Essential Solar Reviews
4.5
Leave a review Based on 163 reviews
- 5 star 41
- 4 star 110
- 3 star 12
- 2 star 0
- 1 star 0
Average Customer Review
- Value 4.21
- System Quality 4.46
- Customer Service 4.65
- Installation 4.70
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About Essential Solar, Solar Installers
Essential Solar is a Solar Power Installation company based in Tullamarine and serves VIC. Here are their reviews as submitted by visitors to SolarQuotes
Essential Solar Solar Reviews
We follow up with all reviewers after 12 months to see how their system is going since it was installed. These are all the reviewers who have responded to our 1 year follow up:
Took onboard alot of useful advice from the sales technician, ultimately this led me to the decision on the product I went with, good service
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Has only just be inspected and turned on. So far so good but a bit early to comment in any detail.
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Haven't had it installed as yet, but so far the customer service has been wonderful
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We chose Essential Solar as they seemed to have the more professional quotation documentation and we felt more confident with their plan to install the system.
As we chose the more expensive and greater capacity/warranty Sunpower panels the salespeople at Essential Solar seemed more comfortable with their application and ability to link with our 3 phase power supply - hence we have matched the panels with a Fronius Symo 5.0-3 inverter.
Will have installed prior to Christmas Show additional information
As we chose the more expensive and greater capacity/warranty Sunpower panels the salespeople at Essential Solar seemed more comfortable with their application and ability to link with our 3 phase power supply - hence we have matched the panels with a Fronius Symo 5.0-3 inverter.
Will have installed prior to Christmas Show additional information
I was impressed by the whole experience with Essential Solar. The person who came to give me quote was punctual, polite and most importantly knew all about the product. The guys who came to install the panels were polite, efficient and cleaned up when they'd finished! Since having the panels installed, I've contacted Essential Solar a couple of times with some follow up questions and they've been really helpful. All in all, dealing with Essential Solar has been a very positive experience.
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Had a small issue with the installation that I wasn't happy with the placement of the panels - they didn't argue, just came back and changed it to my satisfaction very quickly and efficiently.
Overall customer service was fantastic the whole way through the process. Show additional information
Overall customer service was fantastic the whole way through the process. Show additional information
I spent the first week just researching solar energy, trying to understand what I needed, system size, components and setting my budget. I initially spoke to ~10 companies, most didn't get shortlisted, some didn't return calls, others wanted to try the hard sell tactics. I was finally down to 4 firm quotes; 2 from this website (3rd refused to quote as they said the roof was too dangerous*) and 2 others (one was via my local Council). (* nobody else complained about the roof except Sky Power Energy). I selected the quote from Essential Solar as their price was the best on a $/W basis and they were the only one to provide suggestions on improvements or options, everyone else want me to do the design so they could simply quote.
I found dealing with Essential Solar was simple and straightforward. In my situation the roof layout and pitch was more difficult than most, which added to the price. It meant that to stay within my budget I had to go with a budget panel (ET Solar), but was determine to use the Fornius Inverter and Smart Meter on a 7.54kWp system. ES (Ray) was great to deal with while working through all the details, always helpful and responded quickly. Rebecca in the office has been great also, very friendly and responsive to questions. Show additional information
I found dealing with Essential Solar was simple and straightforward. In my situation the roof layout and pitch was more difficult than most, which added to the price. It meant that to stay within my budget I had to go with a budget panel (ET Solar), but was determine to use the Fornius Inverter and Smart Meter on a 7.54kWp system. ES (Ray) was great to deal with while working through all the details, always helpful and responded quickly. Rebecca in the office has been great also, very friendly and responsive to questions. Show additional information
Essential Solar had a very informative, very friendly salesman who, right from the beginning, spent as much time as i needed to get my head around the technical solar information and how to apply it to our situation. And followed up with prompt email communication whenever I had a question. I felt very supported and comfortable, which is why we decided to go with this company, even though they were the slightly more expensive quote. Installation was seamless and simple, and the after-sales service so far is good. Happy with our choice.
