Independently Rated Highest in Quality
Originally Earned:
April 2011
We declare that Vista Solar, Inc. HAS QUALIFIED for and continues to meet the Ongoing Research and Rating Requirements for Diamond Certified® status.
Certificate #1746
(408) 256-3919
2985 Kifer Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051

Vista Solar, Inc. is a solar electric installation and project development firm that serves commercial clients throughout California. In addition to installing all types of solar panel systems, the company offers a four-phase process designed to make the solar experience stress-free and exciting for its clients, along with a 10-year warranty on each installation.

Owner Patrick Callinan says Vista Solar was born with a tradition of excellence established by its parent company, Silicon Valley Microelectronics, Inc. (SVM), which has spent more than two decades as a leading distributor and specialty service provider for the solar and semiconductor industries.

Company Philosophy

“We strive to gain references with each successful job, so our goal is to do extraordinary work that’s on time and on budget while providing excellent communication throughout every phase.”

Serving California

Installation
Clean Power Financing
Live Monitoring
System Monitoring
Free Site Evaluation
Paperwork Processing
Commercial & Residential
Free Estimates

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Fronius
Satcon Inverters
SMA
SMA
Solectria
SunPower
SunPower
Suntech
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Yingli

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 Vista Solar, Inc., the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: do everything possible to make sure each client is completely happy with its work and products throughout every...

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will I see a return on my solar system investment?
A: "In most cases, you’ll see a return on your investment in four to six years. And since your panels are under warranty for 25 years, you’re guaranteed to be producing free electricity for about 20 years."
Q: What kind of warranties do your solar systems carry?
A: "In addition to the 10-year warranty we provide on all our installations, the panels we install are under warranty for 25 years—their production is guaranteed at 90 percent in the 10th year and 80 percent in the 25th year."
Q: What kind of maintenance does a solar system require?
A: "Very little maintenance is required. As far as general upkeep, we recommend cleaning your modules once at the beginning of spring to ensure they’re capturing the most sunlight possible during the sunny months—just use a squeegee and hose to...

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Industry Info

When it comes to having a solar system installed, knowledge is power.
People have many reasons for switching to solar power, from rising electricity consumption and energy costs to growing concerns about the environment. Regardless of why you want to install a solar system on your residential or commercial property,...
Findings based on statistically reliable research from 32 surveys

Customer Satisfaction

Survey Question: On a scale of 1 to 10 how satisfied were you with the quality you received?
Chart.

Company Credentials

Workers Compensation
Liability Insurance
License Verification
Business Practices
Current Complaint File

Customer Loyalty

Survey Question: If you needed this product or service in the future, would you use this company again?
Chart.
100%
n = 32

Diamond Certified Qualification

Based on 32 customer surveys, we declare
Vista Solar, Inc.
has passed all rating steps and has earned
The Diamond Certified Award
No. 1746
Continuously qualified since April 2011.
David Pak
Director of Ratings Research
American Ratings Corporation

Verbatim Survey Responses From Only Verified Customers

S. F. R. Verified Customer Name
"They did everything the way they were supposed to and did it on time."
Research conducted by American Ratings Corporation. Ratings Methodology

Diamond Certified® Video Profile

See video

Company Capabilities Table

Vista Solar, Inc.
2985 Kifer Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 256-3919
DCID4088447149

Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 6pm

Serving California

Patrick Callinan and Jaymes Callinan
15
20
SunPower Advanced Design Certified, SunPower Advanced Installation Certified, SunPower Authorized Dealer
913360
Liability Insurance, Worker's Compensation
CalFinder, California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA)
2010 Angie's List Super Service Award, 2011 Best Solar Company and Best Green Business in Silicon Valley from Mercury Reader
2007
Photovoltaic Solar System Installations for Commercial Buildings and Land
Canadian Solar, Fronius, Satcon Inverters, SMA, Solectria, SunPower, Suntech, Yingli
15
Commercial and Some Residential
10-Year Workmanship Warranty, 25-Year Power Production Guarantee
Commercial PPA Financing, Commercial Lease Residential Home Equity Loan, Commercial "Green" Loan, Residential Unsecured LOC
Santa Clara Solar

Photo & Video Gallery

Survey Responses For

Vista Solar, Inc.

