Blue Raven Solar Review (2024)
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Over the last six years, Blue Raven Solar has expanded its company from three to over 1,000 employees to bring solar solutions to customers throughout the United States. The company tailors its solar offerings to its customers and brings them personalized solar systems that are effective and affordable.
Read on to learn more about Blue Raven Solar services, installation, and financing to decide if Blue Raven is the best solar company for you and your home, or if you should consider one of the other best national solar panel companies.
Our Take on Blue Raven Solar
We awarded Blue Raven Solar 4.4 out of 5 stars and the title of Most Reputable when comparing leading solar companies. The company earns points for its stellar reputation and customer feedback, comprehensive warranty, years of experience, and solar panel product selection. We like that the company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and multiple financing options, as well as an in-house installation team. We deducted points for not offering solar products beyond panels and batteries and not having a NABCEP Board certification.
Blue Raven Solar Overview
- BBB rating: A+
- Year founded: 2014
- State availability: 18
- Warranty options: 25-year manufacturer warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty, two-year power production guarantee
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan
Compare Blue Raven to Other Solar Companies
| Company | Star Rating | Warranties | Payment Options | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25–30 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
|
10-25 years | Full purchase, loan |
What Services and Options Does Blue Raven Solar Offer?
Blue Raven sells high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels from various manufacturers, such as Canadian Solar and Trina. While monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive on average than polycrystalline or thin-film panels, they have an average life span of 25–40 years and efficiency rates of up to 20.6%. The provider also sells a solar battery for energy storage needs. This solar battery stores your solar photovoltaic (PV) system’s excess energy and provides electricity to your home during low-sunlight hours and power grid outages.
Blue Raven provides the following solar services:
- In-house solar panel installation
- Solar battery installation
- System monitoring
What Is the Blue Raven Installation Process?
Blue Raven’s installation process begins with filling out a contact form on its website so a representative can contact you. From there, you’ll go through these steps:
- Consultation: A rep will call you and ask questions about your energy needs and goals and your roof. You’ll get a detailed savings report and an explanation of how effective solar panels will be on your property.
- Panel selection: Expert technicians will work with you to determine the best solar array for your energy needs. You’ll be the final approver on the system plan.
- Permitting: The Blue Raven team will obtain the necessary build permits once your system design is approved.
- Scheduling: Once permits are received, the team will set up your installation appointment.
- Installation: During installation, the Blue Raven team mounts your solar panels, rewires your electrical panel, and connects your utility meter to your new system.
What Do Customers Say About Blue Raven Solar?
Blue Raven Solar is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating from the company. Here’s a sample of the company’s BBB customer reviews:
Positive Reviews
“Install was simply fantastic, 21 panels roof mounted completed over two days. The team was great, there were no messes, they showed up on time, and were exceedingly safe and friendly. One look inside of their very organized trucks was an indicator of the workmanship I expected. The finished look on the roof is great, it looks clean and is quite visually appealing.” — Rob W., June 23, 2023, on BBB
“Great install today with Blue Raven Solar Panels. They installed 16 panels on my porch. The crew was great. They were able to work with me on some minor adjustments. The panels look great. The all black looks sleek. Very happy.” — Steve R., June 19, 2023, on BBB
Negative Reviews
“The install caused damage to my property. And after several go-arounds the solution was to replace the damage but only stain the boards they replaced. Asked how that’s going to match. No answer. Still not done. They also promised me a refund check after activation which I have never received.” — David F., May 25, 2023, on BBB
“Very poor communication within departments of the company over additional utility information requests causing a 2 month project to stretch out to over 10 months. Seems there is no project coordinator to keep on top of things. Customer had to keep inquiring status to keep project moving to next step.” — Melvin S., April 9, 2023, on BBB
What Do Customers Say About Blue Raven Solar?
Blue Raven Solar is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating from the company. Here’s a sample of the company’s BBB customer reviews:
“Install was simply fantastic, 21 panels roof mounted completed over two days. The team was great, there were no messes, they showed up on time, and were exceedingly safe and friendly. One look inside of their very organized trucks was an indicator of the workmanship I expected. The finished look on the roof is great, it looks clean and is quite visually appealing.” — Rob W., June 23, 2023, on BBB
“The install caused damage to my property. And after several go-arounds the solution was to replace the damage but only stain the boards they replaced. Asked how that’s going to match. No answer. Still not done. They also promised me a refund check after activation which I have never received.” — David F., May 25, 2023, on BBB
“Great install today with Blue Raven Solar Panels. They installed 16 panels on my porch. The crew was great. They were able to work with me on some minor adjustments. The panels look great. The all black looks sleek. Very happy.” — Steve R., June 19, 2023, on BBB
“Very poor communication within departments of the company over additional utility information requests causing a 2 month project to stretch out to over 10 months. Seems there is no project coordinator to keep on top of things. Customer had to keep inquiring status to keep project moving to next step.” — Melvin S., April 9, 2023, on BBB
*BBB information accurate as of April 2024
What Does Reddit Think?
