Diamond Certified Company Report

High Definition Solar

Name: High Definition Solar
Address: US
Telephone: (925) 399-1919
Rating: 9.1

(925) 399-1919

Contact

Diamond Certified Company Report

High Definition Solar

(925) 399-1919

Contact

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i

Customer LOYALTY i

Helpful Expertise i

Company Credentials i

Workers Compensation
Liability Insurance
License Verification
Business Practices
Current Complaint File
Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 242 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

David S.

VERIFIED High Definition Solar CUSTOMER

1 of 242

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

Use them, you can't go wrong.

I would give them a '15'. They do a great job and are very responsive.

Martin K.

VERIFIED High Definition Solar CUSTOMER

2 of 242

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

They did great work at a reasonable price.

The owner squeezed me in during a busy time of the year and got the work done in the time frame he said he would.

Peter G.

VERIFIED High Definition Solar CUSTOMER

3 of 242

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

I like the fact they did both roofing and solar. They have to do them together, if you ever have looked into the solar, you will notice companies will recommend this.

Because I'm very picky about what I have done to my home, they were tolerant of this fact and didn't mind me watching them closely. They had a good plan and are very organized.

Read All 242 Survey Responses at Ratings View

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Chris Zepponi, Vice President of Sales

High Definition Solar is a full-service solar provider that serves residential clients throughout Northern California. Its experienced technicians are trained to handle every aspect of solar installations, from conducting comprehensive financial and energy analyses to dealing with paperwork and permits. In addition to installing solar power systems, the company offers a wide range of roofing services, including dry rot repair and energy-saving upgrades.

Vice President of Sales Chris Zepponi says much of High Definition Solar’s success is due to its customer-oriented staff of industry experts. “Our clients can sense our team spirit and the pride we take in our work. That’s the number one comment we receive from customers—they can tell our employees really enjoy what they do by the way they handle every situation.”

Prior to each installation, High Definition Solar’s technicians perform a thorough roof assessment so they can custom-design a solar power system that works for both the client’s roof and budget. The company provides each customer with a plan to optimize solar energy savings, and it stands behind these projections with a worry-free solar production guarantee. “We believe in solar as a secure investment, so we’re confident of its profitability for our clients,” affirms Mr. Zepponi.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON High Definition Solar

COMPANY CONTACT

High Definition Solar

(925) 399-1919

EMAIL
Map Hours Website OPEN NOW

Service AREA

Northern California

SERVICES PERFORMED

Solar Systems
Energy Storage
New Roof Installations

BRANDS Supported

Canadian Solar
Enphase

Company Name:	High Definition Solar
Website:	www.highdefinitionsolar.com
Phone Number:	(925) 399-1919
DCID Number:	DCID9255668282
Hours:	Mon – Fri: 8am – 4:30pm
Areas Served:	Serving Northern California
Managers:	Chris Zepponi, Vice President of Sales
Years in industry:	18 (Owner)
# of Employees:	59
License:	949189
Insurance:	Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation
Memberships:	Better Business Bureau, Prime Buyer’s Report, The League of California Homeowners
Awards:	Prime Buyer’s Report Top 10 Certified
Founded:	2010
Areas of Expertise:	Solar Systems, Energy Storage, New Roof Installations
Key Brands:	Canadian Solar, Enphase
Customer Type:	Residential
Warranties & Guarantees:	25-Year Warranty on Panels & Inverters, 10-Year Warranty on Labor
CC Accepted:
Financing:	Available Through Several Lenders, Terms Vary

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON High Definition Solar

One of High Definition Solar’s specialties is installing solar systems on tile roofs.

Company Profile

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Company Philosophy

“Our mission is to spread the benefits of solar power to homeowners throughout the Bay and Sacramento Areas. We believe simplifying the process of going solar is the key to its widespread adoption, so we guide our clients through the process and make it as easy as possible for them.”

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Comparative Summary

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 High Definition Solar, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: take a focused, personalized approach to every job to ensure the best possible results. “The passion and dedication we give to our clients is second to none,” affirms CEO Tim Netherton. “We want every customer to enjoy their experience with us, and focusing all our energy on their specific project is an important part of that.”

High Definition Solar has been installing solar power systems for residential clients throughout the Greater Bay Area since 2010. As a full-service provider, the company is qualified to handle every aspect of solar installations, from conducting energy and financial analyses to dealing with the paperwork and permitting processes. It also provides its clients with plans to optimize their energy savings, and it stands behind those projections with a “worry-free” solar production guarantee.