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Embarking on getting solar power was very daunting, but Solar Quotes put me in the position of being an informed customer, with result that I was able to chose a provider with great confidence.
I found the provider - Essential Solar - to be thoroughly professional and supportive. They were first to respond to the request for quotes and quick to set up appointments. Ray, the sales representative, was happy to spend time on technical questions after he had provided a quote. The design team were happy to work on alternative layouts to improve efficiency. The office staff were in constant communication to ensure that I understood exactly where we were in the process at all times (including dealing with the power companies), and the installers were fantastic; punctual, efficient and took great care to clean every last piece of packaging and wire clipping up before they left. Show additional information
I found the provider - Essential Solar - to be thoroughly professional and supportive. They were first to respond to the request for quotes and quick to set up appointments. Ray, the sales representative, was happy to spend time on technical questions after he had provided a quote. The design team were happy to work on alternative layouts to improve efficiency. The office staff were in constant communication to ensure that I understood exactly where we were in the process at all times (including dealing with the power companies), and the installers were fantastic; punctual, efficient and took great care to clean every last piece of packaging and wire clipping up before they left. Show additional information
Essential Solar and their operatives were extremely efficient. If only they were all I had to deal with my entire experience would have been faultless. Alas, one has to deal with the electricity retailer and wholesaler, this is where everything went bad, but thanks to the customer service of Rebecca and Jessica from Essential Solar I got through the experience (took 5 months) with my sanity. They were so helpful, always answered my emails immediately and offered suggestions and solutions on how to deal with the problems. Eventually the Ombudsman sorted it for me but Essential stayed with me the whole time. Couldn't recommend them more highly. Thanks!
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Prompt feedback and installation.
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All staff, from the initial sales representative to the installation crew, were informative, considerate, respectful of the client and and the premises. Wonderful company to deal with, including post installation advice from the office (Rebecca).
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I had had a quote for my solar from my installer before you gave me the advise so was happy to see them come up on the list of three you gave me.I am just waiting now for them to do the bit where they install the password for them to be able to monitor from there end.
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Ray from Essential Solar came to my address to assess the site and give options. He was courteous and professional and did not push me or assume I was an idiot like some others. (Another company wanted me to cut down an oak tree in my back yard that casts LATE afternoon shadows). I took my time to shop around with no pressure. Once I signed up and agreed to the design, they booked me in 3 weeks later for installation. The installers were prompt. I had concerns about my internet cable and shadows from street trees that will be bigger in future so they changed the panel layout at last minute. I was happy they listened to me. There was a two week delay before the electrical inspector came, but once the power company updated my meter the system started up exactly a month from installation. My inverter reported excess power from the grid. Essential Solar said they will monitor this and complain to the power company on my behalf if it continues, so ongoing service is promising. The other staff Jessica and Rebecca have been very helpful along the way. I recommend Essential Solar.
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I am disappointed in the time it takes to get my system connected to the grid, this has nothing to do with Essential Solar but down to the energy retailer "Energy Australia" and the wholesaler "Jemena".
I was led to believe it would be connected in about a month.
My system was installed on the 18th August and i'm told won't be connected to the grid until early October.........not good enough, maybe they stretch it out for the free power i'm producing and everyone else. Just me being cynical . Show additional information
I was led to believe it would be connected in about a month.
My system was installed on the 18th August and i'm told won't be connected to the grid until early October.........not good enough, maybe they stretch it out for the free power i'm producing and everyone else. Just me being cynical . Show additional information
I found that the Essential Solar team are very well organised and arrange all details promptly and efficiently. The installation team was subcontracted by Essential and they were on-site at the agreed time and installed the system without any problems. From my layman's point of view their work seems to be very good.
