Solar Alternatives, Inc. Review & Feedback
Company Overview
Solar Alternatives, Inc. is a leading regional solar installer serving the Gulf South, with operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New Orleans, the company has become one of the most respected solar contractors in the region by focusing on renewable energy solutions tailored for Southern climates and energy needs.
Unlike many national providers, Solar Alternatives emphasizes personalized service, engineering-driven system design, and long-term customer support. The company is recognized for tackling both residential and commercial projects while also offering battery storage, EV charging, and energy management solutions.
In this Solar Alternatives review, we’ll break down its services, pros and cons, customer feedback, complaints, service areas, competitor comparisons, FAQs, and final recommendations.
What Solar Alternatives, Inc. Offers
Solar Alternatives markets itself as a full-service solar engineering and installation company. Services include:
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Residential Solar Installations – Rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays designed to offset household electricity use.
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Commercial Solar Projects – Large-scale systems for businesses, nonprofits, and government facilities.
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Battery Storage – Backup systems including Tesla Powerwall and other storage technologies.
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EV Charging Solutions – Electric vehicle charging stations for homes and commercial spaces.
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System Design & Engineering – In-house engineers create optimized designs for maximum efficiency.
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Energy Management Systems – Smart technologies to monitor and manage consumption.
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Maintenance & Repairs – Ongoing service to maintain system efficiency.
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Permitting & Utility Coordination – Handling all approvals and paperwork.
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Financing Options – Cash purchase, solar loans, and other flexible plans.
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Warranties – Manufacturer warranties plus workmanship protection.
This diverse range of services positions Solar Alternatives as more than a typical installer — it acts as a renewable energy partner.
Pros of Solar Alternatives, Inc.
Solar Alternatives reviews highlight several advantages:
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Regional Expertise – Deep knowledge of Gulf South weather, permitting, and utilities.
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Engineering-Driven Approach – In-house engineers optimize designs for efficiency.
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Comprehensive Services – From solar to storage to EV charging.
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Commercial Experience – Strong portfolio of large-scale projects.
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Professional Install Crews – Crews often praised for neat, efficient work.
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Strong Customer Education – Consultations are clear and informative.
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Battery Storage Options – Tesla Powerwall and other storage solutions available.
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Reputation for Longevity – In business since 2008, offering stability.
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Positive BBB Ratings – Generally favorable reputation compared to many solar installers.
Cons of Solar Alternatives, Inc.
Even strong companies have drawbacks. Solar Alternatives feedback shows some challenges:
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Regional Limits – Services restricted to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
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Higher Upfront Costs – Engineering-driven projects may be more expensive initially.
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Scheduling Delays – Permitting and project timelines sometimes longer than expected.
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Customer Service Variability – A few reviews cite delayed responses.
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Not Nationwide – Less recognition compared to national providers.
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Complex Contracts – Some homeowners wanted more clarity on warranties and financing.
Customer Feedback
Positive Feedback
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Energy Savings – “Our bills dropped significantly.”
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Professionalism – “The crew was on time, polite, and left our yard clean.”
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Battery Backup – “We love having Tesla Powerwall for outages.”
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Clear Consultations – “They explained everything about incentives and savings.”
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Engineering Strength – “The design team really knew how to maximize our roof space.”
Negative Feedback
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Delays – “The project took longer than we were first told.”
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Communication – “I had to follow up a few times to get updates.”
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Costs – “They were more expensive than some competitors.”
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Warranty Clarity – “I wasn’t 100% clear on what was covered vs. not.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent Solar Alternatives complaints include:
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Extended Timelines – Delays with permits and interconnection.
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Customer Service Gaps – Some customers wanted more proactive communication.
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Higher Upfront Estimates – Costs sometimes higher than quotes from smaller competitors.
Service Areas
Solar Alternatives serves the Gulf South region, with offices and projects primarily in:
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Louisiana – New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, and surrounding areas.
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Mississippi – Gulfport, Biloxi, Jackson, and surrounding areas.
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Texas – Houston metro area and parts of East Texas.
This regional focus allows the company to specialize in humid, storm-prone climates and utility structures unique to the Gulf South.
Competitor Comparison
How does Solar Alternatives compare to others?
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Vs. Sunrun – Sunrun is nationwide and focuses heavily on leases/PPAs. Solar Alternatives emphasizes ownership, engineering quality, and personalized service.
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Vs. Momentum Solar – Momentum is national with high install volume. Solar Alternatives has more regional expertise and custom engineering but less brand recognition.
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Vs. Tesla Solar – Tesla offers solar roofs and sleek branding. Solar Alternatives appeals to homeowners who want traditional panels, in-person consultations, and regional expertise.
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Vs. Regional Providers – Compared to smaller Gulf South contractors, Solar Alternatives has more longevity, engineering depth, and a wider portfolio.
This positions Solar Alternatives as a strong regional leader that competes on quality rather than scale.
FAQs
Q: Is Solar Alternatives only available in the Gulf South?
A: Yes, they serve Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas.
Q: Do they offer Tesla Powerwall?
A: Yes, they are an authorized installer for Tesla Powerwall and other storage solutions.
Q: How long do installations take?
A: Typically several weeks to months depending on permitting, utility approval, and project size.
Q: Is Solar Alternatives more expensive?
A: Their engineering-driven approach may cost more upfront but is often designed for higher efficiency and durability.
Q: What makes Solar Alternatives unique?
A: Their combination of engineering expertise, long regional history, and full energy solutions (solar, storage, EV charging).
Value for Homeowners
Who is Solar Alternatives best for?
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Best For: Homeowners in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas who want custom, engineering-driven solar systems with battery storage options.
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Good For: Businesses or nonprofits needing large-scale solar.
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Not Ideal For: Customers outside the Gulf South or those seeking the cheapest upfront option.
Final Thoughts
This Solar Alternatives review shows that the company is a trusted regional solar leader in the Gulf South.
Strengths: Long history, professional crews, engineering-driven design, battery storage, and strong warranties.
Weaknesses: Limited service area, higher upfront costs, and some communication delays.
In summary: Solar Alternatives is an excellent choice for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas homeowners who want reliable solar systems with long-term value, backed by a company that understands the Gulf South’s unique climate and energy challenges.
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