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RGS Energy

About us

RGS Energy (formerly Real Goods Solar) has been bringing clean energy solutions to homeowners, businesses, schools, governments, and utilities of all sizes since 1978, when it sold some of the first retail solar panels in the U.S. With eight offices from coast to coast and over 22,500 solar energy systems totaling more than 235 MW installed, RGS Energy is one of the oldest, largest, and most trusted clean energy EPC providers in the country. In order to best serve our California customers, RGS Energy works with a network of high-quality Authorized Integrators to facilitate your solar panel installation.

Business highlights

47 years of experience

Services we offer

Take control of your electricity bills with a low, affordable renewable energy solutions including solar power system design, and financing options available, and more – all tailored to your energy needs and goals. With purchase, fixed rate on clean power from RGS Energy (formerly Real Goods Solar). We offer easy, installation, lease, rebate acquisition, there’s a great chance we can reduce your bills with the kind of clean energy you’ll feel great about using.

Amenities

Free Estimates

Yes

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.821 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
81%
4
14%
3
5%
2
0%
1
0%
Showing 1-21 of 21 reviews
James M.
Mar 2016
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000
It went OK. They did a good job. Everything went very smooth and I haven't had any problems with the solar panels. The rep resigned about a month later. I tried to call them, but they haven't returned my call.

NORMAN B.
Aug 2015
3.0
$50,000
Took over one year. Not local company, no local representative

Harrison G.
Oct 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000
Presentation, planning and initial contract signing were handled efficiently and professionally. The installation processes took 8 days, but the installers were only at the house for 4 of the 8 due to weekend/other commitment. Everyone I have had contact with has been courteous and professional. The system is in the final inspection phase and I am just waiting for SCE to do their inspection before the system can be turned on.

Thomas P.
Oct 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$22,000
unknown

Timothy J.
Aug 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown

Jock C.
Jun 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$16,000
unknown

KEN Y.
Jun 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$15,000
They have a really good solar. The service was excellent and the pricing was excellent. My electrical bill is between $500 - $700 a month. For the first four months, it's been $1. I priced them versus five other companies and they were the best. The quality of their work was excellent. They were very professional. I have a twenty-year lease with them. We've already recommended them to three other people.

Henri S.
Jul 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
We are very pleased with the service from Real Goods.  They have been very responsive and responsible since taking over for the company that originally installed and serviced our system.
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: Thank you for taking the time to share a review on Angie's List. We appreciate your comments. We are available to help you in the future, please feel free to call us with any questions or needs you may have."

Russell S.
Jul 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
The technicians are knowledgeable and professional.
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: Thank you for taking the time to post comments on Angie's List. We are here to help. please feel free to call us with any questions or needs you may have regarding your solar electric system."

James T.
Jul 2012
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
It took some time to have them come out for the service call, but things went well once they did arrive.
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: Thank you for taking the time to post your comments/review on Angie's List. We welcome all comments. We strive to continuously improve our service and honest comments such as yours help us to do that. Please feel free to call us in the future with any questions or needs you may have."

CARLIN L.
Jul 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
It was great.  Real Goods worked with us in every way, did a good job, and explained everything well.
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: We appreciate you taking the time to write a review for us on Angie's List. We are happy that you had a positive experience with us. Please feel free to call us with any questions or needs you may have regarding your solar electric system."

John Y.
Jul 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$54,000
The sales rep was the most prepared and thorough that I met, and they carried the specific line of inverters that I wanted.  Furthermore, the installers were friendly, clean, and did a good job.
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Real Goods Solar on Angie's List. We are fortunate to have Wende Pfahler as one of our solar power consultants. We agree she strives to be very thorough and prepared for all her customers. We are here to take care of all your questions and needs during the life of your solar electric system. Please feel free to call us anytime."

CALLIE M.
Jul 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$13,000
They had nearly half-a-dozen people working, so the system was installed quickly.  The only issue was that the system inverter malfunctioned and nearly had a meltdown.  The company responded the very same day though and had a new inverter installed without issue which I thought was great.

Warren H.
Jul 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000
They were very professional, worked well with our roofer, and completed the work in a timely manner.  The only minor issue was that some debris had been left over.  Ultimately, they did an excellent job, and the system is still working fine.  We can't say enough good things about them.

