CAM Solar

Do NOT USE CAM SOLAR. I used CAM SOLAR to do my initial install back in 2012 and have had service (pre-covid). Up until this year I have been satisfied. This month (2023) I have been trying to get service for a faulty panel or inverter and there is absolutely NO response from them. I have submitted four requests over the course of about a month with zero response. I started pushing the answering service for another contact number and she hung up on me.

HAD CAM SOLAR INSTALL 28 PANELS IN 2019. Currently our panels have been off line since July 11, 2023. I have tried to reach them over and over again. Finally Angel the service manager arrived and told me the inverter is bad. The Inverter is under warranty for 12 years, why did I get an invoice for $500 to install a warrantied inverter??? W**???

This company is a rip off. Do not use them. I was pretty happy with our system when it was installed then when the system was about a year and a half old the inverter stopped working and the system did not send any notifications that anything was wrong. First time I realized anything was wrong was when I recieved a $400 electric bill. I immediately checked the app and it said the panels were not producing anything. I called Cam Solar and reported the issue. Tech came out and said that they have been seeing this a lot with these inverters. They ordered a new inverter from the manufacture that took over 2 months to come in. Once installed the system was working fine. And I was back to being pretty happy with the system until I went to calculate the 2 year production guarantee and because of the system being down for over 3 months it did not produce what they said it would produce so they owed me a refund of just of$100 (I was not asking for the $900 in extra electric bills that I had to pay because of the system being down) . They said they are not paying because I did not report the problem within 5 days of it going down even though there were no indicators that the system was not working. They will use the production guarantee as a selling point then not deliver when it's time. Will be reaching out to the better business bureau as well as trying to alert any potential customers as to this companies shady business practices.

Excellent. These guys are awesome. Ted olsen was very knowledgeable, responsive and informed. I also got a 30% tax credit back!

Life was o.k. with CamSolar, my system was having an issue they repaired the problem. Fast forward about 18 months and my system is having an issue. I called and CamSolar (Cord Brown, Service Manager) came out to fix it, I was told there would be a service fee of over $100 to cover their cost (system is only 2 years old and under warranty). Well after looking at the system and finding and repairing a problem with their installation they did not charge me. Not two hours later the system was not working again, so I called Cord (he left me his card and told me to call him directly), no answer so I left a message. About three days later I called again and finally got him on the phone, made an appointment and waited. The weather was rainy so when the appointment was near they called and cancelled told me they'd reschedule. Well a week or two later they showed up and went to work to figure out why the system was not working. I could not wait around I had other things to do so when I returned they were gone and my system was not working. Cord (Service Manager) called and was leaving a message when I got home and I picked up the phone. He told me that my panels had a ground fault inside the panels and I had to do an insurance claim and that I would have to pay them to continue to diagnose the problem and repair / replace the warrantied panels. He claimed it was from the hail storm that damaged my roof, some 18-20 earlier (even though they worked after the storm, and after CamSolar charged me $6,000 to remove and re-install the panels when my roof was replaced). Now I have a system which costed (before rebates) $22,249.98 ($28,249.98 w/remove and re-install) that does not work. I recommended CamSolar to a number of people who purchased a system, I hope they never have the issues I'm having; I also know I will not recommend them to anyone else and will notify my friends who purchased to be careful. If you are thinking of using CamSolar, I recommend you look elsewhere first.

They told us it would be 90 days after we signed the paperwork before the panels could be installed, but it was only 30 days! The installation crew arrived on time and were very professional. They finished installing the panels in one day and cleaned up their mess. would hire them again, definitely recommend!

James was a pleasure to work with. He was able to answer all my questions and find additional details for me immediately. Other companies gave me some information that was not quite true with what the IRS said about the rebates. James knew exactly what he was talking about and made sure I had everything I needed for my rebates.

AFTER SOME DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT CODE INSTALLATION, ALL WENT WELL. THERE WAS ALSO THE MATTER OF SPARK REDUCERS WHICH THEY SAID WOULD BE INSTALLED LATER, BUT THEY NEVER WERE AFTER THEY SAID " I DIDN'T REALLY NEED THEM." WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH THE SYSTEM AND HAVE SINCE GOTTEN TWO (2) NEGATIVE ELECTRIC BILLS.

After getting quotes and pitches from four different providers, we thought we were done with our research and decided to go with a local installer - and even called Abraham from CAM solar to cancel our appointment. Unlike a couple of other companies to whom we did the same, Abraham requested us to keep the appointment just to see his quote. His quote and professionalism were so impressive that we spent almost an entire week rechecking and double-checking everything, asking tons of questions to both him and the other company. In the end, because of our roof constraints, we decided to go with the other company. But if I ever have to recommend a company for solar or install solar in a different house, I will contact CAM Solar again.

