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Central Florida Solar Inc
Electrical for Home Addition or Remodel Installation, Electrical for Home Addition, Electrical Wiring or Panel Upgrade,
About us
Central Florida Solar is owned and operated by Bill Park. Bill is one of Central Florida’s solar industry’s true veterans, with over 31 years of experience in solar energy systems design and installation. He has completed the Florida Solar Energy Center’s photovoltaic system design program and he holds State of Florida solar contractor license #CVC 056645. Central Florida Solar sells, installs and services solar energy systems for water heating, pool heating and solar electric power. We serve Greater Orlando including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and Volusia Counties. During the 1990s, Bill’s expertise in solar heating systems led to project installations as far away as the French Riviera. After reviewing literature on the American solar industry in 1995, a successful international businessman with a residence in Nice, France contacted Aquatherm Industries to inquire about the possibility of a U.S. solar contractor completing a solar pool heating system installation for him in Europe. Aquatherm directed the gentleman to Bill Park.
Business highlights
41 years of experience
Services we offer
& Solar Electric Power, Pool & Spa Heating, Solar Attic Fans, Solar Energy System Installation – Water Heating, Solar Pool Pumps
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.517 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 82% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 6% |
Showing 1-17 of 17 reviews
Sean H.
Feb 2016
The entire project went very well. The technician was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Connie in the office was very pleasant and communicated with me. Any questions I asked the technician were answered and he stuck around while we waited for late afternoon clouds to clear so I could see the entire function of the pump.
I have gotten so used to contractors doing the bare minimum, this company was a welcome escape from those kind of companies. I would recommend them for people looking for a one and done kind of company.
I have gotten so used to contractors doing the bare minimum, this company was a welcome escape from those kind of companies. I would recommend them for people looking for a one and done kind of company.
James L.
Jan 2016
I would have been significantly more impressed overall if the guys had avoided walking on my panels, both on the ground and on the roof, particularly once I had noted the practice. Not interested in how it's never caused a problem, or that the panels are super tough, it's just a very poor practice. A couple of mounts appear to have needed re-locating along the way, so my new roof now has an extra hole or three sealed with a glob of goop each.
Chris D.
Jun 2015
Awesome job! From start to finish, Central Florida Solar was top notch. The salesperson, office staff and the technician who installed our system were professional, helpful and genuinely interested in making us satisfied with our new solar system.
We felt that the salesperson did not try to oversell me and provided the best package required for my pool. When onsite the technician was very diligent in taking off the old system without any damage and left our home immaculate. The technician seemed very proficient, professional and a pleasure to work with He arrived as scheduled and completed the project in the estimated amount of time he anticipated.
The water temperature is amazing and we are back to enjoying our pool. I will definitely recommend Central Florida Solar!
Louis B.
Jun 2015
Both experiences were great. Ryan did both projects. Very professional, both office staff and Ryan.
Vernon H.
Jun 2015
f(/When the solar company came to my residents , they removed my solar panel ; which weighed over 200 pounds ( using two men ). They carried it down a latter and broke the top glass do to the weight of the panel. One of the men said it broke when it was changed out. I explained that it was never changed out. They departed that afternoon and left the anti-freeze valve on the roof uncapped and over night water leaked from the valve into my house and damaged my drywall by causing a two millimeter drop and causing a 15 sf dark discoloration from the water. When I called to speak with the owner about the fiasco I was informed that he was on a conference call.They did over $3,020 worth of damage. I would like to add that the left side of the solar panel is resting on the roof of the house and diging into my shangles; which would cause a roof to leak. They did not follow the code.
