Upstate Alternative Energy

We originally chose Upstate Alternative Energy because they were a local company and we felt it would be beneficial to have someone from our area. But in the end, we knew we made the right choice because every step of the way Bob & Larry gave us confidence in our decisions and communicated with us throughout the process. The installation was done quickly and we didn't really have to do anything, from beginning to end, except give them access to the property. I would recommend them to anyone who is even thinking of installing solar. They will give you all the information you need without a big sales pitch.

I felt very comfortable with bob and larry. After contacting several companies it was great to deal directly with the guys that own the company and do all their own work, not some salesperson who doesn't even have solar panels themselves. These guys actaully have them. They got up on the roof first visit and showed me all the equipment they would use so I knew i was getting quality products. There was no waiting for months for install they got it the permitting and install done in just a few weeks. They could answer any question I had very knowledgeable. I would reccomend them to anyone.

Unit is used in remote barn and is charging four batteries of various equipment. Does a perfect jom maintaining them. Upstate did a perfect job installing solar cells and wiring same. Explained all to me in detail. Highly reccomend this company..

Upstate Alternative Energy did a fantastic job on both the technical and mechanical side of the installation. Complete from design, installation and inspection of the system. Their expertise in solar installation helped me maximize the benefit from tax incentives to ensure we have the best system for our house. Very customer service orientated and will answer and resolve any questions or problems that occur. I would highly recommend Upstate Alternative Energy for all your energy needs. Thank You, Great Job!

We've shifted more of our household energy usage to electric so that we can better take advantage of the production capacity. In doing so, we recently decided to expand our original system, adding an additional capacity of 3000 kwh annually. Larry drew up all the data we needed to make our decision, and he moved quickly on the installation as soon as the weather was amenable. The new panels are a bit different from the original set installed four years ago, but Larry took the extra time and effort to ensure that they would closely match up. That professional "extra touch" is just the kind of thing we've come to expect from Upstate AE.

Bob and Larry were easy to work with and answered our many questions. The system has been up and running for 5 months starting in January. January we generated 40% and February was 55% of our electricity Now in March-May we have been generating 100% of our power.

Hello, I wanted to share with you our experience with Bob and Larry owners of Upstate Alternative Energy. We had a 13.6 Kw ground mount system installed Nov 2017. Fisrt, I would like to talk about the Ironridge ground mount system, this system is a pre engineered and is all of the quality advertised. Secound, We used the suggested Enphase Microinverters and I believe whole heartedly that this is by far the best aproach to the conversion of DC/AC power. The Enphase Microconverters come with a 25 year warranty (included at no additional cost) and to get that level of warranty on a string inverter you will most defiantly have an additional cost. Third, We had alot of talk about the best solar module to use on our system. Bob was very good at understanding the proper panel for this project and explained it to me in a way that that I could understand. Fourth, I enjoyed my time together with the installer NeaI who took pride in his work and was great interacting with the family. Fifth, I had a few concerns with the system after completion that I shared with Bod and Larry who promptly came out and addressed my concerns. Bob had stated the he lives in our area and wants to walk proud of the work he and his company does and after our completion of this project I believe him.