I was very happy to proceed with a Fronius inverter, especially as Essential Solar are next door to the Fronius office but was initially reluctant about the ET Solar panels which were quoted by Essential. Solar Quotes reviews for ET Solar panels were OK, although not convincing. However, the panels are Tier 1 and, with further research and the assured 10 year warranty, I went with these.
The system was on line within two weeks of installation, with all checks, inspections and power company actions complete - much quicker than I had expected.
The system was only switched on last week and the weather hasn't been ideal in Melbourne either, so I'm yet to see the benefits. Show additional information
I was very happy to proceed with a Fronius inverter, especially as Essential Solar are next door to the Fronius office but was initially reluctant about the ET Solar panels which were quoted by Essential. Solar Quotes reviews for ET Solar panels were OK, although not convincing. However, the panels are Tier 1 and, with further research and the assured 10 year warranty, I went with these.
The system was on line within two weeks of installation, with all checks, inspections and power company actions complete - much quicker than I had expected.
The system was only switched on last week and the weather hasn't been ideal in Melbourne either, so I'm yet to see the benefits. Show additional information
Excellent service and communication from Essential Solar throughout quote and design process. Installers did an excellent job - courteous, tidy and efficient. Slowest part of the process was waiting for the third party inspection but that was beyond the control of Essential Solar. So the system seems to be functioning well.
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Sales person was very informative before purchase. Installers were efficient and cleaned up after themselves and again informative of the product. After installation service - excellent. High praise for the Company from electrical inspectors. Less than 10 day turnaround time from installation to connection to the grid - All tasks completed timely and efficiently. What more could a girl want.....
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From the first phone call this company was exemplary. The administrative staff, Jessica and Rebecca, were always available, polite, patient and efficient. Very important when trying to navigate this complex industry as senior citizen.
The Consultant came as arranged and was prepared to spend time explaining the process.
The installation went well and the installers were extremely considerate and efficient. I would highly recommend this company.
Too early to tell about the system but all indications are that it is working efficiently in winter. Show additional information
The Consultant came as arranged and was prepared to spend time explaining the process.
The installation went well and the installers were extremely considerate and efficient. I would highly recommend this company.
Too early to tell about the system but all indications are that it is working efficiently in winter. Show additional information
My Solar was installed by Essential Solar and the installed it when they said they would. The installation crew were polite, professional, tidy and great to deal with. My installation was not straight forward because I am on a small property, and the General Manager visited to make sure everything was taken care of. I have recommended them to my neighbour and they too are getting their solar installed by Essential Solar.
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Excellent service, friendly and knowledgeable .
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I had a system installed by Essential Solar in February. I meant to, but forgot to do a review after installation as I was so impressed with their customer service and seamless installation. Six months later every thing has worked beautifully.
We connected to the NBN last week which has not been seamless. Amongst many things it meant that our Fronius Inverter would no longer connect with the Solar Web phone app. I called Jessica at Essential Solar and unlike many companies whom have already made a sale and then possibly ignore a past client she could not be more friendly and helpful. She sent out information sheets and a video on how I could update my new NBN router to speak to the Inverter. I'm not sure why I still had problems with the connection but I phoned back and was told the Managing Director David would contact me to help me through the process. He called me about 20 minutes later and spent over half an hour with me going through the process remotely. He was patient, friendly and very knowledge and was able to solve my problem. I found this to be unbelievable customer service in this day and age.
So if you are looking for a great company to set up your Solar system I would highly recommend Essential Solar Show additional information
We connected to the NBN last week which has not been seamless. Amongst many things it meant that our Fronius Inverter would no longer connect with the Solar Web phone app. I called Jessica at Essential Solar and unlike many companies whom have already made a sale and then possibly ignore a past client she could not be more friendly and helpful. She sent out information sheets and a video on how I could update my new NBN router to speak to the Inverter. I'm not sure why I still had problems with the connection but I phoned back and was told the Managing Director David would contact me to help me through the process. He called me about 20 minutes later and spent over half an hour with me going through the process remotely. He was patient, friendly and very knowledge and was able to solve my problem. I found this to be unbelievable customer service in this day and age.