They were excellent! They made our experience very easy and expertly guided us through the process from our initial price quote to final installation and turn on by CPS, our local electricity company. They didn't push us to buy more than we needed or wanted.

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Very well! Installation and hook up with CPS was within six weeks! No problems what so ever! All employees that I came in contact with was very experienced and professional! I even was on top of the roof when the panels were installed! My experience throughout the installation and hook up was very informative !

The process was great.  Representatives from CAM Solar spent a good amount of time with me explaining solar panels prior to me contracting with them.  Once I signed a contract, they provided updates along the way.  The actual installers were very knowledgeable and spent a good amount of time with explaining the installation process, how the system worked, etc.  After the system was commissioned, another representative came back and installed a monitoring system and explained to me how it worked so that I could make sure my solar panels were working at optimal efficiency.  I would highly recommend CAM Solar.

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We met with a cam solar representative when they were going door to door in our neighborhood. We had been considering solar before and had done some research but had not finalized a decision. James explained to us their methods and processes. They offered a very thorough explanation of the process and covered all the details. Beyond having to provide a few documents, they handle everything. Utility approval and rebates, tax rebates, financing, even HOA requirements. They have extended financing that cost the same or less monthly than my electric bill.They had my system installed within 6 weeks of our first meeting. Installation took just four days and probably less if not for the scorching Texas heat in August. I'm still waiting on CPS to do their part to get the system running, but everything on CAM's part has been completely painless. The rebates covered nearly half of the system cost. I can't say enough good things about them. Thanks for everything.

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CamSolar provided expert consulting and installation for solar panel
installation on my home.  Tony Contreras explained everything in easy to
understand terminology but did not dumb down anything.  He helped me
get just the right size solar panels to maximize my savings on
electricity and also showed me how I can expand my solar in the future
if I get an electric vehicle.
I did have a few issues since the installation regarding the Enphase connection to the internet, but those issues were always solved quickly and professionally.  I wish I could post my electric usage graph from CPS as it shows my electric usage vs. my neighbors and it's really nice to see my usage near zero 8 months out of the year.

* Update 2/26/16 *
I am having a problem with the an inverter that just started right after commissioning.  I called CAM and they had someone out by the next day the first time it happened.  This recently occurred a second time I am still waiting for a technician to fix the problem.  It has been 9 days and I was advised a technician would be out today, this Friday.  A technician did not come out and I did not receive a call or notice otherwise.  I called CAM later in the day to inquire about when the technician was coming and was promised a call back with an update but never received it.  IF they are able to come out on Monday it will be 12 days.  This is a brand new system that I am having issues with.  I am hoping the delay and lack of returned contact can be explained. Everything has been great to this point so I am hoping that I can update with a positive resolution

I received a knock on the door by another company and was given a good quote.  I decided to look around before my purchase and I am glad I did.  On my initial phone call, I spoke to Tony who went over their process and I learned more in that brief call to CAM then in the hour with a Sales rep for the other company.   We went back and forth over the phone and email and there was never any pressure.  It was mainly me learning about Solar PV Systems and looking at options for different panels as Tony put together custom system quotes. 
Other providers wanted to give me their ?package? but with CAM I was able to customize my system and I was given the information to make an informed decision based on my needs and budget.  I ended up getting a more efficient panel that the competitor was offering and a price that was comparable.  I was also impressed that they sent an engineer for my site visit and inspection.  The other company only sent their sales rep to my home and their quote greatly underestimated my capacity.  Within the same roofspace, CAM was able to get twice as many panels(I did pay more for more panels of course). 
Just to let everyone know, the process can take some time given that CPS is involved but I was always called when promised and received calls checking up as well.  Overall my experience was great and I only wish I had more roof space for more panels.  By the way, my neighbor singed up with a competitor at the same time I signed up with CAM.   I had my system installed 3 weeks ago and my neighbor who used a competitor is still waiting and their promise date is passing this month. 
The other provider gave a great presentation and I almost went with them, but after calling CAM the difference in service and knowledge was night and day.  I normally would not make so many direct comparisons but I couldn?t be more satisfied with CAM and while I thought the other company was good, I was blown away at the difference with CAM