Response from Central Florida Solar Inc
"Please be advised that in the spirit of cooperativeness and customer service, Central Florida Solar President William F. Park, the Office Manager and the Service Manager me with the homeowner, [Member name removed] at his residence on 7/16/2015 to address the complaints he posted on your website. The representatives from Central Florida Solar at the meeting today combined have over 49 years experience in the solar industry. We perform removals and reinstalls every week for roofing contractors and homeowners alike. We proudly serve over 30,000 service customers, many who call us because they cannot locate their original installer, because they have one out of business. Mr. Park and [Member name removed] along with the Technician climbed on the roof and examined the solar hot water panel. 1. As you will see in the attached pictures the glass in the panel is free from any cracks or breaks. What [Member name removed] is seeing and what can be seen in the photo is gold glass that was left inside the panel when at some point the glass or absorber plate inside the panel was replaced. Whoever replaced this glass/absorber plate did not vaccum out the old glass. The panel is sealed; there are no cracks in the glass. We cannot be expected to assume any responsibility for someone else replacing the glass/absorber plate and not vacuuming out the shattered glass. That is why our technician explained to [Member name removed] at the time of removal that the glass inside the panel was from a previous repair. [Member name removed] continues to try to say he has never had the glass replaced but this is an impossibility, and it is obvious that at some point during the last 20 or so years someone replaced the glass/absorber plate in that panel. [Member name removed] is refusing to understand that the glass inside of the panel is from a previous repair. 2. [Member name removed] statement “that his solar panel is destroyed and not capable of heating water: is demonstrably false. The solar hot water system is operating as it should; water is flowing up to the roof and circulating. The pump is operating and the homeowners have hot water. The are no leaks in the system. 3. The back room where the homeowner complained there was a leak and it stained his ceiling: The Inspection found that the stain in the ceiling is not a few months old but looks to be years old. Inspection of inside the attic shows where a 2x6 board has been replaced, above the area in the bac k room ceiling where is complaint of discoloration is. We have also included a photo from Google Earth showing a large tarp covering an area in the same location as [Member name removed]. You can also see on the Google Earth photo heavy discoloration, water leak mark coming from his old hot water panel. 4. When we reinstalled this panel mounting feet were installed. Contrary to [Member name removed] statement that the panel is resting on the roof, mounting feet are installed and the panel is raised the appropriate distance for wind loading. This was shown to [Member name removed]. 5. Please note that the original installer of the panel did not use mounting feet, the panel was tarred down to the roof. In conclusion, Central Florida Solar has met with [Member name removed] on site and addressed each of his complaints. His complaint and demonstrably false statements in his review on your website we feel are an attempt to try to get money from us to make repairs to his home for damages that were present well before Central Florida Solar arrived on his property and to get this 20 plus year old panel replaced for free. Angies List is asking for a “resolution” to satisfy the customer. Unfortunately, there is no resolution in a situation such as this where a homeowner has posted such an inaccurate representation of my company and the work performed."
LARRY S.
Apr 2015
I had a solar pool water heating system that was dismantled when our roof was replaced. The old system was not worth salvaging due to the age of the panels and fittings, so I called Central Florida Solar for an estimate for a new one. I had previously gotten an estimate from another company so I had some idea of what to expect.
The estimator was prepared when he visited and had already obtained a satellite view of the old roof and the previous solar panel layout from Google Earth. He measured the pool and calculated the number of panels needed, which was fewer than the old system. He pitched two different panel types and I specified the higher performance ones with a longer guarantee. The estimate was a little less than I expected.
A week later a single worker came out and installed the system in about 5 hours. He was on-time and professional. The new panels and piping were connected to the old solar valve controller and was working when he left. Since then I've had no problems with the system and it has been doing a good job heating the pool.
The estimator was prepared when he visited and had already obtained a satellite view of the old roof and the previous solar panel layout from Google Earth. He measured the pool and calculated the number of panels needed, which was fewer than the old system. He pitched two different panel types and I specified the higher performance ones with a longer guarantee. The estimate was a little less than I expected.
A week later a single worker came out and installed the system in about 5 hours. He was on-time and professional. The new panels and piping were connected to the old solar valve controller and was working when he left. Since then I've had no problems with the system and it has been doing a good job heating the pool.
Clint L.
Apr 2015
unknown
Jennifer G.
May 2013
I had a chance to interview a few installers of the major solar pool heater brands. I found Aquatherm and Heliocol to be very similar in quality and price. Hi-Tech and Fafco concerned me from a quality perspective. When speaking to Jeremy at CF Solar, he said he spends most of his time on service calls replacing Fafco systems.
Bill came out to the house within 24 hours of me inquiring with Michelle, who was very polite and professional on the phone. Bill was very helpful. He spent a good amount of time answering my questions and gave me some good things to consider.
The install was scheduled for 2 days later and everything was done very efficiently and as described. We had a minor leak issue that was caused by the release valve. I called Bill and he had it fixed the next morning. This was not an issue with the panel, rather the positioning of the release valve, which had to be altered. Our installer had over 20 years of experience and you could tell he knew what he was doing. Bill told me that if we have a leak in the future that they don't fix the leak but will replace the panel.
We had cloudly weather for 4 days after the install, but as soon as the sun came out it took approximately 3 days for the pool to make it up to 84 degrees (this was in mid April). I should note we had our panels installed on the north roof and they were not put on rafters. The surface temperature of the pool prior to install (1-week prior) was 76 degrees.
