Pivotal Solar - Tilbury

Deepal Bandaranayake

I installed the panels in January 2023. After a year, bird mesh has broken down. I sent many emails but no response. Tried calling, but the number is not working.

Avoid using this company. It’s a big acam

Raju Vora

Had a system installed by them end of Feb 2023, system is running but still waiting for work to actually be completed. Still outstanding a number of things to be rectified, including applying correct safety stickers/warnings, repair rips in membrane and completing wiring for ups/eps. Even though I've chased and been promised dates for finishing off, no one has come around to date (18th September 2023). I had to chase for MCs and dno notifications to the point of contacting the relevant organisations myself to get a list of outstanding details to chase Pivotal with, MCs were keen to hear that nothing had been registered for my install with them as they are required to complete the registration within 30 days of install ...

Sunil Chauhan

TL;DR: Amateur operation.

Where do I begin, the business model for this company does not work! They subcontract everything out to other contractors, and when things go wrong, it's incredibly challenging and downright impossible to fix.

Here is a list of issues I've encountered:

Issue 1: Survey
Despite requesting an onsite survey, they did everything remotely with "world-class" software (e.g. Google Maps) and still got it wrong. Only after the roofers came did they tell me what was possible.
Lesson learned: get an actual site survey to tell you what is possible regarding the number of panels.

Issue 2: Contract
Getting the contract was a challenge. Multiple mistakes and versions.
Lesson learned: always go through the contract with a fine toothcomb.

Issue 3: Scheduling
Many missed appointments. This comes back to my original point: they subcontract it to third parties, so most of the time, Pivotal is just liaising between you and the third party and not doing a good job. They'll turn up when not expected; luckily, I was home on both occasions, but it’s equally worrying if you’re not home and you get sent to the back of the queue.
Lesson learned: you'll end up project managing them and the subcontractors.

Issue 4: Electrician
The electrician that was used was a proper cowboy. Down to the fact that he said on multiple occasions, "I just want to be paid so I can go". If you ever come across Jema Electricals, just put the phone down and run.
Lesson learned: vet the electrician they use.

Issue 5: Roofer
The roofer's work was very unprofessional. Despite the roofer saying he'd cleaned up the mess, they didn't. As the scaffolding was there, I took it upon myself to check their work and saw a lot of waste materials left in my guttering. I had to clean it out myself. Secondly, they left the DC cable running without cable guards in my garden. Despite telling me he would fit it, he drove off and made some excuse about doing another job. Only when I withheld the payment, did Pivotal arrange for the electrician to fit the cable guards the roofer meant to do.
Lesson learned: check what the roofers have done and cleaned their mess.

Issue 6: Post installation
Absolute nightmare. I have had multiple issues with Pivotal and the equipment manufacturer (GivEnergy). I’ve had multiple site visits, and the system still remains unusable. It takes weeks at a time to resolve the issues.
Lesson learned: keep chasing; otherwise, they'll forget.

Issue 7: Handover pack
Despite telling you that you will get the handover pack within six weeks of installation, it took upwards of 6 months, and when I did get the copy, it was incorrect and did not reflect the installed design.
You may think this is unimportant, but it is, and an insurance pov will not cover you. I had to chase again and eventually escalated with HIES, and they got the correct handover pack for me.
Lesson learned: don't be afraid to involve HIES to mediate.

As you can see, there are multiple issues. I haven't captured the complete list, but there is enough here to give you a feeler of what you're dealing with.

Reece was the only person there who was proactive and showed that he cared. Probably because he is the owner's son. If you're having issues, always try to speak to Reece or Sharon (if she's still there).

Anyway, this is my take on things. If I could go back in time, I would not bother with these guys and wait for the more prominent companies to get involved. Right now, it's the wild west.

Artist Surfaces

Hello,

We are struggling to get in touch with you guys as we still have outstanding MCS certificates and snagging jobs to complete.

It seems your phone number has also been disconnected.

Are you actually still going? We have tried to phone, email and have left messages, but with no reply.

Can we please get our solar system complete and signed off as this has been going on since December 2022.

Dilon Singh

We wanted to take this time to thank all the team at pivotal solar for all there help and installing the solar panels in our family home. Every body down to the installers were very helpfull and kind. Everything was installed on time and all warranty on our solar panels battery and inverter was activated and now we are saving money on our energy bills and selling back the access to the national grid. I would highly recommend pivotal solar to our friends and family. So again thank you for all that you have done.

Raj Birk

I have been thinking about having solar panels for a long time now and I finally made the decision to move ahead. Pivotal Solar guided me through the whole process from choosing the right amount of panels right through to advising me on the optimal location of the panels. The service and customer care provided has made this experience easier than I had thought it would be and I have been recommending the company to all my close friends and families.

Chris Dawson

I ordered a solar PV and home battery system through Pivotal, and they provided a great service from start to finish. They kept me informed throughout the process and worked hard to secure equipment and installation appointments at a time when both were difficult to come by. The team were able to answer questions when I had them and use a very efficient electrical installation team that did a good job on the day. Overall very happy with the service, and would recommend them if you're looking at solar panels.

August Sancho

Experienced with Pivotal Solar overall was excellent. They answered all your queries, concerns and explained it in details. With unprecedented and high demand on PV system, this type of industry was struggling for demand and supplies and Pivotal Solar was not immune on it, there are hiccups along the way but the good thing with them was communication and being honest. They let you know the issues, resolves it and offer alternatives.

The installers were great, expectations was discussed and met. They explained the process throughout the installation. Unfortunately the weather was really bad but this doesn’t stop them doing the installation. I am happy with the system and straight away enjoying the savings. I’ve already recommended Pivotal Solar to two of my colleagues. Many thanks and well done guys.