Working with Upstate Alternative Energy was both pleasant and surprisingly easy. First and foremost, the team traveled from Syracuse to Rochester multiple times from the initial meeting to planning to install to follow-up. They said right from the start they were good with the travel and truly showed it after working on the roof for three consecutive 90 degree days. Originally I contacted them for an option to install solar shingles but after going over the pros and cons and running the numbers, they helped show why going to panels over shingles was worth it with the guys explaining it both non-technically and a little into the technical side after I asked. It felt like having two long term friends at the table while they went through this, never rushing and never insisting I go one route over the other instead just giving me the information to let me make the best choice for my home. I also presented them with some challenges for scheduling so we could work with other contractors and they gladly re-arranged things to ensure they would be onsite at the same time so I could maximize the use of my time. The install looks great. The results of the panel production have actually been better than originally expected (I also added spray foam to the roof deck reducing HVAC loads which were factored in on the original cost analysis). The updated Enphase model was new and their first install but they worked with the manufacturer and local suppliers to quickly get the correct parts once realizing the parts sent worked for the older model. As a bonus it was significantly smaller of a footprint for the inside components that I was able to place it out of the way giving me an extra corner back in my utility room. The extremely hot days did push the timing of the install a little longer as they worked to replace the roof in addition to installing the panels but they still managed to finish it right around expectations by going the extra mile and working late on multiple nights. They gladly did some custom work re-routing vent pipes and minimizing openings in the roof allowing maximum use of the roof for panels. After the install was finished, some extra work was needed to help resolve an issue with the monitoring problems due to manufacturer product issues. It took quite a few visits as they worked with the manufacturer but in the end I never heard a complaint on the driving to take care of it and each time the site was cleaned up as if they had never been there. I waited a bit before writing the review to see how the system would work with the monitoring they provided and the results. Its been a little over a half a year since the system has been in and the results are going strong. Aside from the snow blocking the panels, they have performed as expected and I am still seeing credits on my bill from electricity generated in the summer and fall. I have no doubt that I'll recoup my investment in this and enjoy at least 20 years of free electricity just as they figured I would. Given all the time they invested, getting to know them, and opening my bill from the power company and just having to pay the connection charge, the experience was well worth it. The whole team went above and beyond working sun up to after sun down during probably the hottest week of the year to bring the whole project together. If you're looking for a great team to install solar, these guys are definitely ones to give a call.

I was looking for a small solar installation company for a more personalized system install and accountability. I beat up Bob and Larry for over a year with e-mails and questions. They answered every question truthfully and promptly. Not once did I find out later that I had not received a full and correct answer. I spent a lot of time investigating products only to find out these guys were already using the best american made solar equipment. Their man Neal did a fantastic job with the installation, very professional (and he loves dogs). Everything came out perfect, level, plumb and neatly organized, giving us options all along the process. I can't say enough good about this company. The job came in on time and on budget. I would call them again without a second thought.

I was referred to Upstate Alternative Energy by a friend who had worked with them on his own residential solar system a couple of years ago. He recommended them without reservation so I contacted them. They asked for some basic information and from that, gave a very rough estimate for a system for our home. If we were interested, they would come out to take additional measurements and provide a more detailed proposal. After their follow-up, I went to another company for an estimate so I'd have some context to evaluate Upstate's proposal. Where Upstate seemed very cautious and realistic in what they said they could deliver, the other company offered a far better proposal - based on less information than what I had initially provided to Upstate. That was all I needed - we signed with Upstate to purchase and install a residential PV system. I have nothing but good things to say about this company. From what I've seen, the operate with integrity and sincerely want to provide value to their customers. We had one minor issue once the installation started but they immediately notified me, explained the situation, and offered options. Problems arise in anything and seeing how they handled our issue - with honest, plain dealing - makes me feel even better about our decision to go with Upstate Alternative Energy. Two thumbs up for these guys. I asked for a stack of their cards so I could recommend them to friends - as I already have!

We were glad that we chose Upstate Alternate Energy for our ground mount solar array. Working with Bob and Larry was great and they went above and beyond to help work out some difficult aspects of the installation. They definitely exceeded my expectations!

Bob, Larry and Neal did a great job on our system. Workmanship was outstanding and went off without any problems. Thanks

Bob and his team did a great job. The panels look nice on the roof and the system is working perfectly. Very professional team.

This company is top notch

Bob, Larry and Neal are a great team to work with. Very knowledgeable and professional. Always willing to work around the weather and my schedule. After 6 months of service am very pleased with the system. System is exceeding my expectations of production.

Upstate Alternative Energy was very easy to work and they did great job installing.

The guys at Upstate Alternative Energy worked hard to meet all of my needs. The explained the entire process in a way anyone could understand. The install was quick, clean, and professional. My panels are producing what they had estimated. I have already recommended them to my friends.

Larry and Bob are very easy to work with, with careful explanations of the entire process, very professional installation service to cover the entire process end-to-end, and courtesy follow-ups because they continue to monitor.