So if you are looking for a great company to set up your Solar system I would highly recommend Essential Solar Show additional information
The three sales people were very different. I thought I had a clear vision of what I wanted but it took a long time to get 3 even slightly comparable quotes, with one assuming we wanted the cheapest system, another taking into account shade, and another saying the shade didn't matter. I asked for simulations of the systems and not a single one of the providers managed to give me that. The closest was Essential Solar. Although the salesperson from them was my least favourite (and insisted on telling me things I didn't need to know despite my 2 year old obviously being in need of attention) he had the best ability to provide details of what the system would do.
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I wanted a solar panels with microinvertors, which I could monitor over the internet. A split system - 6 on North & 5 on West.
A number of the installers were not interested in solar panels with microinvertors, even though that was what I put in my quote request.
All the staff at EsssentialSolar were polite and not pushy.
I had a long time frame for installation and they were prepared to work with this. They responded to my emails promptly.
The guys who came to install were very propfessional & did a good job.
Only confusion was with the initial Enphase software installed. It needed to be upgraded.
It is fantastic system, where I can see each panels performance and see the consumption against collection.
Connection to Energy retailer also went smoothly. I now need to monitor that their figures are what my System says. Early days.
Very satisified!
Also this is a great site. I learnt a lot. Show additional information
A number of the installers were not interested in solar panels with microinvertors, even though that was what I put in my quote request.
All the staff at EsssentialSolar were polite and not pushy.
I had a long time frame for installation and they were prepared to work with this. They responded to my emails promptly.
The guys who came to install were very propfessional & did a good job.
Only confusion was with the initial Enphase software installed. It needed to be upgraded.
It is fantastic system, where I can see each panels performance and see the consumption against collection.
Connection to Energy retailer also went smoothly. I now need to monitor that their figures are what my System says. Early days.
Very satisified!
Also this is a great site. I learnt a lot. Show additional information
Everyone I spoke to at Essential Solar was friendly, helpful and well-informed. The products are good quality, with an eye to longer term costs, not just purchase price. I was given advice that suited my situation and circumstances, not just a standard "take what we give you" approach. You don't always have such good experiences as a customer.
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Great salesman not pushy and very knowledgeable.
Office staff kept me in the loop.
Installers turned up on time and did a great job.
All in all a pleasant experience Show additional information
Office staff kept me in the loop.
Installers turned up on time and did a great job.
All in all a pleasant experience Show additional information
Very helpful and patient.
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Of the three companies we approached Essential Solar was the only company we had a face to face meeting with at our house discussing our current usage, expectations, location of panels and inverter and answered any questions we had. Their sales rep Paul was excellent and we've recommended the company to neighbours who've since had a system put in.
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Very happy with sales person explained all about solar system & answered all my question wasn't pushy very well mannered. Office people very good, Installers Excellent nothing was a problem solved all issues quickly recommend essential solar.
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Essential Solar seemed to the keenest supplier for our business. We asked for the best value system and we compared their quote to other suppliers. We found from talking to other suppliers that Essential Solar were at the leading technical edge with their system offer. The salesperson scoping the work was very knowledgeable. The installers were efficient and no-nonsense with everything rapidly installed with little fuss. Inspection of the system prior to submitting paperwork to retailers was a little longer than expected due to their own oversight but once this was done, all of the regulatory work with the retailer and the grid was rapidly done. Essential Solar were always readily accessible and performed their paperwork rapidly with little delay. All in all, I was very impressed by the process, the logistics planning required and the efficiency of the back office at Essential Solar, in particular Jessica and Rebecca.
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very happy with everything
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Loved the Solar Quotes website and quote experience. Went with Essential Solar but could easily have chosen one of the others. Another was very underwhelming - felt I knew more than the sales guy and they quoted me a pretty high price for a system with a budget inverter.
