RGS Energy Review 2019

Get Your Free Solar Quote

RGS Energy

RGS Energy, which stands for a Real Goods Solar Company, opened its doors to the public in 1978. The company is among the first businesses in the country to sell solar energy to the average household. Although RGS began with humble beginnings, it has installed more than 25,000 solar energy systems for homes, businesses, schools, government facilities, and utility companies.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, RGS is thriving by focusing on emerging solar technologies, such as solar shingles. Although the company has meager finance options, it services states across the country (and Hawaii as Sunetric) and installs unique technologies most other solar power installers don’t offer.

RGS Energy Key Features

RGS Energy Solar offers installations in 11 states
Authorized installer of Powerhouse solar shingles
24 year power production warranty
$500 instant rebate for U.S. Armed Services members
Uncapped $500 referral program

Average Customer Rating

RGS Energy is among our top rated solar power companies in 2019. In our research, we evaluated customer reviews from Facebook, Google, Solar Reviews and Best Company. With those sources, RGS Energy averaged 3.78 out of 5.0 across 407 reviews.

Positive reviews remark how friendly and professional RGS representatives are, and how effective and comprehensive RGS is at explaining the benefits and drawbacks of using a solar system.

Negative reviews comment on faulty equipment and delays in replacing or repairing items that are under warranty claims.

RGS Energy Solar Finance Options

Among the solar power companies we’ve reviewed, RGS Energy has very few finance options. Homeowners can purchase a solar system outright in cash, finance a personal loan, or go through the company for a solar loan.

Unfortunately, RGS Energy does not offer popular options like leases or Purchase Plan Agreements.

The good news is that members of the U.S. military qualify for an instant $500 rebate. RGS Energy also has a robust, uncapped referral program where homeowners can earn $500 for every successful customer referral.

Solar Purchase

System Owner: You No Monthly Payment to RGS Energy Keep 100% of Federal & State Tax Credits

Solar Loan

System Owner: You Monthly Payment to Lender $0 Down Payment for Qualified Buyers

Solar Equipment

RGS Energy’s solar power offerings have evolved alongside solar technologies. Today, RGS is the exclusive domestic and international manufacturer Powerhouse solar shingles, a solar shingle developed by Dow Chemical that is installed on more than 1,000 homes in the U.S.

Solar shingles are an aesthetically pleasing solar panel type that looks exactly like a normal asphalt shingle. The technology doesn’t have the lifespan of traditional solar panels, the shingles are cheaper to manufacture and install, and they look great.

Besides aesthetics, on its website RES Energy says the Powerhouse solar shingle combines the protection of a conventional asphalt shingle with an integrated photovoltaic solar system.

The other name brand solar shingle manufacturer and installer in the country is Tesla, under its Solar City brand, but its systems require a brand-new roof and cost upward of $70,000. RGS Energy and Powerhouse are an excellent cost-effective alternative.

Size and Configuration

Solar shingles and traditional solar panels by RGS Energy can be installed on most roofs that in good condition. In our research, we didn’t uncover the smallest solar system the company installs or any configuration limits.

Solar Panel Warranty

RGS Energy’s Powerhouse shingle solar system includes an 11-year product warranty and a 24-year power production warranty.

Unfortunately, we were unable to discover online if RGS Energy offers workmanship warranties, and the company didn’t return our requests for comment.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Among the attributes we appreciate about RGS Energy are the additional maintenance services the company offers. In addition to its traditional warranty maintenance, the company can remove or replace old solar panels and systems, install critter guard fencing to protect against chewed wires, and conduct site inspections to ensure maximum performance.

Interested in RGS Energy Solar?

If you’re ready to learn if solar energy is a great fit for your home or small business, give us a call. We’ll give you an honest assessment so you can save energy and money.

If you’d like to explore more solar power companies before making a decision, read our review of the top solar companies in 2019.

Solar Power Authority’s reviews are written based on our research and conversations with RGS Energy Solar. However, we are unable to test the company’s solar system units ourselves. We recommend you perform additional independent research before signing a contract. Read our disclaimer to learn more about our review process.