I had priced out a couple of businesses, and this one was the most affordable for me given the type of system I was looking for. I imagine the main reason is that they do all of the work themselves, rather than contracting it out. I liked this, because I liked knowing who I was talking to on the phone, who I was going to meet with to discuss the contract, and who was getting up on the roof. I spoke with Bob from the beginning. He patiently talked to me probably 3 different times to answer questions and offer suggestions. These 3 times probably totaled about 5 hours. I liked that he was never pushy, buy always offered his opinion when asked. Some other companies might try to steer you in one direction for the wrong reasons, or be non-committal when you are looking for suggestions. An example of this was when I was deciding between micro vs string inverters. Bob explained the pros and cons of each, and I asked him, "Which would you choose in my situation." He told me the micro and why. I am a bit of a paranoid buyer. I always think that more informed people are trying to take advantage of the less-informed. So every company I talked to, I researched afterward to see if the research agreed with what I was being told. With Bob and Larry, it always was. The first time they came out to the house to talk business, they were up on the roof so they could get measurements, assess how it would look, and get accurate solar angles, etc. When I met with other companies, they didn't get on the roof, and it seemed they were a little less committed until I was fully committed. When I signed with Upstate Alternative, Bob turned me over to Larry, and we handled all of the paperwork and signatures via email. There was one issue that we came upon, which was the panels I was looking for were 255 watt panels. However, they were not in stock so they offered me a 265 watt panel at the same cost. I was very content with that; who wouldn't want a higher wattage panel at the same price. Before I agreed I researched the new panel and decided it was worth it. Within a week they were on the roof. They came three different days, and were totally done in about 1 week, with only 1 of those days being a full work day. I officially signed at the end of March, and the system was humming on April 12th. I then went online and watched my roof produce electricity for me. However, during our meet and greet, they had shown me how I could watch each panel individually produce, but my log-in was not doing that. I contacted Larry to ask why that was, and the company had created restricted views. In order to view them unrestricted, I needed to pay (I think) 250 additional dollars. Larry apologized and offered to pay half of that, which I was fine with. During the whole process, they were always quick to respond, whether it be by text, phone call, or email. Very stand-up guys. When we were talking about different energy-saving techniques, Larry offered to install a pool timer in our basement, and did so at no additional cost. We had a birch tree in the front corner of the house that I planned on cutting down to maximize our solar return. Bob said, "Do you have a chainsaw, because I can cut that down right now." I know this is probably a record-breaking review in terms of length, but when I was trying to decide on an installer, the longer reviews helped me a lot more than the short ones did.

We had solar panels installed by Upstate Alternative Energy in the fall of 2013. We were impressed by the professional, courteous and prompt service by the owners of the company. We would highly recommend this company to anyone who is considering a solar energy system.

Bob and Larry were very professional, and more important very knowledgeable. They explained stats that other companys tried to skip over with smoke and mirrors. I would definitly recommend them and would use them again?

Larry and Bob from Upstate Alternative Energy were great to work with. They are very knowledgeable about the various solar system choices, and were able to explain everything I had questions about. They communicate well, and are professional, honest and upfront about everything. They took care of all the paperwork, and when it came to the installation were on time and worked efficiently to have my system up and running. Highly recommended.

Great company! they installed a solar thermal system several years ago and it works great. In the summer we have the warmest pool in the neighborhood and free hot water for showers too.

A great team of solar installers to work with! Very experienced and knowledgeable about all the issues of installing a residential system, from which panels to pick and how to integrate the system with your existing electric system without a hitch. I'm loving the web based monitoring system that came with my enphase microinverters. Nothing better than to see the kW pouring in on a sunny day, and with all the tax credits and rebates, now is the perfect time.

We have had solar tubes installed over four years ago. Not only does the solar energy heat our hot water year round at about 80%; in the summer, it also heats our inground pool at approximately 80%! What more could we ask for, you can imagine the savings we've accumulated. Solar Energy installation costs will pay for itself in 6 years!

Larry Andrews is the Tech Expert and answers all questions promptly and thoroughly. Bob Bryant is the construction guru and makes sure the materials are on site when needed and installed expertly. Both men have extensive experience in PV system installation, and have the personal communication skills to accomplish installation in an easy and comfortable manner. Larry also continues periodic contact over the past 18 months to follow up on any concerns and to update hardware as needed. We are VERY pleased with our system and their personal service!

The gentlemen from Upstate Alternative Energy explained everything thoroughly and worked with us to install a very efficient system. They were friendly, hardworking and courteous. I will recommend them in the future.