Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for solar companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Kingdom Solar, the key to keeping clients happy is simple: utilize its wide-ranging skills and experience to efficiently manage their solar projects from start to finish. “We do our best to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, and if a customer has a certain expectation or concern, we’ll immediately handle it, regardless of whether it costs us extra,” explains owner Chris Paredes. “Our clients trust us because we’re one of the best teams in the industry.”

Kingdom Solar has been providing solar services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Joaquin Counties since 2017. The company has the in-house capabilities to install and maintain all types of solar electric systems, and it’s also qualified to perform panel upgrades, troubleshoot faulty equipment, install battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging stations, and more.

Unlike solar companies that don’t have much experience with roofing or electrical work and have to bring in subcontractors as a result, Kingdom Solar benefits from Mr. Paredes’ experience as a certified electrician and a former roofer and metal fabricator. “I’m very comfortable when I’m on a roof—it’s where I’ve been most of my life,” he affirms. “A lot of solar companies are founded by people who purchase franchises and don’t have any installation expertise, but I started in roofing, metal fabrication and electrical contracting before I went to work for the largest solar company in the nation, so I’m well-versed in every aspect of the job.”

Kingdom Solar further differentiates itself from its competition by maintaining a staff of highly qualified technicians. “Our employees work efficiently and focus on giving our clients the best possible experience,” says Mr. Paredes. “When they hire us to handle their solar projects, they can trust that they’re dealing with people who really care about them and their homes. In fact, we take extra steps like painting conduits to match the home; providing clients with regular, face-to-face updates about our progress; and installing multiple types of energy storage systems to better meet individual needs.”

Before starting a solar installation project, make sure your roof is up to the task.
In the rush to cash in on solar incentives and start saving money on utility bills, many homeowners hire a solar contractor, pick out panels and inverters, and install their new solar system without thinking about the roof that’s underneath. However, according to Chris Paredes, owner of Kingdom Solar in Livermore, that can be a costly oversight.

“You’d be surprised how many times I’ve been asked to remove solar panels for a reroofing project and the panels have only been installed for a year or two,” he says. “Your solar contractor should know better than to install new solar panels on an old roof. Removing solar panels is an expensive job, so your contractor should make sure your roof is in good shape before moving forward with the work.”

Mr. Paredes also mentions that if your roof is old or damaged, your contractor should inform you before the job begins and recommend potential solutions. “It may be more financially sound to replace the roof first,” he offers. “Any reputable contractor won’t push a client to install a solar array on a roof that needs to be repaired. Solar work can wait until the roof is in good condition.”

Not all roofs can support solar panels
Most solar contractors have the experience to install solar arrays on nearly any type of roof, but as Mr. Paredes explains, there are a few types of roofing materials that aren’t compatible with solar panel installations. “For example, roofs with stone-coated metal shingles or vintage tiles generally can’t handle solar systems,” he says. “Fragile materials like those can get damaged by installers walking on them or by the installation process itself.”

As a solution, your solar contractor can collaborate with a roofing contractor to install traditional shingles or another compatible roofing material in only the section where the new solar system will fit. If done correctly, this patch will be invisible from the ground and allow for the solar panels to be correctly installed while still maintaining the appearance and integrity of the original roof.

Q: When should I schedule my solar project?
A: The slowest time for solar work is usually February and March, so if you can plan to get on our schedule during that time, you may get faster service. Call us and we’ll help you determine the best timing for your project.

Q: How long will it take to complete my project?
A: It depends on a variety of factors, but once we start your job, we’ll stay on it until it’s finished. Most average-sized installation jobs can be completed in one to three days, but the entire process from system design through completion can take one or two months.

Q: What is a ground-mounted solar system?
A: Ground-mounted solar systems feature panels that are installed in yards or pipes that come out of the ground. They’re best for homeowners who have extra space.

Q: Can you install solar panels on my specific type of roof?
A: We have a lot of experience installing solar panels on every type of roof, so we won’t turn you away if your house has a unique roof. However, there are a few types of roofing materials that aren’t compatible with solar panel installations. For example, stone-coated metal shingles and vintage roof tiles will get crushed or damaged during the process. If you have one of these roofs, we’ll just reroof the section where the solar panels will be installed so we can preserve the look and integrity of the roof.

Q: Will you tell me if my roof is in the right condition to install solar panels?
A: Yes. We’re often asked to remove solar panels for reroofing projects, and the panels have only been installed for a year or two. That’s an expensive project, so we always make sure the roof is in good condition before moving forward with the installation. Once we’re on the roof, we’ll take pictures of any issues and recommend certain repairs if we think they’re necessary.

Q: Is it possible to get a whole-house backup system with solar?
A: Yes. Technology is changing, and it’s getting easier to find good battery energy storage and even whole-house backup systems. We started installing Generac PWRcell systems because they have a transfer switch functionality—as long as your electrical system is configured correctly, you’ll have backup power throughout your entire house. If you just watch your levels and understand your system’s capabilities, you can find a system that will allow you to live on solar power alone.