Big Wave Roofing and Solar is a regional roofing and solar installer frequently searched by homeowners evaluating contractors. This article synthesizes company background, service offerings, customer reviews, warranty details, pricing and financing options, solar product choices, installation process, and practical tips to interpret reviews so readers can make informed decisions. Focus is on real-world performance, recurring praise, and common complaints to help potential customers weigh pros and cons.
Topic | Snapshot |
---|---|
Average Review Themes | Strong Installation Quality, Mixed Communication |
Warranty | Manufacturer + Limited Workmanship |
Solar Products | Tiered Panel/Inverter Options |
Pricing | Competitive With Seasonal Variations |
Company Overview And Business Background
Big Wave Roofing and Solar operates as a combined roofing and photovoltaic installer focused on residential projects across specific U.S. regions. The company markets integrated solutions—roof replacement coordinated with solar installations—to simplify logistics and reduce roof penetrations. Integrated roofing and solar services are a core value proposition that differentiates the company from single-discipline contractors.
The business model is designed for homeowners seeking a single point of responsibility for roof and solar systems. This model can speed timelines and reduce subcontractor conflict but requires strong project management to maintain communication across trades. Project coordination is essential for successful combined installs.
Services Offered
Big Wave provides a range of residential services including roof repair, full roof replacement, roof inspections, solar PV design and installation, battery storage, and maintenance plans. Some locations also offer storm restoration assistance and insurance claim support. Full-service offerings allow customers to consolidate contracting work.
Roofing materials typically include architectural asphalt shingles and select premium options, while solar offerings often include multiple panel brands and inverter choices (string, microinverters, or optimizers). The company may bundle roof work with solar warranties to address long-term roof-solar interactions. Bundled warranties and coordinated timelines are common selling points.
Customer Reviews: Common Praise
Positive reviews frequently highlight quality workmanship, neat installations, and adherence to local code standards. Customers often note that crews were punctual and that final site cleanup met expectations. Installation quality and cleanup receive the most consistent praise in favorable reviews.
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Many homeowners appreciate the convenience of a single contractor handling both roof and solar work, reporting fewer coordination issues and faster project completion versus hiring separate companies. Reviewers who experienced smooth permit handling and inspection scheduling often rated the company highly. Streamlined permitting and inspections are recurring positive themes.
Customer Reviews: Common Complaints
Negative reviews most commonly focus on communication lapses, delays in scheduling, and billing or paperwork confusion. Some customers report difficulty reaching project managers during busy seasons. Communication and responsiveness are the most frequent sources of dissatisfaction.
Occasional reviews cite warranty claim delays or disagreements over workmanship coverage. These cases often involve nuanced disputes about pre-existing roof issues, scope changes, or damage attribution. Customers recommend documenting every communication and retaining photos to support claims. Documenting the project reduces friction during warranty claims.
Ratings And Third-Party Verification
Big Wave Roofing and Solar’s aggregated ratings vary by platform—Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and industry sites—reflecting regional performance differences. Ratings often fall in a mixed range, with clusters of five-star and one-star reviews. Review variance suggests performance depends on local crews and management.
Third-party verifications like BBB accreditation, state contractor licensing, and manufacturer installer certifications add credibility. Prospective customers should verify licenses, bonding, and insurance certificates before signing contracts. Independent credentials help validate contractor reliability.
Warranties, Guarantees, And Aftercare
Typical warranty structure includes manufacturer warranties for solar panels and inverters, plus a limited workmanship warranty from Big Wave on roofing or installation labor. Warranty lengths vary by product and contract terms. Understand which warranties cover parts versus labor and who is the responding party.
Customers should request written warranty details, transferability clauses, and claim procedures. For combined roof-and-solar projects, confirm how roof warranty overlaps with solar mounting warranties to avoid coverage gaps. Clarify warranty overlaps and transfer policies up front.
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Pricing, Financing, And Incentives
Pricing is influenced by roof complexity, square footage, chosen materials, solar system size, and regional labor rates. Many customers find Big Wave’s quotes competitive relative to local market averages, though seasonal demand can raise costs. Obtain multiple quotes and compare line-item pricing for transparency.
