As the solar industry continues to grow, Southern Oregon homeowners have more choices than ever when it comes to installing solar power systems. Two companies offering solar energy solutions are True South Solar and Blue Raven Solar. While both are dedicated to helping customers reduce their energy bills and reliance on traditional power sources, there are significant differences in their approach, scale, and customer focus. In this article, we’ll examine the difference of True South Solar vs Blue Raven Solar.
Company Overview
True South Solar
Founded in 2010 and based in Southern Oregon, True South Solar focuses on delivering high-quality solar and energy storage solutions with a local touch. As a small business, True South Solar is deeply rooted in the Southern Oregon community, offering customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of residents and businesses in the region. Our team is dedicated to comprehensive customer service, from design and installation to post-sale support, and we emphasize empowering local communities with sustainable energy solutions.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is a national company that has seen rapid growth, expanding from three team members to over 3,200 in just ten years. As a SunPower company, Blue Raven has the advantage of scale and resources, operating across the U.S. Their mission emphasizes lowering energy bills and providing homeowners with clean, renewable energy, backed by a high-volume installation process. They also partner with the nonprofit GivePower to support global sustainability initiatives. Unfortunately, SunPower Corporation is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy so it’s ownership model is uncertain going forward.
Scope and Reach
True South Solar
True South Solar exclusively serves the Southern Oregon region. This localized focus allows us to offer in-depth knowledge of local permitting, utility incentives, and climate considerations. As a community-focused business, True South Solar also engages in local partnerships, sponsorships, and donations to give back to the region.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar operates on a national scale, with a significant workforce and presence in multiple states. Their large-scale operations allow them to handle a high volume of installations, often with a standardized process. While they offer fast installations, their broad reach may not offer the same level of personalized service as a local provider.
Customer Experience and Sales Approach
True South Solar
At True South Solar, we pride ourselves on offering a customer-focused experience that is personalized and pressure-free. Our reviews reflect a focus on clear communication, high-quality installations, and ongoing support throughout the process. One key distinction is that True South Solar is a “no knock” company—we do not use door-to-door sales tactics to acquire new customers. Instead, we rely on our reputation, community involvement, and word-of-mouth referrals to grow our client base. This approach ensures that potential customers feel informed and comfortable when making the decision to go solar.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar takes a more aggressive sales approach, utilizing a large number of door-to-door salespeople to reach potential customers. While some homeowners find this method annoying, it has proven effective in selling solar to those who may not have initially considered it. Blue Raven’s door-knocking strategy has enabled them to reach a broader audience, but it can feel intrusive to those who prefer not to be approached at home.
Incentives
True South Solar
As an Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) Trade Ally, True South Solar can access a wide range of incentives for homeowners, making solar more affordable and accessible. The ETO offers rebates and incentives specifically designed to reduce the upfront cost of solar installations. Our team is highly knowledgeable about these incentives and helps homeowners maximize their savings through local and state programs.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar, while offering competitive solar installations nationwide, is not an ETO Trade Ally, meaning they cannot access the same local incentives for homeowners in Oregon. As a result, customers may miss out on valuable rebates and savings that could further reduce the cost of solar.
Financing
True South Solar
At True South Solar, we believe in transparency when it comes to financing. We work with homeowners to find the best payment solutions, including home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and other long-term financing options that help reduce the overall cost of the system. We prioritize helping clients find options that work out better for them financially in the long term, ensuring they’re not burdened with hidden fees or high-interest costs.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar offers financing deals that can come with hidden dealer fees and other costs, such as interest, which can significantly increase the total price of a solar system over time. While their deals might seem appealing at first, customers may end up paying more than they expected in the long run due to these additional costs.
Sustainability and Partnerships
True South Solar
True South Solar’s sustainability focus extends beyond just providing renewable energy. We are dedicated to empowering our local community with solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also support energy independence through the integration of solar energy storage systems like Tesla Powerwall. Our mission is ‘Solar for Everyone and the Best Jobs Ever,’ highlighting our commitment to both our customers and our employees.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is part of the SunPower family, which has a dubious future, given SunPower’s current Chapter 11 status. They are also partnered with GivePower, a nonprofit working on global sustainability projects, which adds a philanthropic element to their business model.
Conclusion
So, hopefully now you can make an informed decision: True South Solar vs Blue Raven Solar. Both True South Solar and Blue Raven Solar offer reliable solar energy solutions, but the key differences lie in their scale, focus, and customer experience. True South Solar’s local expertise, personalized service, and no-knock approach make it the ideal choice for homeowners and businesses looking for tailored solutions and ongoing support. In contrast, Blue Raven Solar, with its national reach and rapid growth, may appeal to those seeking a fast, standardized solar installation backed by a large company—though the door-to-door sales approach may not be for everyone.