Thursday, March 27th
2025 Solar Panel Reviews
EcoDirect
- Family-owned
- Panels start at $36
- Locals can pick up solar panels to save on shipping
- Custom kits available
- Technical support available
- Financing options available
EcoDirect was founded in 2009 and is based in Carlsbad, California. This company designs and distributes for residential, commercial, and independent battery-based applications. EcoDirect is dedicated to providing solar to everyone, and they have a dedicated team providing technical support and clear guidance so customers can narrow down the choices to what best fits their needs.
Inviting website
EcoDirect offers a better look and experience than many other solar panel companies that use a slightly altered version of the same overly busy website template. EcoDirect feels warm and inviting in comparison.
Open-door policy
We loved that in the small print the company states, "If you are in the Southern California area and are interested in picking up an order or just coming in to say hello, please give us a call.” EcoDirect has nothing to hide here. Even in their "about” section, they honestly state that they have grown from a 3-person home operation to now having 10+ employees. There are no exaggerations here. This open-door policy adds a lot to company transparency. Also, we love the idea that we could pop by just to say "hello.”. That's a pretty friendly company culture.
Solar panels offered from EcoDirect
EcoDirect sells so much more than solar panels. Sometimes, that makes it hard to find what you're looking for. Not so with EcoDirect. So much more organized and easy to navigate than a typical solar panel website, they have a whole category dedicated to solar panels, which breaks down into subcategories:
- 200 watts and under. These are perfect for charging electric cars, small electronics, small garden, and emergency power equipment. These range from $36 for a 10-watt solar panel (new) to $424 for a 200-watt portable solar panel kit.
- 300 watts or more. These solar panels are powerful and can be part of your DIY plans for whatever you have in mind. These come in all kinds of voltage levels and sizes to help you complete your dream solutions. These range in price from $153.10 for a 410-watt, 144 half-cell, bifacial mono solar panel to around $7,500 for 32 415-watt mono solar panels.
- Commercial solar panels. These competitively priced solar panels are specifically made for commercial solar solutions. These panels are perfect for large ground mount projects or commercial rooftops. You can fill out a form online to learn more about commercial pricing.
- Panels by pallet or container. This category is for people who want to save on a big project and receive bulk pricing. You will need to call for a quote in this category.
EcoDirect also places convenient links to popular brands like Mission, SLD, Solar Direct, and more.
California customers can get extra services
California homeowners can use EcoDirect for support services for existing solar systems that may have problems or need troubleshooting. Just fill out the form if you need some help with your current solar storage system.
Free local pickup
As was mentioned, you can pick up your solar panels at the warehouse. Customers have noted that it actually is nice to go and pick up and inspect the panels before taking them home, just in case there could have been damage during the shipping process. Shipping solar panels is always pricey, so be prepared to add on a pretty high rate (because solar panels are delicate and need to be shipped carefully).
Quick shipping
If you don't live close enough to Carlsbad to pick up locally, customers repeatedly say that their shipments arrived on time or even earlier than expected. Often, solar panels take a very long time to ship, as they are coming from the other side of the world. EcoDirect generally has stock ready to ship via either FedEx or UPS; freight shipments are sent via insured carriers. That means most orders can arrive within 7-10 days.
Financing available
Getting your home off the grid requires an initial investment, and EcoDirect understands that. They offer flexible financing through LightStream/SunTrust Bank with credit application approval. They also take PayPal, Bitcoin, and bank ACH or wire transfer payments.
Great social media channels
EcoDirect has updated and active social media accounts that are engaging and fun. We love that they have photos of their products at expos and other events.
Lots of good reviews
Customers consistently praise EcoDirect for their great and responsive customer service and quick delivery times. Over and over, people say how nice it was to get an update from the company about when items would ship. This is not the case with all solar panel companies. People also comment on the cheerful, friendly attitude of the customer service representatives. It is apparent that EcoDirect treats its small customers with just as much respect as it treats its commercial players.
EcoDirect is a sunny spot in online solar panel shopping
Shopping around the EcoDirect website was a fun and pleasant experience. We love that whether you are a commercial customer or an individual, EcoDirect offers the same customer service. With its easy-to-navigate website and friendly vibe, we can recommend EcoDirect as the best choice for finding the perfect solar panels for your solar storage needs.
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Where Can You Find the Best Solar Panels?
Solar power is still a relatively new innovation, and it can be overwhelming trying to understand which solar panels are the best. It's important to recognize your priorities: if you're not overly concerned with maximum output and you want to stay on budget, you could choose something less efficient and still be happy with your solar storage system.
If you've decided to do it yourself, you may want to consider a company that also sells the compatible parts you will need when setting up your solar storage system. This way, you can know that all parts will work together. Another thing to consider as a DIYer is whether the company offers tech or permitting support. You may also want a company that can work with you to design a plan that would include helping you with the necessary permits and interconnection if you want to be hooked up to the electrical grid to receive rebates.
Solar Panel FAQ
Continued from above...
There are four common types of solar panels: monocrystalline, which are made from a single source of silicon; polycrystalline, which are made up of silicon pieces all melted together; thin-film solar panels, which are somewhat flexible and lightweight; and PERC panels, which use silicon backing to make them more efficient. Monocrystalline PERC panels will be your most efficient choice, but also your most expensive.
The majority of solar panels available in the United States come from China. This is important to remember when shopping for solar panels, especially if you are doing your solar project on your own and not through an installation service. Most solar panel companies often run low on stock, and it takes a bit of time for shipping, as the panels come from the other side of the globe.
There are some solar panel companies that offer panels made in the United States; however, they are generally going to be more expensive than their Chinese-made and -assembled counterparts.
At this point, things may seem pretty daunting to the uninitiated, but we're here to help. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider which solar panel company you should choose:
- Installation. Are you pretty well-versed in setting up solar storage systems, or are you an overly confident Clark Griswold type? Maybe you admit that you know nothing but want to be more environmentally conscious? Depending on your level of expertise, you may want to go with a company that takes care of the installation of the system. If you are confident but still desire some support, there are companies that also provide that service.
- Power needed. If you are only looking for a few portable solar panels to take with you on a camping trip or to set up for an RV, you don't need to worry about installation, but you might want to stick with a company that also offers batteries or solar generators.
- Price. What is your price range? If you have a tight budget, you may want to look at a company that sells refurbished solar panels at a steep discount. You can also look at bargain-priced companies, but beware of location. If the company is located overseas, it means that in the event of a defective panel, you will be spending a lot of money on shipping fees so they can replace or repair it.
To assist you in finding the best solar panels for your needs, Top Consumer Reviews has curated and ranked a list of companies for you to shop from. We're confident that this list will make your solar panel shopping experience brighter!
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