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I spent approximately 6 weeks researching solar panels, inverters, smart meters etc, I then looked up customer satisfaction and feedback.
Based on the above I selected Essential Solar as they understood my requirements and put together a package that met all my requirements. I was then able to proceed with complete confidence, the installation went like clockwork I had a great team who were professional and precise.
The panels have now been working for the past 4 weeks so glad I had a smart meter included as I can see at a glance on my phone or Ipad exactly what is happening. Would thoroughly recommend Essential Solar in Tullamarine. Show additional information
Based on the above I selected Essential Solar as they understood my requirements and put together a package that met all my requirements. I was then able to proceed with complete confidence, the installation went like clockwork I had a great team who were professional and precise.
The panels have now been working for the past 4 weeks so glad I had a smart meter included as I can see at a glance on my phone or Ipad exactly what is happening. Would thoroughly recommend Essential Solar in Tullamarine. Show additional information
Essential solar is a hassle free, professional company that made a rather difficult process of researching and comparing solar companies so much easier. They are experts in their field, make you feel at ease and if there are any questions or issues after installation, they don't hesitate to assist and rectify the situation straight away. Could not recommend highly enough.
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The sales process was very straight forward, with a very professional salesman visiting the house, and explaining everything very clearly. He wasn't too pushy and respected that I needed time to make a decision. He followed up a few times but was not overly pushy.
Once I had signed up, the two admin ladies in the office were fantastic, calling me throughout the process to ensure everything was running smoothly. They had a document which explained all the steps and it was really quite seamless.
The installers were very professional, courteous, very friendly, no issues whatsoever. They made a big mess on the day (as expected), but cleaned everything up and left no trace that they had been there. They were very careful with doors, gates, gutters, walls - nothing was scratched/dented. All perfect. You could see by the way they worked, that they treated my house as if it was their own - rare to see, but very pleasing indeed.
The after-install process was great too - there's an inspection that needs to happen, and then some forms to be submitted before the system is commissioned. This was all relatively easy.
The only complaint I have, is that we have a bungalow style roof, and I specifically asked for the panels to be pushed back away from the edge (on installation day) to ensure they wouldn't be visible from the street. The installer agreed to move them as far back as possible, understanding my reasons, and in the end the panels are 600mm back from the edge.
BUT, what I didn't know (and wasn't told - hence my issue) is that there is a big ugly yellow isolator switch that must be installed next to each bank of panels (only required in Victoria apparently) and this was clearly visible (and quite unsightly) from the front of the house. Had I known this would happen I would have asked for the panels to be arranged in 2 rows (further back), or for the isolator to be installed on the other side of the panels (the back of the roof). But once it's done, there's little you can do about it short of starting all over again, because everything needs to be done in single cable runs, and there are holes in the roof where the cables go in so you can't really change things easily.
In fairness, the company owner (an engineer) was very prompt at trying to fix the issue the best they could - they rotated the switch so it wouldn't be as visible, and moved it as far back as they could. It's still a little visible, but not nearly as bad as before, and acceptable to me now.
Word of advice: if aesthetics are important in your install, double check positions of EVERYTHING that is going to be installed on the roof (and side wall for that matter) - don't just check the obvious things like panels and inverters. There are lots of switches/isolators/plugs/conduits/cables that also get installed.
Would I go with these guys again - yes ABSOLUTELY. I guess it's just one of those small things that you learn along the way. Show additional information
Once I had signed up, the two admin ladies in the office were fantastic, calling me throughout the process to ensure everything was running smoothly. They had a document which explained all the steps and it was really quite seamless.
The installers were very professional, courteous, very friendly, no issues whatsoever. They made a big mess on the day (as expected), but cleaned everything up and left no trace that they had been there. They were very careful with doors, gates, gutters, walls - nothing was scratched/dented. All perfect. You could see by the way they worked, that they treated my house as if it was their own - rare to see, but very pleasing indeed.