Marianne B.
Sep 2011
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$16,329
Very professional, efficient and we are extremely satisfied with reduction in our electric bills.
Response from RGS Energy
"Thank you for your comments. We are pleased that you were happy with our products and services. We appreciate you posting a review. Please feel free to contact us or your sales rep with any questions you may have during the life of your solar electric system."

Aaron S.
Aug 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10,000
My wife and I had spent 2-3 months looking into solar companies to help reduce our electric bill (and of course be more earth conscious). We had meet with several solar companies at the house and even a few at trade shows. Real Goods Solar was the 2nd of 4 companies that came to our house. We instantly felt comfortable with our sales rep (Sean) and felt the product they were representing was equal to or greater than the what we had already seen. At that point though we were not ready to commit as we still had 2 more appointments scheduled. After reviewing all of our quotes and the pros and cons of each company we decided Real Goods Solar was the best option in regards to price, product, and representation. The paperwork process went smoothly and within a few weeks our system was installed. My wife was very skeptical in regards to how the installation would look, however her worriesproved unfounded as the installed panels actually look quit nice and not "industrial" as she feared. we have had our solar working now for a few months and recieved our first new bill a couple of weeks ago, a 40% decrease. I have reccomended Real Goods Solar to several friends and family alread (one of which has already signed). Aaron - Tustin
Response from RGS Energy
"Thank you for your comments. We are happy to have you as part of the Real Goods Solar family. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have during the life of your solar system, so please know you can call us whenever you need us."

Bonnie P.
May 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$17,000
Work was done very quickly and everything was left in good order.   We were very pleased with the work and expecially pleased to get electric bills near nothing
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: thank you for your comments. We are happy that you chose us and that you are happy with the products and services that we have provided. We strive to keep in communication with our customers if you have any needs or questions, please give your rep or our office a call."

David R.
Oct 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,350
No complaints, service was fast with install. With this install I have knocked off $60 from my previous electrical costs down to $140 from $200 on level pay. The initial down payment they are still refunding through my payment. I am not off the grid but even better i contribute to it with solar. The grid is slightly larger than i needed because it was calculated with previous SCE bills. We less usage now so SCE gets kind of a free ride a little bit
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: thank you for your comment. We are glad that you are happy with your ground mount system. We are only a phone call away if you should have any questions or concerns with your system. We are glad you chose to be part of the Real Goods Solar family."

Gary A.
Sep 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$21,112
They were terrific. They were very professional and their service was beyond what we expected. They were very responsible. They were not the cheapest but they were reasonable.
Response from RGS Energy
"Member: Thank you for your comment. I remember meeting you at the Alta Vista Garden green fair. We are happy that you chose Real Goods Solar and are happy with your system. You can always give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your system. We are here to be sure you are happy for the life of your system."

John M.
May 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$39,000
Scott Carlson and his staff worked with us to install roof mounts prior to a re-roofing job, then installed the panels, conduits, inverters, and batteries. They built a customized battery enclosure to house the batteries, and wired and tested the entire system. They handled the state rebate paperwork, and coordinated getting the SDG&E contract set up. They were very efficient and professional. Scott worked with us closely to insure that the installation and setup were meeting our expectations. They provided us with full equipment and system documentation, and went over the full operation and maintenance in detail. They were available for questions and troubleshooting, and came out to make adjustments to the system when I had an operational concern. The installation staff - Aaron and Larry - were friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable. They worked quickly and cleaned up at the end of each day. Solar systems require additional training and experience with both AC and high current DC electronics and electrical systems. Carlson Solar is has very experienced staff and they did a great job. The system produces enough electricity to meet our usage needs on an annual basis. The battery backup allows us to use the solar system "off-grid" to power our home for most of the year if necessary, except for the winter months when the days are short. It easily handles power outages. We often never know that the SDG&E power was out because we never lose power. A great system!

MARY K.
Jul 2006
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$12,000
The price was extremely reasonable. My brother, sister and I all used this company. Any opportunity I get, I recommend him. I love the idea there is a good company out there doing good work.

Licensing

State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.

FAQ

RGS Energy is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.

RGS Energy accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard

Yes, RGS Energy offers free project estimates.

No, RGS Energy does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, RGS Energy does not offer a senior discount.

No, RGS Energy does not offer emergency services.

No, RGS Energy does not offer warranties.