HESOLAR

I spent several weeks researching the advisability of installing Solar Panels in terms of financial considerations, including the likelihood of increasing rates over the coming years, as well as possible blackouts in the future. Once the decision to have the system installed was made and that it needed to be done by the end of the year to get the rebate the only decision was what equipment would be best and who should do the installation. After interviewing several possible installers, most of which were acceptable, I interviewed HESOLAR, and they were head and shoulders above the others. Their recommendation about what equipment was best reflected what I had discovered perfectly, which went a long way towards reassuring me that HESOLAR was the best choice. The quote on the system was also right in line with what I expected, actually it was, lower than most, which is surprising given I would be the owners rather than subcontractors. The proof of course is in the pudding, and I have absolutely no doubt that I made the right decision. Eric and Derrick were both very helpful during and after the installation, including dealing with the paperwork required by Pedernales, the city and our HOA. The installation went perfectly. It was a pleasure doing business with HESOLAR. There is a considerable difference between working directly with owners and that makes a world of difference. I could not be more satisfied with my decision and highly recommend Hessler.

For many years I have studied home solar power systems. My focus has been more on emergency grid loss power loss back up than on financial operational savings. A local coffee shop owner has solar systems for his business and home. He introduced me to HE Solar. Derrick Hoffman was contacted for a project conversation. Erick Hoffman came by to design an optimum system. Derrick quickly provided a quote for a 20-panel system with a Tesla PowerWall-3 battery that was ordered. The installation was completed in one day by 2 Master electricians and helpers. When PEC, our grid power provider, and the city building inspectors viewed the installation they both spoke very highly of HE Solar’s installation quality that they also have viewed elsewhere. The system works very well, including selling excess solar power back to the grid. A second PowerWall-3 battery was later added. Derrick and Erick continue to be very responsive to my operational questions, even after the installation. From my initial contact to contracting there has never been any sales pressure from HE Solar. HE Solar is an outstanding full-service organization.

I had a great experience working with HESolar to get solar power for my house. They were super quick and professional, and they were always there to help. Working with them really made me feel confident about choosing them for my solar energy needs. From the initial proposal, being considerate of adding more panels all the way through installation and inspection, I really enjoyed their responsiveness, attention to detail, and politeness. If you’re looking for a local solar power company in Austin, HESolar is definitely one of the best you can work with!

We interviewed several Solar systems installers (some would not listen to our specific needs, others wanted to only install equipment they selected, some price themselves out of this world, etc.) and immediately, HESolar stood out. First, Mr. Derrick Hoffman came by the house and spent the time to evaluate our needs, assess the house and answer our many questions. Additionally, for the equipment we requested, the quote was very reasonable and fair. When we finally decided to take the plunge, within a few days, Derrick came by with two of his qualified technicians and in two days had the entire install completed to spec. They took care of all the paper work, coordinating with the electrical company and scheduling the entire job. Once the electrical company came by to check the install, we went solar. As we had anticipated, Derrick and Eric Hoffman were punctual, professional and accommodating when needed. We cannot recommend them enough. It is so rare to find contractors who care about their projects and make sure all aspects are done properly and completely. We will be sure to recommend them to all our friends and business partners. Kudos. Update Dec. 29, 2019: After a few months using our new solar system and evaluating the power output and storage, we decided to add 12 Panasonic solar panels @340W and one extra Tesla PowerWall 2 battery. Again, Derrick listened to our needs and provided the most elegant solution for the install. Since we suspected our storage needs will increase during the first install with 2 PowerWall 2 Tesla batteries, the Hoffman brothers had the foresight to build the battery concrete slab for 3 batteries. Made it easy to install the 3rd one. Furthermore, our original SolarEdge inverter would clip at around 10KW production or so while we were producing up to 14KW. Derrick had a great solution, he offered to swap the original inverter for a bigger new one for a reasonable price rather than wasting the one we had. We now rarely have to depend on the grid (PEC) and once we have 100% battery storage power during the day, we can make it on batteries overnight easily. We highly recommend the Hoffman brothers, Derrick and Eric and their professional crew. As usual, they came by on time, they had all the necessary material and equipment needed, did a stellar install and thorough cleanup at the end. Oh, how much we appreciate professionals who love their job, take pride and ownership of the job and charge an honest and fair price. Thank you.

We are very disappointed in the poor customer service provided (or NOT) by the company. The Hoffman brothers and their crew installed solar panels and system to our home in 2020. One of the brothers told us about the Tesla site where we could check the status of the solar energy collection. We had trouble with the site on and off (mainly off) from the beginning, so I called on a Saturday and was told in a curt way that he (one of the brothers) only picked up the phone because he thought it was something (or someone) else. He let me know that I should never call his number and that I was disturbing him on his day off. After the installation, we never heard back from the company. Now it's been five years, and I had to call the company because we had a problem with the system. They sent out a technician (Jon) who diagnosed the problem. He was informative, efficient, professional, and polite. He said the system needed something that was "fried" and that the new part would arrive in about a week. A week later I called to check on the status. Mr. Hoffman said it was not in yet. I told him that Jon said it would take about a week. Mr. Hoffman said, "I don't know why he told you that." A week after that I called again. Mr Hoffman said the part had still not come in. After I mentioned that it seemed like a long time, he said he would call the manufacturer. This poor customer service has made me wonder why we decided on HE Solar in the first place. No reason for this lack of concern--now and for the past five years. I didn't give one star only because the solar panels are working ok.

We got bids from 4 solar companies, but HE Solar outshined the competition from the get-go. Not only are they a local, family owned & operated business (which matters to us), but the brothers are both certified electricians who grew up working with their father's electrical company - they KNOW electricity. But what really sold us on HE is that they have been putting solar products to the test in our region for many years, so they know which products perform best under that hot central Texas summer sun, whereas the other companies seemed to just be pushing their preferred brand of solar panels. HE Solar helped us customize our arrays & plans until we were sure we would have the best set up for decades to come. They gave their HONEST professional opinion about batteries/storage (which was wait another year or two because the technology is about to make another leap) rather than just sell us what was currently available to make a little extra profit. They were also very knowledgeable & helpful in helping us get all the financial incentives available so we would get the most bang for our solar buck. The installation was a seamless process. HE runs a well oiled machine. They & their crews are professional, considerate, thorough and they left our home spick & span. They're so dedicated, they didn't even let a few inches of rare Austin snow slow them down and they finished the installation on schedule. We've had the solar system going for over a year now and we are THRILLED with it. We're saving money on energy already! The HE Solar guys hooked us up with Solar Edge monitoring so that we can maximize our system. During peak production last summer, when our bills for running the AC constantly in past years exceeded $220/mo, with the solar system, we actually earned a credit on our electricity bills from May through July! (We have NET metering with Pedernales Electric Coop) We cannot recommend HE Solar highly enough - go with these guys & you will be happy customers too.

HESolar was a pleasure to work with start to finish! They were professional and responsive. They updated me on every step of the process. I got 3 quotes and feel they offered the best value for the price but also knew being local and master electricians, that they would be around for the long haul. Solar is an investment.. just like buying a car! Will you get every penny back on your solar investment.. maybe.. but what do you get back from your car if you keep it 20 years? Your return is in saving on power, reducing dependence on the grid and if you purchase batteries having a power backup (the Tesla powerwall 3 are awesome!) I highly recommend HESolar.