We've now had the solar heater for a month. The pool reached 89 degrees yesterday and we have been in the pool every weekend with the kids. We hated our pool before, but now really love it and it feels like a mini-vacation in our back yard. My wife and I are Floridians and are wimps about cold water. We couldn't be happier with the results. I was nervous about the north facing solar panel, but the performance has been great. I expect we should have no problem getting well into the 90s if we want during the summer, which is more than enough.
Bill came out to the house within 24 hours of me inquiring with Michelle, who was very polite and professional on the phone. Bill was very helpful. He spent a good amount of time answering my questions and gave me some good things to consider.
The install was scheduled for 2 days later and everything was done very efficiently and as described. We had a minor leak issue that was caused by the release valve. I called Bill and he had it fixed the next morning. This was not an issue with the panel, rather the positioning of the release valve, which had to be altered. Our installer had over 20 years of experience and you could tell he knew what he was doing. Bill told me that if we have a leak in the future that they don't fix the leak but will replace the panel.
We had cloudly weather for 4 days after the install, but as soon as the sun came out it took approximately 3 days for the pool to make it up to 84 degrees (this was in mid April). I should note we had our panels installed on the north roof and they were not put on rafters. The surface temperature of the pool prior to install (1-week prior) was 76 degrees.
We've now had the solar heater for a month. The pool reached 89 degrees yesterday and we have been in the pool every weekend with the kids. We hated our pool before, but now really love it and it feels like a mini-vacation in our back yard. My wife and I are Floridians and are wimps about cold water. We couldn't be happier with the results. I was nervous about the north facing solar panel, but the performance has been great. I expect we should have no problem getting well into the 90s if we want during the summer, which is more than enough.
Craig H.
May 2013
I called Central Florida Solar to conduct a maintenance inspection of my solar panel system for my pool. One of the tubes to a sensor had developed a leak which I had tried to repair a couple of times, but unsuccessfully. So I hoped Central Florida Solar's tech would be willing to repair the leak when he came to do the inspection. He initially said he would, but by the end of his brief time here, not only changed his mind, but said that our whole controller system would need to be replaced and gave us an estimate for $725 to do the job.
I held off doing anything further until April, when I subscribed to Angie's List and called some of the A-rated solar panel service providers for estimates. I asked each one to give me an estimate on the purchase and installation of the same controller package that Central Florida Solar had recommended. I did not play one against the other. Everything Solar offered the same package, installed, for $485. I set up the appointment.
When the Everything Solar techs arrived and inspected my system, they not only repaired my leaky tube right up front, but completely checked my system out and told me that, yes, it was older and parts were no longer readily available for it, but it was fully functional. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed with Central Florida Solar's unresponsiveness (unwillingness to repair a leak which was easily repaired by the Everything Solar tech in about 3 minutes) and by their estimate which was 50% higher than that of Everything Solar (and again, I did not pressure the estimator in any way). Such treatment does not elicit confidence that Central Florida Solar cares about the customer's interests.
I held off doing anything further until April, when I subscribed to Angie's List and called some of the A-rated solar panel service providers for estimates. I asked each one to give me an estimate on the purchase and installation of the same controller package that Central Florida Solar had recommended. I did not play one against the other. Everything Solar offered the same package, installed, for $485. I set up the appointment.
When the Everything Solar techs arrived and inspected my system, they not only repaired my leaky tube right up front, but completely checked my system out and told me that, yes, it was older and parts were no longer readily available for it, but it was fully functional. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed with Central Florida Solar's unresponsiveness (unwillingness to repair a leak which was easily repaired by the Everything Solar tech in about 3 minutes) and by their estimate which was 50% higher than that of Everything Solar (and again, I did not pressure the estimator in any way). Such treatment does not elicit confidence that Central Florida Solar cares about the customer's interests.
Response from Central Florida Solar Inc
"On November 20, 2012 We responded to (Member name removed) call to our company to perform a TUNE UP SPECIAL. The Tune Up consists of a 12 point check up of the pool solar heating system and if any deficiencies, leaks or repairs are needed that is an additional cost. This is fully explained when a homeowner calls to schedule an appointment. The Technician's Inspection report found that: 1. The pool panels were in good shape 2. The pinch valve control was not working and was very old 3. An estimate was given to replace the Auto Control with a Auto Control Combo. The combo includes a new Control box, 3 way valve, actuator and new sensors. 4. Estimate also included additional parts, plumbing and 1 hour labor. The Tune Up Ticket ticket with system findings along with written estimate of needed repairs were provided to and signed by customer: (Member name removed). Pricing on solar pool heating systems and components varies with each company. For example when buying a new car, a swimming pool, an appliance or air conditioner prices will vary from dealer to dealer. We are pleased that (Member name removed) found a company to service his system; however his review of Central Florida Solar almost 6 months AFTER our call to his home is not a fair and accurate representation. (Member name removed) statement that “Such treatment does not elicit confidence that Central Florida Solar cares about the customer's interests.” is inflammatory and completely inaccurate. Central Florida Solar has a customer service base of 20,000 customers. We are here to serve not only our customers, but people who cannot locate the original installer of their system because they have gone out of business."
