FAQ's
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about solar energy and the purchasing/fullfillment processes at Colorado Solar Energy.
Ordering
Does CSE accept phone, fax, email, or snail mail orders?
You can call us at 630-797-3000 and speak with one of our System Engineers, who can help you determine what system or components will be right for you. Please take a look at our informative pages in the Learning Center section before calling--those will help you be acquainted with what we sell so you'll be ready to discuss your system with a Systems Engineer.
How long will my order take to process and ship?
Orders are usually processed within 24 hours during our business work week. (Monday-Friday) Rush orders are processed first. Most items will ship within 72 hours and if the availability is over 1 week you will be contacted by our customer care department.
Items shipping ground will normally take 5-7 business days. Over-sized & heavy items such as large solar panels and appliances must be shipped via freight service.
How do I know if my order is in stock?
Can I change or cancel an order I've already placed?
Cancellation Policy
Does CSE accept orders outside of the United States?
How do I check the status of my order?
Returns & Warranties
What is the return policy for CSE?
Merchandise Return Policy - No returns will be accepted without prior authorization. Any product that is returned must be brand new, in excellent condition and packaged in the original manufacturer's carton with all corresponding hardware and documentation. Returns must be shipped with prepaid freight and insured via the carrier of you choice to arrive back at CSE within 30 days of delivery.
Shipping charges will not be refunded, unless, an error was made by CSE in shipping.
All returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Because of the customization involved, trackers and mounts are non-returnable.
Returns for refurbished equipment will not be accepted and should be processed through the manufacturer directly. Most refurbished equipment carries a manufacturer's warranty.
No returns will be accepted on installed items.
No returns will be accepted beyond 30 days of original delivery.
The value and cost of replacing any items missing (e.g. parts, manuals, etc.) will be deducted from the refund. Returns must be shipped with prepaid freight and insured via the carrier of your choice to arrive back at CSE within 30 days of delivery. If you have any questions regarding our return policy, please email Customer Service at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What is the warranty policy for CSE?
All of CSE's products are covered by the original manufacturer's warranty. If you need help getting in touch with the manufacturer or aren't sure what your warranty limitations are, you can read our returns information. If that doesn't answer your questions, please contact our customer service department.
Warranty Policy - Please contact the manufacturer's customer service number to obtain warranty repair service. Check the manual or instructions that accompanied your product for updated information. Most manufacturers' require the following information:
- Serial number of the item
- Purchase date
- Warning, Error or Panel Fault Message
- Description of the problem
The manufacturer will provide troubleshooting and/or warranty service for your product.
I received a damaged item, what do I do?
Although most shipments are received in perfect condition, please carefully inspect all packages for damage. If damage is visible, reject the shipment, be sure the driver notates the damage and contact CSE within 24 hours. Please call Customer Care at 630-797-3000 or write This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate a claim. We will file a damage claim with the shipper and ship a replacement as soon as possible. You will not be charged any additional shipping or handling fees for replacement shipments.
All of CSE's products are covered by the original manufacturer's warranty. If you need help getting in touch with the manufacturer or aren't sure what your warranty limitations are, you can read our returns information. If that doesn't answer your questions, please contact our customer service department.
How does CSE credit me for a return?
For Credit Card Orders - Your credit card will be credited the amount of the purchase, less shipping charges and restocking fees, within 3 days of receipt of the returned merchandise.
For Orders Paid by Check - A refund check will be sent to the billing address for the amount of the purchase, less shipping charges and restocking fees, within 1-2 weeks of receipt of the returned merchandise.
The value and cost of replacing any items missing (e.g. parts, manuals, etc.) will be deducted from the refund. Returns must be shipped with prepaid freight and insured via the carrier of you choice to arrive back at CSE within 30 days of delivery. If you have any questions regarding our return policy, please email Customer Service at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Shipping & Delivery
Where is my shipment?
How long does it take to ship my order?
Orders are usually processed within 24 hours during our business work week. (Monday-Friday) Rush orders are processed first. Most items will ship within 72 hours and if the availability is over 1 week you will be contacted by our customer care department.
Items shipping ground will normally take 5-7 business days. Over-sized & heavy items such as large solar panels and appliances must be shipped via freight service.
Why do some shipments have to go freight?
My shipment is missing an item or is incomplete, what do I do?
Payment
What are my payment options?
Currently all US & Canadian customers can pay by VISA, Master card, Discover, money order or check. In the cases of money order and check, the order will be processed and shipped after the receipt and clearance of the money order or check. If you want to pay by check, we ask that you get a Cashier's Check to avoid clearance issues with your bank.
All international orders are first reviewed to ensure that the proper shipping charges have been calculated. You will receive an email of your order to approve the shipping charges. After your approval we will request payment via PayPal, wire transfer or certified check.
Does CSE offer financing?
Solar FAQ's
How can I find out the average sunlight hours I get where I live?
What sort of Federal Incentives am I eligible for?
Am I eligible for state rebates?
Most states offer incentives for buying and implementing solar power systems. The rebates vary from state-to-state. For more information about the rebates and incentives offered in your home state, check out this helpful guide to state rebates.
Which type of system is right for me?
What sort of back-ups work best for an off-grid system?
Should I consider a hybrid system over a conventional solar grid-tie system?
Wind FAQ's