Redditor who have used them have mixed opinions on Blue Raven Solar. Some users who were pleased with Blue Raven cite their professionalism and a smooth installation process. Additionally, users mention that Blue Raven’s representatives were highly knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions from clients.
However, some users had less pleasant experiences. The most common concern is pricing, with one user stating that “Blue Raven Solar gave me a hideously overpriced quote compared to the 8 other quotes I received.” Users also note that Blue Raven contracts out solar installation, which made them feel less confident in getting a high quality installation.
What Are the Payment Options With Blue Raven?
Blue Raven lets customers purchase panels through a full, up-front payment at installation or a solar loan. Here are the differences in the provider’s solar financing options:
- Full purchase: Paying upfront for your solar panel system is the most cost-effective payment option since you won’t have any interest to pay. We surveyed 1,000 recent solar buyers and learned that 49% paid in full upfront.
- BluePower Plus+: This solar loan from Blue Raven waives the first 18 months of solar payments for eligible customers. Those who are eligible may also receive $0 up-front pricing for design, permitting and installation. You’ll pay a fixed monthly payment subject to interest rates for the life of the loan, and you’ll own your solar system from day one.
- SmartStart: SmartStart is a new solar financing option from Blue Raven that guarantees your monthly solar payments will remain the same for five years. You’ll also receive 18 months of no solar payments, just like with the BluePower Plus+ loan.
What Warranty Does Blue Raven Offer?
Blue Raven’s warranty is comparable to that of many other top solar companies. Customers get a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers solar equipment. There’s also a 10-year installation labor warranty, which isn’t uncommon for the industry, though some competitors offer 20- or 25-year workmanship coverage. Blue Raven also provides a two-year power production guarantee on solar panels. Not all companies offer this, but those that do typically offer guarantees of 20 or 25 years.
Is Solar Worth It?
Installing a solar panel system is worth it for most homeowners, both financially and environmentally. Those who make the switch to solar benefit from:
- Renewable energy: Solar energy is a natural, infinite resource.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your home’s electricity needs from solar panels instead of your local utility company’s power grid saves money on your electricity bill.
- Increased home value: Solar systems can increase home value by an average of 4.1% according to a Zillow study.
- Reduced environmental impact: Opting for a renewable energy source reduces your carbon footprint and is a more sustainable way to power your home.
You’ll benefit from going solar if:
- Your property gets plenty of sun exposure
- You live in an area that uses net-metering
- You have high utility bills
- You qualify for solar incentives that can save you money
Learn more about whether solar is worth it for your property.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Most states offer solar incentives and rebates to help buyers save money on their solar power system. While this varies by state, common incentives include:
- Property tax exemption: Participating states waive collecting taxes on the value panels add to a home.
- Sales tax exemption: Some states waive sales tax on solar equipment.
- Federal solar tax credit: The federal government allows those who own their system to claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels on their taxes the year of installation. Note that this requires system ownership, so only those who purchase their system outright or through a solar loan qualify.
- Net metering: Net metering is a program that allows you to sell any excess energy your system generates to your local utility company.
Is Blue Raven a Good Choice for Solar Installation?
Blue Raven Solar has a great reputation among customers according to the many positive reviews on sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. The company’s 25-year warranty, high-efficiency panels, and multiple financing options make it one of the solar industry’s most competitive providers.
Overall, we recommend Blue Raven as a quality solar company, but we still advise speaking to an area representative before making a decision. Discuss your energy needs and whether your property will be able to provide a solid return on investment. We also suggest getting a quote from at least three companies before deciding which to hire for your solar project.
Use the tool below to get matched with nearby providers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Raven Solar
What do I need to do to maintain my solar panels?
Solar panels require little upkeep outside of a yearly wash with soap and water. Consider getting your panels inspected about once every few years to ensure optimal performance.
Can I store my excess energy?
At this time, Blue Raven doesn’t offer solar storage options for customers who want to use excess energy on demand.
How efficient are Blue Raven Solar Panels?
According to EnergySage, today’s top solar panels have conversion efficiencies above 20%, though 20% is still considered highly efficient. Blue Raven’s solar panels are between 18% and 20%.
What type of solar panels does Blue Raven install?
Blue Raven installs monocrystalline solar panels from top manufacturers such as Canadian Solar and Trina.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