Vista Solar, Inc.: Average 9.5 out of 10 based on 32 unique customer surveys of these open ended questions.
S. F. R. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They did everything the way they were supposed to and did it on time."

W. P. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Their attention to detail, the smoothness of the project, and they were easy to get a hold of."

Amar G. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They made me feel comfortable every step of the way. There were no high-pressure sales tactics. From the time I signed the contract until when the work was done was almost a year and a half, so I had plenty of time to think. "

Bob O. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They actually got up on the roof, took measurements, and they were very good about doing the paperwork. They seemed like an honest and forthright company."

Carol T. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"I really liked the sales representative and really liked the installers."

Janice W. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Our unit has actually produced more electricity than they said it actually would, like 110%, so we will be getting a rebate. The fellows who did the installation were just the nicest guys. I was at home and felt completely comfortable with them around. They were polite and they put me at ease. We haven't had any problems. Everything went smoothly and is better than advertised."

Dan H. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Good people and good response time"

Daniel R. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were very good about keeping me informed about what was going on in the next stage of the project and if there were going to be any delays. That was the main thing. I appreciated it. "

Diane S. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"I think all the employees are great. The product is great. We are happy with everything."

Jeff V. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were very prompt about doing the work and they did a very careful job of installing and making sure the appearance was good."

Jim W. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Their attentiveness and their overall attention to detail, everyone I dealt with, from the person on the phone down to the installers, were very professional. I was having a lot of work done by different contractors. They were the only company I was happy with. They did what they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it. "

Joe N. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"The personality of the salesperson and the whole team that installed the panels. They were quite responsive, they did good work, and everything went smoothly."

Laurie D. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Their price was by far the best. They were very straightforward. They worked with me on coordinating the roofing and getting the installation done to take advantage of tax laws. I referred a neighbor, and they were very honest and ethical about telling her that the cost of her project might not make it worth it for her."

Linda A. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were very thoughtful and complete with the quote they provided. They did what they said they were going to do."

Marcos P. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Just the way they handled everything, it went pretty smoothly."

Denise C. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"I would say the service, the quality, and the savings."

Paul E. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"Ours was a very small project, but they handled it just like they would a big expensive project. They stuck with it until the end. We didn't have to worry about anything. They took care of the permits and everything."

Pete B. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"The guy handled everything. There were a few hiccups with the city and I didn't have to be here. They met with the city and took care of it. The panels work fine. I think they did everything they could."

Janel C. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were pretty conscientious."

Robert H. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"I had a really good experience. I interviewed three different companies. The guy who came out was the only one who came prepared with a ladder and everything to take measurements. The other companies all sent subcontractors. The report was thorough and ready in short order. They provided information about size and costs. Everything was as it was told to me all the way through. When the crew came, they were very particular. I'm a craftsman, so I knew they were good craftsmen. I had confidence in the quality of the work and the hardware. They accommodated everything I asked."

Ron M. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were very professional and they did a nice job."

Shannon B. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:10 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They gave me a decent price. They were dependable about showing up as scheduled and did the work appropriately."

Dave G. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:9 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They performed what they promised in a timely manner."

David H. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:9 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were willing to take care of the whole project from beginning to end with very little input from me."

Devin M. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:9 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"I liked the friendly and open service. When asked questions, they were very responsive."

Neerrraj K. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:9 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They did what they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it."

Randy C. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:9 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were quite professional, they provided detailed design and scheduling, and took care of everything before the job was completed."

Steven M. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:9 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were very skilled, very careful and diligent."

Carlos M. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:8 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"They were very personable and very good in maintaining contact and keeping us abreast of what was going on."

Christina L. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:8 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"The people were very responsive if I had a questions or issues."

Bret G. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:7 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"The quality of the work"

John B. Verified Vista Solar, Inc. Customer Name
Q1:7 out of 10
Q2:Yes
Q3 & Q4:"The best part was the equipment they provided and the price."