National solar companies have big marketing budgets — but local installers often deliver better results. Here's why choosing local protects your investment.
You've probably seen ads from national solar companies — Sunrun, SunPower, Vivint Solar, and others. They have massive marketing budgets, celebrity endorsements, and slick websites. But when it comes to your home, bigger isn't always better.
National solar companies operate on a franchise model. They sign you up, then subcontract the actual installation to local crews — often the lowest bidder. Quality control varies significantly.
More importantly: when something goes wrong 5 years from now, who do you call? National companies have high turnover, frequent rebranding, and some have gone bankrupt (SunPower filed for bankruptcy in 2024). If your installer is gone, your warranty may be worthless.
A local company has its reputation on the line in your community. They can't afford bad reviews — their next customer might be your neighbor. National companies can absorb bad reviews across thousands of installations.
When you call a local company, you reach the people who installed your system — not a call center in another state. They know your roof, your system, and your history.
Local companies can dispatch a technician quickly. National companies often have service backlogs of weeks or months because they're managing thousands of customers across large geographic areas.
Local installers build their business on referrals. They take pride in clean, professional installations because every job is a showcase in their community. National companies often prioritize speed over quality.
A 25-year warranty is only valuable if the company will be around to honor it. Local companies that have been in business for 10+ years are far more likely to be around in 25 years than a national chain that may pivot, rebrand, or go bankrupt.
Pell Solar has been installing solar in Southern California and Idaho since 2003 — over 22 years. We're a family-owned company with a physical office in Upland, CA. Every installation is done by our own licensed crew, not subcontractors. We answer the phone when you call.
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Get a free, no-pressure quote from Pell Solar. Family-owned since 2003.