their sister company and have a highly efficient rating of 22.7% and a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years. In contrast, Trinity Solar mainly installs Qcells modules but also offers options from Panasonic and LG. These alternative options, however, do not match the efficiency and durability of SunPower's Maxeon products.

Warranties

SunPower offers a 25-year warranty that covers equipment, energy production, and workmanship, which is considered one of the best warranties in the industry. The company is known for quickly resolving warranty claims, providing peace of mind for customers. On the other hand, Trinity Solar only provides a 25-year warranty for equipment and a five-year warranty for workmanship, with no coverage for solar power production. This limited warranty is not as comprehensive as SunPower's.

Customer satisfaction

SunPower is a well-respected company in the industry and has consistently provided excellent customer service. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and many positive customer reviews praising the company's quick responses to warranty claims, professional salespeople and installation team, effective communication, and knowledgeable employees. However, as a large company, there may be some instances where its size hinders customer service and causes delays in the installation process or scheduling issues.

Despite its small size, Trinity Solar has faced criticism for its customer service. Some customers have experienced delays in installation, scheduling conflicts, and slow responses to warranty claims and system issues. However, the installer also has positive reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, meaning that the installer's level of service may vary based on the specific representative assigned to a customer's solar project. Some customers have praised the company for its communication and expertise.

Comparison to Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar is a leading installation company that is renowned for its exceptional customer service. They offer a personalized concierge service to ensure efficient communication throughout the installation process. In addition, they offer top-quality equipment and extensive warranty coverage to protect their customers' solar energy systems for years to come. Let's compare the two installers to assist you in determining which one would better fit your needs.

Service areas

Currently, Momentum Solar provides services in 11 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In comparison, Trinity has a smaller presence, operating in only nine states.

Cost analysis

The prices of Momentum and its opponent are quite comparable, as they are both around the average cost for their respective regions. Both companies offer free quotes for photovoltaic installations.

Efficiency and durability of PV modules

Although Momentum Solar doesn't specify which specific equipment they offer, they do mention that they only install tier-one monocrystalline modules, which could include brands such as Panasonic, Canadian Solar, Qcells, and others. In addition, they also offer the highly regarded Enphase IQ and Tesla Powerwall II batteries.

Generally, both Momentum and Trinity solar panels perform similarly in terms of efficiency and durability. Customers of both companies have reported satisfaction with the overall performance of their solar power systems.

Warranties

Momentum Solar offers a 25-year warranty on their equipment and workmanship. In addition to this coverage, you will also receive protection from the manufacturer for 10 to 25 years. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee on the performance of the modules. Trinity Solar provides a 25-year warranty on their equipment; however, the workmanship warranty is only valid for five years. No guarantees are made regarding the power production of the panels.

Customer satisfaction

Momentum Solar has received praise for its excellent customer service, which is attributed to its concierge policy and focus on personal communication. In reviews, customers have highlighted the company's prompt response to inquiries, the expertise of their team, and their local knowledge and assistance in applying for incentives and rebates. Despite the positive reviews, some negative ones have mentioned problems such as aggressive sales techniques and communication problems, especially with scheduling.

In terms of customer service, both Momentum and Trinity have both strengths and weaknesses. However, overall, both companies tend to receive positive feedback from their clients and offer a satisfactory experience. Overall, it can be expected that the level of service provided by these two installers will be similar.

Conclusion: Is the company a suitable choice for your solar installation?

In conclusion, it is clear that Trinity Solar is a reputable company that offers a range of solar installation services. However, whether or not it is a suitable choice for you depends on a variety of factors. Some of the pros of choosing the company include their extensive experience in the industry, their use of high-quality materials and equipment, and a variety of financing options available. On the downside, some customers have reported issues with customer service, and the company has received some negative reviews.

Ultimately, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of choosing the installer and consider several options. It is always a good idea to do thorough research and to get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision on a solar installation. By carefully evaluating all of the available options and considering factors such as cost, quality, and reputation, you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs and budget.

Sources:

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/suppliers/trinity-solar/

https://sites.energycenter.org/solar/homeowners/cost