San Antonio’s Atma Energy Restores Trust in Solar Power

Many San Antonio homeowners who invested in rooftop solar have faced disappointment, costly repairs, and even safety hazards due to shoddy installations and deceptive sales practices. However, Atma Energy, a local San Antonio company, is stepping up to fix these malfunctioning systems and bring the true benefits of solar energy back to residents.

The ‘Wild West’ of Texas Solar Installations

Texas experienced a boom in rooftop solar sales over the past decade, unfortunately opening the door to predatory companies. Investigations revealed widespread issues like deceptive sales, inflated promises, expensive loans, and poor workmanship, leaving thousands of homeowners victimized. After the deadly winter storm in early 2021 highlighted grid fragility, vulnerable populations were often targeted by door-to-door salespeople with little to no actual knowledge of solar technology.

Anabella Starnes, a homeowner in Converse, experienced this firsthand. Her $16,000 solar system initially worked but quickly led to increasing electricity bills, eventually topping $200 a month for her three-bedroom home. Her original installer was unresponsive, and later, a CPS Energy employee found her system posed a fire and electrocution risk, disengaging it entirely. Atma Energy discovered the inverter was broken, panels were cracked, and the installer had used cement and bricks for anchoring, causing roof damage.

Atma Energy’s Mission: Cleaning Up the Mess

Recognizing the widespread problem and the negative reputation it cast on solar technology, Atma Energy co-founders Supratim Srinivasan and Jaro Nummikoski decided to act. Unlike many competitors, Atma Energy avoids door-to-door sales, focusing instead on online marketing and customer referrals. Their commitment to ethical practices is evident, with no complaints filed against them with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

Three years ago, Atma began offering repair services for systems they didn’t install. This initiative grew rapidly, proving a significant need for reliable solar repair in the region. The company developed an online platform for homeowners to submit service requests, even if their system was installed by another company.

How Atma Energy Helps Homeowners

Atma’s process is designed to be customer-centric and cost-effective. After a homeowner submits a request, Atma attempts remote troubleshooting or guides customers through system resets as a free first step. If issues persist, technicians conduct an on-site evaluation. If the damage is minimal and doesn’t involve the roof or major hardware, Atma may fix the problem on a pro bono basis.

For more extensive repairs, Atma works with customers to pursue refunds from original installers or loan cancellations. When these options aren’t feasible, they strive to “make the best out of a bad situation” by offering repairs at the lowest possible cost. Importantly, Atma often finds that despite poor installation, the equipment itself comes from reputable manufacturers with strong warranties, which Atma handles on behalf of the customer, often eliminating the cost of new products.

For Anabella Starnes, Atma’s intervention was transformative. After a new roof and a new system with batteries (costing her $16,000 after rebates, for a $36,000 system), her highest electricity bill has been just $8.95. She anticipates recouping her investment in seven years and now enjoys reliable power, even during outages.

Comparison: Problematic Installers vs. Atma Energy

Protecting Your Solar Investment

While state regulations on the solar industry have strengthened since initial reports, the aftermath of the “Wild West” era still impacts many. Atma Energy aims to restore faith in solar, demonstrating that the technology works when implemented correctly. On average, their repairs cost about $560, though more complex cases like Starnes’s can be higher. They also offer an annual $365 preventative maintenance subscription service, including inspections and panel washing, providing peace of mind and discounts on non-warranty fixes.

Atma encourages homeowners not to give up on solar due to past bad experiences. Even if a resident isn’t looking for a full repair, Atma can safely turn off a hazardous system, preventing potential fires or electrocution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Repair in San Antonio

• What kind of problems did many Texas solar installations have?
  Many installations suffered from shoddy workmanship, used outdated or missing components, caused structural damage to roofs (e.g., cracked panels, improper anchoring), and posed fire or electrocution risks.
• How can Atma Energy help if my solar system isn’t working?
  Atma offers remote troubleshooting, on-site evaluations, handles warranty claims with manufacturers, and provides repair services. They aim for pro bono fixes where possible or low-cost solutions if refunds/cancellations from original installers aren’t an option.
• What if my original solar installer is out of business?
  Even if the original installer is gone, Atma Energy often finds that the actual equipment (panels, inverters, batteries) comes from reputable manufacturers. Atma can help homeowners navigate and utilize these manufacturer warranties to get parts replaced at no cost.
• What is the average cost to repair a malfunctioning solar system with Atma Energy?
  While complex cases can be more, Atma estimates the average repair cost is around $560. They also offer a $365 annual subscription for preventative maintenance and discounted rates on non-warranty repairs.
• Can Atma Energy help if my system is a safety hazard?
  Yes, Atma can assess and, if necessary, safely disengage a hazardous solar system to prevent risks like fire or electrocution, even if a full repair isn’t immediately pursued.

For San Antonio homeowners “burned” by a bad solar experience, Atma Energy offers a crucial second chance to tap into the real benefits of clean, affordable energy. Don’t let a past mistake deter you from a brighter, more sustainable future.

San Antonio Atma Energy restores solar trust