Holly S.
Apr 2013
We are so pleased with the job that Central Florida Solar did for us! We dealt directly with the owner, Bill. He was extremely professional and easy to talk to. I'm one of those people that research large purchases to death. So anytime I would read something or hear something from a competitor, I would call to ask, "Well what about this..." and he would always be able to answer my concern in a way that continued to build my confidence in this company and product.
Mike was our installer, he did a great job as well. Hard hard worker! Up and down the ladder a zillion times with tons of equipment, it made me exhausted just watching him. Got the job done within the day, as promised, and gave me a nice detailed run through on how everything works.
We've been in the pool starting about 4 days after installation, even though there were still frequent cold snaps.
We're very happy with the decision we made to use this company.
Mike was our installer, he did a great job as well. Hard hard worker! Up and down the ladder a zillion times with tons of equipment, it made me exhausted just watching him. Got the job done within the day, as promised, and gave me a nice detailed run through on how everything works.
We've been in the pool starting about 4 days after installation, even though there were still frequent cold snaps.
We're very happy with the decision we made to use this company.
Anthony G.
Mar 2013
The experience was wonderful from the initial presentation with Bill Park to the final installation completed by Ryan and Jeremy.
Additionally Michelle, Office Manager, is equally outstanding. Bill and his team are ethical, accountable, knowledgeable, responsive and treat you as they would family. The experience continues to exceed our expectations.
Additionally Michelle, Office Manager, is equally outstanding. Bill and his team are ethical, accountable, knowledgeable, responsive and treat you as they would family. The experience continues to exceed our expectations.
Richard M.
Jan 2013
Excellent work, no fuss, no muss. Made a selection, items installed the next day, works as designed.
Only issue was I had to do a little programming on my own for the automation as they didn't enable the "Solar Functions". Took about 5 minutes when I pulled out the manual.
All in all, great work, very reasonable and very timely.
Only issue was I had to do a little programming on my own for the automation as they didn't enable the "Solar Functions". Took about 5 minutes when I pulled out the manual.
All in all, great work, very reasonable and very timely.
Kathy P.
Sep 2012
unknown
Wayne F.
Aug 2012
I initially saw the Central Florida Solar company's trucks in the neighborhood servicing one of my neighbors pool equipment. When I looked for a vendor to replace the first two leaking old panels, I looked on line as to what choices were available.I did call some of CFS's competitors and recieved verbal cost estimates (I did find that they were all about the same panel cost-wise) and ultimately decided to go with CFS. I was promised a visit within few days and was pleased that they called prior to arrival and ultimately showed up per agreed upon time.
I found Ryan to be extremely competant and informative. All dealings with Ryan have been absolutely professional. I have to say right now before I forget to mention it that you won't find a harder worker than Ryan. He has that "knack" to be productive, innovative, perform excellant quality work, punctual and just a pleasure to do business with.
While I am on the subject, I also met Bill Park (the owner) and Austin (his son). Bill came out when there was a minor programming glitch with the new OnCommand heater control scheme and worked it out on the phone with Hayward tech support. Quickly, might I add. Bill has been around pools - no question. This house probably never had a properly working heater system for the built in spa. After the new heater and controls were installed, all sorts of issues (of no fault of CFS) arose. Literally every check valve was identified, removed, checked for proper function, etc until that small piece of PVC was found hanging up in one of the valves was found. That cured the pool's issues and truth be told was no fault of CFS's. It was a piece of a skimmer door, not PVC pipe. Bill stuck with me on this until the system is now working properly and probably working correctly for the first time since the pool was originally built. No one took the time to diagnose and look for the problem prior to this phase that Bill and CFS helped me with.Bill even got me sorted out on the air bubbler for the spa which had never been right since day one from the house being built 13 years ago.
