SunWorks Inc (SUNWQ)

[DjB916]

Breaking down each of 6 Vivint customer reviews. Coming from someone who installed solar since 2004 and also a certified electrician in california i can break down each of those complaints and explain what happened.

They sound legit and since im bored ill break each one down and tell u what happened.

1. The 79 panel job. Thats a huge residential job at 250 watts a panel. Probably multiple arrays (means its split up on many roof surfaces) adding wiring and conduit complexity. Also means they possibly exceeded maximum backfeed amperage on main buss of electrical panel now needing a line side tap or MPU (Main panel upgrade) which with a feeder upgrade can be extremely costly. My guess they either cant figure out the wiring and did a horrible install or can't pass inspection either embarrassing.

2. Customer with inspection delays and very odd monitoring system. It doesn't take long to learn what your AHJ's (inspectors) require. Every one is different and u should have an AHJ database telling you the odd/different requirements for that particular AHJ if you don't know. Some can legitimately be a pain in the ass, but get it together nobody likes delays it is already a long process. Sounds like they aren't keeping the customer informed of the delays..re-design followed by re-permitting can take days or weeks. The monitoring has to be a joke. .sounds like u monitor it yourself? Other companies connect to your router a device that shows production and stores lifetime production online. You also can not turn off a system from Utah lol...its not wireless maybe the monitoring but not the system. Would be kinda cool if u could though haha. And yes you can turn your system on the minutes the installation team leaves quite often but it is legally not allowed on until inspection by AHJ and also utility. Can sometimes really piss utility co. off as they want to ensure a proper backfeed is being provided safely into their grid.

3. Customer in March signed up Utility says system cant be turned on due to too many panels. Exactly what i was just talking about. Only allowed to install 20% of the main buss size of amperage for backfeed, example would be 200 amp panel can have a max 40 amp breaker and about 7.5kw system. 400 amp panel 80 amps 15kw. Sometimes u can do a load side or line side tap and bypass the bussing that can only be done on certain electrical panels...i suspect not this panel and they will need to do a MPU which is very costly and if feeders are underground u often have to tear up homeowners yard and dig a new trench from panel to utility box. Utility don't rly like solar we are stealing their business. If you don't know what your doing they will hand you your ass.

4. Customer R of CA. Again problems with passing inspection with AHJ. in this situation you have an upset customer who is being delayed. Painting the conduit is very easy. Even if homeowner doesn't have paint or its old, installers are trained to find a paint match on property. .never had a problem making it happen. Especially for an angry customer.

5. its likely this customer has an odd or fragile roof surface or an obstacle they don't want to tackle that involves too much liability and are scared to be a professional and tell them the truth.

6. Another example of horrible customer service and running someone's credit without approval is wow..sounds like a salesman lol.

I can tell by reading these and having experienced nearly all of these situations with much shorter delays obviously...that these are real complaints. This is what VIVINT customer service is. If your system design, install, and inspection goes smooth congratulations. If not you are Fuc**d and will go through the gauntlet to get your system working and may even start being charged your monthly lease bill.

that is all from an installers point of view have a good night.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/solar-energy/vivint-solar.html