Alternate Energy Inc.

Electric bills are EXPENSIVE!!! Like holy moly. We run our A/C 24/7 since we have two fur children... so in the summer our bill would be over $400! We've always considered getting solar panels but never did the research and finally after being a home owner for 5 years... we decided to look into it because a friend who got it offered more information.

To be honest, we didn't shop around for companies. Since my friend went through Alternate Energy and raved about the guy he worked with... I decided to give him a text. Enter RADFORD. Alternate Energy GODSEND. Let me explain... some people do their job. Some people do it and go an extra step. He goes an extra mile, no joke! I got a text back within the hour. He asked simple questions (what's our bill like and if we have a copy) and within a couple days I had proposals. I'm the type of person that asks a ton of questions. He answered all of them patiently and explained everything thoroughly. A meeting was set up where he came over to explain the different proposals (panels without a battery vs panels with a battery) and all the pros/cons/options/etc. I'm telling you... I'm blown away by this guy and his exceptional customer service. A time was set up for someone to inspect our roof, and finance options were explained along with state and federal tax credits (this is why you get PV too!) Once the loan was taken care of, everything else easily fell into place. The process is kinda humbug I'll be honest... but only because you have to wait on HECO to do this and that... and we have an association so they need paperwork too... but he and his team took care of everything. The guys who installed the panels were nice, professional, and efficient. He came by to check on the installation and answer any additional questions we had. I always received updates on the status of the project along the way which was greatly appreciated because it's definitely a long process.

Fast forward a little less than a year later... my hubby noticed that our PV box wasn't displaying our panels how they should. I called the office and they had someone come out to diagnose what was wrong. My dad recommended that I text or email Radford (I sent an email) and got a phone call within the hour and follow up text messages helping me out... in the end, the issue was covered under warranty and a tech came out to fix it within the week. He helped that process along and followed up with me as well. Talk about CONTINUITY OF EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE! If you're in the market for solar panels I would definitely recommend Alternate Energy and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you ask for Radford.

A couple CRNA's that I work with got solar panels from AE and recommended him to my friend who got solar panels from AE... and so we got solar panels from AE and I highly recommend him... and after us... my parents got solar panels from AE via him as well. He's a great guy who is knowledgeable, friendly, and if you can't tell from my review, has amazing customer service skills and he's definitely an asset to this company! Save on your HECO bill and get PV... it's worth it! Our $400 bill in the summer was a little over $100 running the A/C 24/7! Thanks Radford... you're awesome!!!

We installed a solar water heater (replacement of inoperable one and relocated from inside closet to outside storage), 18 PV panels and a Tesla battery. I had already signed contracts and started the process with Haleakala but I paid $1500 to cancel everything with Haleakala and switched to AE when Haleakala could not tell me what kind of PV panels were being installed. Alternate Energy installed Panasonic PV panels whereas Haleakala finally disclosed a China brand. Made the switch and with only 2-3 months left in 2019 they were able to expedite everything to ensure 2019 installation so I could capitalize on the last year of the 30% tax credits. I really appreciate the quick install as I was able to get back around $23k on my taxes. I waited to post my first review until I received my first electric bill, which I just got, $26.25! I'm only paying the admin fee and green energy fee. I sold my dishwasher since I don't use one, but I'm happy that I can wash all my dishes with hot water throughout the day. I didn't have any hiccups or issues with any process of my installation. From beginning to end everything went fluidly.

We had Alternate Energy put in our PV unit and AC for my home office last year. We were very impressed with their commitment to service and professionalism. They provided us with excellent advice regarding how big a system we needed and how to prepare our garage roof for the panels. This year we had to move our cable to reroof our home. We had gotten agreement from AE to move our cable before installing the new roof. We forgot to schedule their work, but when we called, they were at our house w/in 2 days to do the job. This was a great example of their commitment to service.
D.R. Ching

I have changed my review from a 1 star to a 4 star. Alternate Energy explained that due to staff shortages and changes there was miscommunication which caused the delay in fixing my leaking solar water panel. Also how the manufacturer of the panel warranty works. They wanted Alternate Energy to open a panel that was not designed to be opened and change the tubes. Alternate Energy's manager Jim came out to my house and personally explained why the delay had occurred and to make sure the repairs to my solar water system was done to my satisfaction. I will continue to use Alternate Energy and refer them to my friends and neighbors.

I’ve had my PV system for a few years now, and it’s been great! Alternate Energy took care of all the details, filed all the forms for approval, etc. My sales rep, Jeff Lum (I see him on the ads!), explained the system and the process in a simple manner that I could understand. He responded quickly to any follow up questions I had. The installation crew was professional, efficient and friendly. Great company! I would definitely recommend them!!!

Top notch quality and service. The project went smooth and on schedule to design and install a split system A/C unit. Working with consultant Jeff Lum was great; he handled all the details and delivered as promised! No hidden costs, overruns or delays. Would highly recommend Jeff and the crew at Alt Energy for anyone considering A/C or PV work

Saw their add on Facebook, contacted them on 5/21/2015. Roy S. returned a quote in less than 24 hours. My 24K BTU Mitsubishi was installed 5 days later. Included filing for City and County Permits and HOA forms as needed. Can't beat the best warranty package 12-yr deal. AEI even went out of their way in providing me with the rebate form, self addressed paid stamp to Hawaii Energy. I highly recommend Alternate Energy Inc and stay cool for the rest of your life.

Very pleased with the PV system. They were not the cheapest of several quotes but their referral rebate made them competitive. Jeff Lum was able to assist me in deciphering and navigating PUC and HECO programs to select the right system for me with the proper number of panel sizing. Very pleased with their quality of work and follow-up of Jeff to insure that I got what was promised.

Current and future buyers beware. Quick to take your money, but when problems arise they don’t even call back. 5 calls already after they identified 2 panels were inoperable. Not one call back. Secretaries are nice and admit they have problems with management responding. Save yourself the headache and go somewhere else for your PV and solar

Melissa and her team were very professional handling my services and kind spoken during our conversations. Thank you for continuing your great customer service for me and my fam.