Unlike solar companies that limit their services to installing and repairing solar power systems, High Definition Solar is also qualified to offer a variety of roofing services, including dry rot repair and energy-saving upgrades. “You have to understand roofing if you’re going to do solar correctly, and that’s where we excel,” says Mr. Netherton. “We’re just as experienced and skilled in roof work as we are in solar work, so we’re able to maximize the efficiency of every installation.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, High Definition Solar offers workmanship and product warranties that are among the longest in the solar industry. “Our power inverters and panels are covered for 25 years, and all our labor is backed for 10 years with an all-inclusive warranty,” explains Mr. Netherton. “There’s no fine print with us–if a client has a problem with their solar system, we’ll come out and service it at no additional cost.”

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Industry Info

Take simple steps to get the most out of your solar power system. Having a solar power system installed on your property requires a lot of time and money, so it’s a good idea to maximize the system’s performance however possible. To get the most out of your system, consider the following tips:

Make sure you have high-quality equipment. Solar panels and inverters are installed as one system, and each individual piece only works as well as the entire unit. Tim Netherton, CEO of High Definition Solar in Concord, recommends installing a solar array with micro-inverters. “Micro-inverters are individual inverters for each solar module,” he explains. “They allow the panels to work independently instead of working as a row. That means instead of 16 modules in a row, you can have three or four all working on different parts of your roof.”
Your solar contractor should install your solar panels in the best location for gathering sun power. Keep surrounding trees trimmed to limit shade, as even minor shading can lower a solar system’s effectiveness by up to 80 percent. Solar panels are wired in a series, so minor shading on one panel can impact all panels unless they’re used with micro-inverters.
Talk with your solar panel provider about maximizing your panel array for your exact location. For example, locations that get early morning fog may benefit from orienting panels to take full advantage of clear skies in the afternoon.
Dust, bird droppings, tree branches, fallen leaves and other debris can significantly reduce the energy output of your solar panels. If your area gets a lot of dust, use a hose to clean the panels once a month. In windy areas, clean the panels every month or two. Your installer may be able to provide regular cleaning services or recommend a different company.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is solar power worth the investment?

A: It’s definitely something you should look into. Every home and family has different objectives when it comes to going solar, but they all have one thing in common: they want to secure their future, even if it’s in a small way like controlling their energy spending. The easiest way to do that is to have us come out, get on your roof, determine exactly how much energy you’re consuming and let you know how profitable a solar power system would be.

Q: Shouldn’t I wait to see what new technology comes out in a couple of years?

A: No. More and more people are installing solar power systems every day, and those people are able to join the Net Metering Agreement, which means they can send excess power back to the grid and receive credits. But the race is on—once the utility companies reach their cap on solar power, they’ll no longer have to give out Net Metering Agreements. People who get in now will be grandfathered in, but those who wait might miss out.

Q: How long will my solar installation take to complete?

A: Typically, we can install a solar system in one or two days. Some jobs might require special care, such as tiles that can’t be walked on. In those instances, we may have to use a lift or other accommodations that can add time to the job, but we’ll determine that before work begins.

Q: How long will my new solar panels last?

A: The manufacturer provides a 25-year warranty on the solar panels we install, and they’re expected to last even longer.

Q: Will you take care of my roof while you’re installing my new solar system?

A: Absolutely. We’re a licensed roofing contractor as well as a licensed solar installer, so we understand the importance of working carefully when installing a solar system on a roof.

Q: Do you handle the permitting process?

A: Yes. We have a simple process that we follow every time. First, we make sure everything is written properly and perform a site check before creating the plans. After that, we go to the city or county and take care of the permit. This process usually takes three to six days from the time you sign the paperwork. As soon as we hear back about the permit, we can start installing your solar system.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM High Definition Solar

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One of High Definition Solar’s specialties is installing solar systems on tile roofs.
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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Tim Netherton

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Tim Netherton is owner of High Definition Solar, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 399-1919 or by email.