On that second visit to replace the panels #3 and #4, I asked Ryan if they could do a heater/control upgrade. I had already been in touch with the local "Squeeze-a-penny" group and got pricing. Needless to say that Ryan spoke to Bill, presented me a price that was very competitive and offered some Haywood incentives that tipped the scales in thier favor. I said OK, but it needs to happen soon. Ryan said "Sunday, OK?". I about fell over. Yes, I agreed and the rest is history as they say.
With a system of this magnitude, one always expects to have some issues that arise. I did have two minor issues and the CFS response was superb. On time, timely and fixed easily.
I actually can not say enough good about CFS. They are good at what they do. They have a great staff and the company is well run by a veteran pool supply guy. Kudos!
BTW, the final three panels were replaced this week. Ryan had predicted that 16 months ago. I told Ryan when he left, it will be a while before I see him. He's done. I am happy.
I found Ryan to be extremely competant and informative. All dealings with Ryan have been absolutely professional. I have to say right now before I forget to mention it that you won't find a harder worker than Ryan. He has that "knack" to be productive, innovative, perform excellant quality work, punctual and just a pleasure to do business with.
While I am on the subject, I also met Bill Park (the owner) and Austin (his son). Bill came out when there was a minor programming glitch with the new OnCommand heater control scheme and worked it out on the phone with Hayward tech support. Quickly, might I add. Bill has been around pools - no question. This house probably never had a properly working heater system for the built in spa. After the new heater and controls were installed, all sorts of issues (of no fault of CFS) arose. Literally every check valve was identified, removed, checked for proper function, etc until that small piece of PVC was found hanging up in one of the valves was found. That cured the pool's issues and truth be told was no fault of CFS's. It was a piece of a skimmer door, not PVC pipe. Bill stuck with me on this until the system is now working properly and probably working correctly for the first time since the pool was originally built. No one took the time to diagnose and look for the problem prior to this phase that Bill and CFS helped me with.Bill even got me sorted out on the air bubbler for the spa which had never been right since day one from the house being built 13 years ago.
On that second visit to replace the panels #3 and #4, I asked Ryan if they could do a heater/control upgrade. I had already been in touch with the local "Squeeze-a-penny" group and got pricing. Needless to say that Ryan spoke to Bill, presented me a price that was very competitive and offered some Haywood incentives that tipped the scales in thier favor. I said OK, but it needs to happen soon. Ryan said "Sunday, OK?". I about fell over. Yes, I agreed and the rest is history as they say.
With a system of this magnitude, one always expects to have some issues that arise. I did have two minor issues and the CFS response was superb. On time, timely and fixed easily.
I actually can not say enough good about CFS. They are good at what they do. They have a great staff and the company is well run by a veteran pool supply guy. Kudos!
BTW, the final three panels were replaced this week. Ryan had predicted that 16 months ago. I told Ryan when he left, it will be a while before I see him. He's done. I am happy.
Jessica C.
Jul 2012
From our first meeting to completion this company met and exceeded our expectations. The owner of the company, Bill Park, personally met with us and took his time answering all of our questions. He was only one that came to our home and presented his product and never once put down or spoke badly about other companies product.
The installation crew was on time, professional , cleaned up and reviewed the system with us.
It has been 3 months since we had the solar put in and we are very pleased with the product and are thoroughly enjoying our pool.
The installation crew was on time, professional , cleaned up and reviewed the system with us.
It has been 3 months since we had the solar put in and we are very pleased with the product and are thoroughly enjoying our pool.
Jim M.
Jul 2012
I needed immediate service on my pool solar pool heating, but the company that installed the system had gone out of business. I called Central Florida Solar after having 2 other companies come out, be it late and one on the wrong day.
Central Florida Solar not only gave me a written estimate, but also had the best price, and the rep the time to explain in to me in detail the issue with the system and how to resolve it and prevent the problem from happening in the future.
The technicians responded within 24 hours, were on time, professional and cleaned up.
I highly recommend this company.
Central Florida Solar not only gave me a written estimate, but also had the best price, and the rep the time to explain in to me in detail the issue with the system and how to resolve it and prevent the problem from happening in the future.
The technicians responded within 24 hours, were on time, professional and cleaned up.
I highly recommend this company.
CHERYL E.
Jul 2012
Great experience all the way around!
Licensing
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FAQ
Central Florida Solar Inc is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
Central Florida Solar Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Central Florida Solar Inc does not offer free project estimates.
No, Central Florida Solar Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Central Florida Solar Inc does not offer a senior discount.
No, Central Florida Solar Inc does not offer emergency services.
No, Central Florida Solar Inc does not offer warranties.