Simpleray LLC Overview
Simpleray is a mid-sized solar installation company headquartered in Fairfield, Iowa. Founded in 2008, the company’s mission is to be a one-stop solar solution that simplifies the design, procurement, finance, and installation of solar. Its projected revenues for the current year are $7.6 million.
Its customers are organizations, utilities, and residential property owners. The company understands the perceived complexities around solar and tries to educate its customers through informational webinars, articles, and direct contact with its renewable energy consultants.
Simpleray Services and Specifics
Simpleray states that it aims to build the best possible solar array for its customers and only install a system that will achieve your energy goals. The company does not specifically state brands of solar panels it uses in its systems; however, we were able to gauge from customer reviews that two of the more prominent panels used are SolarEdge and SMA solar panels.
SolarEdge Solar Panels
SolarEdge solar panels are equipped with the company’s own Power Optimizers that are specifically designed for maximum energy production, easy installation, and easier servicing over the lifetime of the system. The company combines its industry leading DC optimization technology with enhanced module performance to ensure that users receive maximum module output.
SMA Solar Panels
SMA has installed over 50 gigawatts of solar products globally and is ranked as a top-three inverter company worldwide. These panels carry the title of “German Engineered” and are designed according to strict specification to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Specific Types of Solar offered
Simpleray offers four categories of solar systems: residential, commercial, agricultural, and utility.
Residential Solar Systems: Simpleray designs each residential system according to each home’s structure and power consumption requirements. Homeowners are able to sell additional power back to the grid in a process known as net-metering.
Commercial Solar Systems: This includes agricultural and utility systems. These systems are ideal for businesses of all sizes to reduce their massive power bills and also display environmental responsibility.
Installation Costs and Processes
Costs
The average cost of solar panels in Iowa is between $3.10 and $4.50 per watt. This means that a solar system that is 5 kilowatts in size would generally cost between $15,500 – $20,500 to install. Simpleray does not advertise a specific cost for its solar installation since its system’s costs vary depending on factors such as the design, size, and materials used.
The company says it uses technology to expedite service and reduce costs, although, in terms of equipment, they believe in quality over cheap products. To them, the better the equipment, the more energy it will produce, and the more savings for customers on electricity costs. Reviews of the company spoke more of Simpleray’s professionalism, impressive technology, and how their equipment was top of the range.
Not much could be found about them being competitively priced. They do, however, offer financing options, applying all available incentives to help determine the best option for any type of solar installation. We are of the view that durability and reliability are priceless, and it seems that Simpleray mainly believes in the same principles.
Legitimacy
Simpleray is a legitimate company. Some of its notable credentials include:
Simpleray has been registered in the state of Iowa since 2008. |
The company is BBB A+ accredited |
Simpleray has an impressive array of completed projects that can be viewed on its website |
The company holds a NABCEP Certification. |
Simpleray is owned by Tyler Anderso, a solar professional that was awarded the prestigious 40 Under 40 award by Midwest Energy News. |
Awards and accreditation:
- Solar Power World Magazine – Top 500 Solar Contractors
- Certified Member – Midwest Renewable Energy Association
- Certified Member – Solar Energy Industries Association
Maintenance
The products offered by Simpleray, particularly solar panels, have a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. You are also assured of replacement of the panel if the efficiency is degraded beyond the limits set in the warranty. Their workmanship guarantee is five years, and they perform free check-ups every year for the first two years. They have also introduced their own production guarantee, that the annual production of the system will be no less than the Estimated Production Amount shown on the quote for the first five years, less an annual 0.5% degradation factor.
It should be noted that Simpleray’s workmanship warranty and power production guarantees are shorter than what many of its competitors offer.
Solar Panel Repair and Maintenance: Simpleray offers repair and maintenance services to customers even if they did not provide the original installation. Simpleray has assisted customers in replacing polycrystalline panels with monocrystalline ones, which have more efficiency. While the company does advertise maintenance services, it seems that this is the main area that customers have expressed discontent with Simpleray.
Here is an example:
“Customer Service has taken a big hit the past couple years. Have had a quarter of my panels go out on September 13th and still having to call weekly to even have someone acknowledge the issue. Customer service says that they have had turn over and that things are behind. Not able to get a manager on the call or even able to get a manager to callback to figure out what is happening. At this point will not recommend using this company if you want good customer service. It’s bad when existing customers can’t talk with the service department for over a month.” |
In addition, when you take into consideration that they company has not managed to maintain a customer rating of 4 stars or better, it does create a reason for concern.
Key Points | |
Solar Panel Warranty | 25 Years |
Workmanship Warranty | 5 Years |
Power Production Guarantee | 5 Years |
In-house contractors | Yes |
Free Consultation | Yes |
The SolarEmpower View
Simpleray does not seem to compromise on the quality of the equipment used in their installations, and they do state that such equipment does not come cheap.However, there are a few concerns around the company’s ongoing customer and maintenance services as detailed above. The company has been featured in national publications in the solar industry as a leading company in the sector, which earns them consideration for your next project, though we do advise clarifying the terms relating to maintenance and repairs beforehand.
💲Cost: 8/10 | ✅Legitimacy: 9/10 |
⭐️Quality: 7/10 | 📞Customer Service: 6/10 |