Tim Netherton: Good Energy

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CONCORD — For Tim Netherton, a successful career in the solar industry is the result of hard work, a commitment to excellence and no small amount of faith. “Prior to getting into solar, I worked for a home remodeling company,” he recounts. “I started off in sales, but I was soon promoted to a management position where I learned about the business side of things, like legalities and how different departments function. During the following years, I saw a lot of opportunity in the solar industry, and eventually I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own company. There was a lot of risk—the economy wasn’t in the best shape and I was leaving a good-paying job, but I went for it because I believed 100 percent in solar. That’s how I got started and I still love it today.”

Today, as owner of High Definition Solar, Tim says his favorite part of his job is developing his team. “I enjoy driving our company culture and teaching my employees how to compete in the business realm. I emphasize the importance of staying mentally organized and working efficiently without sacrificing quality. It takes a lot of effort—it’s not something we’re born with, it has to be practiced—but in the end, we’re able to deliver better results because of it.”

A resident of Walnut Creek (where he lives with his wife, Kelly, and their three children), Tim spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy working out—that’s how I like to start my day. I also like riding quads and being involved with sports. All of my kids play sports and I’ve coached their teams over the years.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Tim espouses the importance of generating good energy. “Each of my team members knows that when they come through the door in the morning, the light switch goes on,” he explains. “You have to be on. You owe it to your coworkers, your customers and everyone else who’s involved in the process. When you’re on, it’s going to ignite your life, and in turn, it’s going to ignite those with whom you come into contact. We’re here to do the best we possibly can, no matter what—that’s what it’s all about.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: I’m a dog person, but I don’t have a dog. In fact, I have two cats.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: The Middle East, especially Israel. I like the idea of going somewhere Americans seldom visit because it’s a good opportunity to bring back some information and educate others.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Cheez-Its.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: The Fourth of July.

Expert articles

A Crucial Factor for Choosing a Solar Contractor

By Tim Netherton of
High Definition Solar

CONCORD — When choosing a solar contractor, homeowners often focus on price, but given the unique nature of solar, there are far more important things to take into account. The first and foremost factor you should consider when hiring a solar contractor is stability. How long have they been in business? Do they know how to manage a company? Will they still be in business in 10 years? These are important questions because when you purchase a solar energy system, in a way, you’re also purchasing the installer.

Solar isn’t like construction. For example, if you’re having your kitchen remodeled, when the work is done, it’s done—you typically won’t need the contractor to return after the fact. In contrast, with solar, ongoing service is necessary for the life of the system. What’s more, you can’t just hire anyone to service your system—you’ll typically need the contractor who installed it. This is partly due to reasons of liability. Solar contractors generally won’t service or add onto another contractor’s work because if it fails, the liability will fall on them. For this reason, you want to be sure the solar contractor you hire is going to be there 10 or 20 years down the road to take care of your service needs.

Unfortunately, many solar companies end up being a flash in the pan, disappearing as quickly as they popped up. A lot of installers who start their own companies are proficient in installation, but they don’t really understand the business side of it. Additionally, as a contractor’s portfolio grows, so does the amount of service calls they receive. If contractors don’t know how to manage and grow their companies to keep up with these demands, they can find themselves out of business very quickly.

If this happens to the company you hire, you could be left in a tough spot. That’s why it’s crucial to look beyond price and assess the stability of the contractor’s business model and operations. That way, you’ll have greater assurance that they’ll be there for the duration of your system’s lifespan.
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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Chris Zepponi

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Chris Zepponi is vice president of sales at High Definition Solar, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. He can be reached at (925) 399-1919 or by email.

Chris Zepponi: Good Energy

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CONCORD — With a background in sales and marketing, Chris Zepponi has done everything from home loan refinancing to high-tech recruitment. However, it wasn’t until he entered the home improvement field that he discovered the kind of energy that truly suited his personality. “Honestly, I never expected to be in home improvement, but given the economy in 2002, I was happy to get any work I could find,” he recounts. “To my surprise, I fell in love with the industry. In particular, I appreciated the unique opportunity to help people make their dreams come true.”

Chris explains how his involvement in home improvement naturally led to an emphasis on solar energy: “When I first started in this industry, solar wasn’t at the forefront—it was more about general remodeling measures like replacing windows and kitchen cabinets. Within about seven years, however, solar had emerged as a huge aspect, which prompted our company to alter its focus and change its name to High Definition Solar. Today, solar is a cornerstone of the home improvement field, and it continues to grow and evolve.”