Choosing the vendor: 
I decided ths summer I wanted to control rising energy costs so began researching PV panel systems and installation companies.  I reviewed sources on the net to find highly-rated companies, and, since I?m a member of Angie?s List, sourced that too. I live in the San Antonio area and since so many companies service large areas, I looked at companies in Austin as well as San Antonio. Then double-checked against the City Public Utilities website to make sure they are registered as qualified installers.  I called several companies to discuss solar energy; CAM Solar was the only one to invite me down for a tutorial.  Tony Contreras did a great education job not only on the basics of PV system functions, but the differences between the various manufacturers and their product lines, including discussion of warranties that they provide.  Tony also discussed out-of-pocket expenses, with CPS kicking in a significant rebate and another 30% Federal tax credit off my 2015 taxes. I was able to review and make decisions based on what I could afford with no pressure (he just reminded me to work toward 100% Annual Usage ? they?ve had to go back, for much more additional expense ? to build up an installed system after the homeowner installed a smaller system and later regretted it.  After receiving several competitive bids, I decided to go with CAMSolar ? they not only had an excellent price, even with a top-of-the-line panel, but did the most to get my business.  They, like other solar panel installers, promised to work all the interface with CPS Energy including filing rebates and coordinating system commissioning.

Choosing the material:
CAMSolar reviews my CPS Energy bills for the past year to ensure they sized the system properly, then the chief technical officer, Daniel Moyer, came out to do a site survey so how to place the required panels.  In the meantime, I got Homeowner?s Association approval to proceed.  I evaluated a number of products, including a dozen different vendor products, comparing panel efficiency, rated power output & degradation, quality issues, and warranty.  I chose SumPower panels ? not cheapest by any means, but a high consumer efficiency, few reported problems, and a 25-year warranty, the best in the business (other manufactures typically warrant their products for only 10 years). 
Installation:
I have a metal roof, so installation was easy ? clamps to the metal ridges and conduit funneling the electrical lines down to the
inverter.  CAMSolar had a good work crew who functioned well together.  The team cleaned up after themselves and left no mess.  The inverter was installed on my exterior garage wall adjacent to my CPS Energy meter and external power box ? a clean installation (although some TWC junk make it look untidy)  See photographs of the roof before installation, after, and the inverter installation.
System Cost:
Total cost of the system ended up in excess of $28K, with CPS rebating more than $11K and my out of pocket around $17K.  With the 30% tax credit the bottom line cost is around $12K. This for a 7.85kW system composed of 24 SunPower SPR-E20 327 panels that is expected to cover 97% of my annual electric energy costs.  Break even point is estimated to be about 10 years, and much, much less if including value added to the house.  System payment schedule was three parts: 50% down (of the rebated price) on signing contract, 40% down when system is installed, and the remaining 10% when CPS commissions the system.
Problems:
We had one glitch in coordination between CAMSolar and CPS Energy on getting the system turned on properly.  But the CEO, Mr. Brian Cullen, weighed in and solved the problem.  There were no other issues or problems. 
Bottom Line:
Brian, Daniel and Tony are outstanding professionals and I highly recommend CAMSolar and this team for your PV needs.  Note: after receiving a couple of CPS bills I?m seeing minimum connection fees as the only charge (and future credits being built up during these sunny late-summer and early-fall days).  I?m a happy camper.  P.S. I was also impressed that CAMSolar does solar energy presentations in local schools and has even helped in some student lab projects.  Brian and Daniel also went to Haiti a few years ago to install a PV system in a school there ? at no cost to the Haitians.  Now, that?s giving?

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The entire process could not have been easier. I found the company name on the CPS website of approved vendors. Some internet research provided a good indication that the the business had a solid reputation. First contact was with Daniel Moyer who was friendly and eager to answer all of my questions. The intial meeting at my home was set at a convient time and Daniel arrived on time. He seemed knowlegable and pleasant. Within a few days I had an estimate and a thorough understanding of the process involved. Daniel did not try to sell me a larger system than necessary. Was provided with the necessary information to obtain permission to install the panels through my homeowners association and CAM Solar dealt with CPS and the city inspector to approve the system. A simple 3-part payment schedule was used to ensure that both parties were financially protected during the process. The rebate came directly from CPS to CAM so this cost was not fronted by homeowner. They arrived on the scheduled day to start construction which was just a week or so after approvals were obtained. My wife reported that the construction crew was friendly and professional. They made little noise and did not dirty the house or yard. It took two days of work and then one or two return trips after inspection from the city and CPS to install meter and turn on system. System works great. No electricity bill the first month of use since the AC did not run much this month. Was absolutely the easiest construction/repair project ever undertaken atour home.