The after-install process was great too - there's an inspection that needs to happen, and then some forms to be submitted before the system is commissioned. This was all relatively easy.
The only complaint I have, is that we have a bungalow style roof, and I specifically asked for the panels to be pushed back away from the edge (on installation day) to ensure they wouldn't be visible from the street. The installer agreed to move them as far back as possible, understanding my reasons, and in the end the panels are 600mm back from the edge.
BUT, what I didn't know (and wasn't told - hence my issue) is that there is a big ugly yellow isolator switch that must be installed next to each bank of panels (only required in Victoria apparently) and this was clearly visible (and quite unsightly) from the front of the house. Had I known this would happen I would have asked for the panels to be arranged in 2 rows (further back), or for the isolator to be installed on the other side of the panels (the back of the roof). But once it's done, there's little you can do about it short of starting all over again, because everything needs to be done in single cable runs, and there are holes in the roof where the cables go in so you can't really change things easily.
In fairness, the company owner (an engineer) was very prompt at trying to fix the issue the best they could - they rotated the switch so it wouldn't be as visible, and moved it as far back as they could. It's still a little visible, but not nearly as bad as before, and acceptable to me now.
Word of advice: if aesthetics are important in your install, double check positions of EVERYTHING that is going to be installed on the roof (and side wall for that matter) - don't just check the obvious things like panels and inverters. There are lots of switches/isolators/plugs/conduits/cables that also get installed.
Would I go with these guys again - yes ABSOLUTELY. I guess it's just one of those small things that you learn along the way. Show additional information
Our whole experience with Essential Solar was trouble free. We found the staff are knowledgeable, helpful and thoroughly professional and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering solar installation.
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I received a very professional and trouble free service from Essential Solar from start to finish. The Technical Sales Advisor Ray Bout was knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with, but he went beyond that and actively recorded and responded to the particular challenges of the installation that I was concerned needed addressing. This was then backed up by General Manager David Bruce who discussed the installation plan with me in detail so that I was assured that we were all on the same page. This ensured that the installation by Cathal and his team was efficient, to my expectations and went without a hitch. All the while, I received great customer service from Jessica and Rebecca who made sure I was up to date with valuable information and sent me all the forms etc. Overall, I had a very positive experience.
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I chose Essential Solar as one of three quotes I received from an Solar comparison site.
Essential Solar were the first of the three random alternative quoters to to respond directly to me.
I chose them because:
- their online customer references were all positive and very good over a long history
- their price was the best of the 3 online quotes I compared
- they use top quality components and all work is done by them, not by subcontractors
- their initial onsite inspection and full quote was professionally done, with the person arriving onsite as promised and doing a thorough job. It gave me additional confidence.
Their service was top quality from start to finish.
Every step of the process was communicated clearly and every step was completed as promised, on time, with great quality and friendly professional service, to the price quoted.
It is so refreshing to deal with a business that operates this well, thinks of the customer first and does such a professional job. A rarity it seems these days.
They did such a good job that our neighbours saw and witnessed this and have also since now installed with Essential Solar. Show additional information
Essential Solar were the first of the three random alternative quoters to to respond directly to me.
I chose them because:
- their online customer references were all positive and very good over a long history
- their price was the best of the 3 online quotes I compared
- they use top quality components and all work is done by them, not by subcontractors
- their initial onsite inspection and full quote was professionally done, with the person arriving onsite as promised and doing a thorough job. It gave me additional confidence.
Their service was top quality from start to finish.
Every step of the process was communicated clearly and every step was completed as promised, on time, with great quality and friendly professional service, to the price quoted.
It is so refreshing to deal with a business that operates this well, thinks of the customer first and does such a professional job. A rarity it seems these days.
They did such a good job that our neighbours saw and witnessed this and have also since now installed with Essential Solar. Show additional information