As a resident of Fairfield, Chris says he appreciates the energy (both solar and communal) to be found in the Bay Area. “With the exception of maybe New York, I think the Bay Area has the best, most vibrant level of energy in the country. In addition to the people, there are so many opportunities here, especially since Silicon Valley is the high-tech capital of the world. Also, from a solar standpoint, the Bay Area has some of the best climate in the world for solar energy.”

Outside of work, Chris likes to stay active. “I have a passion for working out, so I spend a lot of time at the gym, as well as running and hiking,” he affirms. “I also love playing golf—I could play four or five times a month, no problem.” Chris also enjoys spending quality time with his 15-year-old daughter, Christina. “I like hanging out with my daughter, whether helping her with homework or taking her to the movies.”

In his life and career, Chris says attitude is everything. “If you don’t have a good attitude, you’ll never get to where you want to be in life. When you look at all the top business people and professional athletes, you’ll see they have an attitude that’s second to none. Nothing is going to stop them from being the best, and that’s a mentality we try to emulate at High Definition Solar.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Chris says he’d see the world. “I don’t get to travel as much as I’d like to, so that would probably be number one. I’ve never been to Europe, and since my ethnicity is Greek and Italian, I’d love to visit those countries.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Summer—it’s when my company is the busiest.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Homeland.”

Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis?
A: YouTube.

Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Sports—I played rugby.

Q: Is there a book that’s been particularly influential for you?
A: “Awaken the Giant Within” by Anthony Robbins.

Expert articles

Solar Power and Rate Increase Resistance

by Chris Zepponi, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

CONCORD — Everyone knows there are benefits to switching to solar energy, but there’s one advantage you may not have considered. One of the great things about going solar is it allows you to lock in your energy rate, which makes you rate increase-resistant against future inflation.

Since the 1970s, energy rates have gone up by an average of 7 percent each year, and many experts are predicting the rates we currently pay will double or even triple in the coming years. For those who are considered high utility users, those effects are going to compound even more.

Imagine it’s the 1970s and you’re given the opportunity to lock yourself into a gas price of $.50 a gallon. Over the next four decades, this price increase resistance would’ve allowed you to save thousands of dollars at the pump. When you switch to solar, you’re doing the same thing, only in regard to energy costs. You’re locking in your rate for a lifetime, so when the costs inevitably go up, you won’t feel the pinch like everyone else.

After you’ve made the switch to solar energy, you may feel a temptation to be more lax about your usage due to the drastically reduced costs. However, since energy remains a vital resource, it’s best to avoid using more energy than you need. Retaining a conscientious mindset after the fact will preserve energy and enable you to make the most of your financial savings.
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Expert video tip

Video: Becoming Rate Increase-Resistant with Solar

with Chris Zepponi of
High Definition Solar

Complete Video Transcription

CONCORD — Host, Sarah Rutan: Everyone knows about the benefits of switching to solar energy, but there’s one advantage you may not have considered. Today we’re in Concord with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Chris Zepponi of High Definition Solar to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Chris Zepponi: One of the great things about going solar is you’re making yourself rate increase-resistant, and you’re hedging against inflation. Utility companies are going to continue to raise rates in the future. Since the ’70s, rates have gone up by an average of seven percent. A lot of energy forecasters and experts are predicting that whatever we’re paying now, the rates are going to double to triple, and if you find yourself to be a high PG&E and a high utility user, those effects are going to compound even more. One of the great things about solar is you’re attacking the areas that are doing damage on your bill. If I were to ask you, let’s say, in the ’70s, if you were able to lock yourself into a gallon of gas for 50 cents a gallon, would that have been a wise decision if you had a lifetime contract? The answer of course is yes. That would have saved you thousands and thousands of dollars in terms of money that would have been spent at the pump otherwise.

You are doing the same exact thing by going solar. You are saving money on your utility bill. Solar’s designed to produce a certain – depending on the size of the solar system, it’s going to produce a certain amount of energy, and the best tip I can give is make sure when you do go solar, don’t use more energy than what you’re using right now. A lot of mistakes are made where just because we’ve gone solar, now we can start turning on all our electrical devices, the TV, and now we’re paying even more money. You don’t want to go down that road. Be energy conscientious. This will have more of an impact on your PG&E bill when you do go solar.

Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top-rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.info.
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High Definition Solar WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED

COMPANY WEBSITE

http://www.highdefinitionsolar.com

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON High Definition Solar

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