Financing options commonly include solar loans, leases, power-purchase agreements in select markets, and roofing financing programs. Big Wave may partner with lenders to offer financing and to help customers claim federal investment tax credits where applicable. Financing availability and terms vary by state and customer credit.
Solar Products And System Performance
Big Wave typically offers tiered solar panel options from mid-range to higher-efficiency brands and several inverter choices including string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. Panel efficiency, degradation rate, and inverter warranty are key performance indicators. Choosing a reputable panel and inverter brand influences long-term performance.
System performance depends on roof aspect, shading, inverter selection, and proper sizing. Properly sized systems designed with realistic production estimates tend to meet customer expectations; overly optimistic production guarantees should be scrutinized. Request production estimates and after-install monitoring access.
Installation Process And Timeline
Typical project phases include site assessment, engineering and permitting, roof preparation or replacement, solar racking and panel installation, inspections, and commissioning. Timelines vary from a few weeks for simple replacements to several months for complex or high-demand periods. Permit and inspection windows are often the largest timeline variables.
Customers should receive a written schedule, scope of work, and change-order process. Clear milestone communication reduces surprises and aids coordination with homeowners’ schedules. Ask for a detailed timeline and single point of contact.
Customer Service And Claims Handling
Post-installation customer service quality varies across territories. Many positive reviews praise responsive warranty service, while negative reviews cite delays in service call scheduling. Contract terms often specify response windows for service requests. Verify promised response times in writing.
For warranty claims, the typical process involves submitting photos, permit and inspection records, and a service request. Customers who log interactions and maintain a paper trail experience smoother resolutions. Keep all documents, photos, and correspondence organized for claims.
Comparison With Competitors
Compared to national solar firms and specialized roofing contractors, Big Wave’s strength lies in integrated roof-solar projects that reduce subcontract friction. Competitors may offer lower prices, broader product lines, or faster regional response depending on market presence. Evaluate tradeoffs between integrated convenience and specialized expertise.
Homeowners should compare warranties, production guarantees, installer certifications, and long-term service commitments when choosing between providers. A lower initial cost may not account for long-term maintenance or production shortfalls. Prioritize total cost of ownership and warranty robustness over the lowest bid.
How To Evaluate Reviews And Make A Decision
When assessing Big Wave Roofing and Solar reviews, consider review recency, common themes, resolution outcomes, and reviewer verification. Single outlier reviews are less informative than repeated patterns. Look for consistent praise or complaints across platforms.
Request references from recent local projects and ask to see completed installations nearby. Independent performance data, such as production monitoring screenshots and post-install inspection reports, provide objective evidence of system performance. Ask for local references and production data before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Documentation Should A Customer Request?
Customers should request a signed contract detailing scope, materials, payment schedule, warranty documents, permit records, and project milestones. Clear documentation minimizes disputes. Insist on written warranties and an itemized contract.
How Long After Installation Should System Performance Be Verified?
System performance should be monitored immediately after commissioning and regularly during the first year to validate production against estimates. Seasonal variations make year-long data valuable. Monitor production closely in the first 12 months.
Are Roof Replacements Required Before Solar?
If the existing roof is near the end of life, replacing it before solar installation is advisable to avoid removing and reinstalling panels later. Big Wave’s combined service aims to coordinate this. Assess roof age and condition before adding solar.
Practical Next Steps For Homeowners Considering Big Wave
Obtain at least three competitive quotes, verify licenses and certifications, request local references, and compare warranty scopes and financing terms. Document all communications and request a clear timeline with milestones. Comparative quotes and documentation are essential decision tools.
When meeting sales or project staff, ask specific questions about production modeling, panel/inverter brands, permit timelines, and post-install service procedures. A prepared homeowner achieves better contract outcomes. Ask for production guarantees and a detailed service plan.
How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes
- Prioritize Workmanship
A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road. - Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States. - Use Negotiation Tactics
After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.