Guest Book

Max from Santa Barbara wrote on October 9, 2022 at 7:46 pm

We have hired Jeff for multiple van builds. Every time he shows up, he is professional, efficient and a pleasure to be around. Better book him asap because he is well known for offering the best service around. Highly recommend!

Dale from Roseville wrote on August 5, 2022 at 3:01 am

4 years of wood shop in high school and I thought I can do this. I could, EXCEPT the electrical. DC/AC, inverters, solar, shore, loads, etc. I needed help. Craigslist was the avenue for success. Jeffrey called and immediately I knew he was the man for the job. On time, efficient, knowledgeable and great work followed. 3 days later the job was done, but not the contact. After 8 months of life (COVID) I was back at finishing the van. Jeffrey was there to offer advice and clarification. Awesome customer service. Solavan gets my highest recommendation! Thanks again Jeffrey.

Kevin from Visalia California wrote on June 22, 2022 at 7:45 pm

My name is Kevin and I live in Visalia California. I found Solavanbuild.com on craigslist and I could tell this was exactly the type of Professional Specialist I needed. I had purchased a truck camper with one 12v lead acid battery and wanted to make it an off-grid capable camper. Jeffrey did just that and I went with all Victron components. It’s expensive and there are cheaper ways to go but Jeffrey can explain all that to you better than I can. Jeffrey does a very professional job, he is meticulous, it needs to be right and that was exactly the kind of professional I was looking for. These off-grid systems are very complex and it takes not only knowledge but experience to do this type of work, it’s very specialized and not easy to find. Cost: Off-grid systems are expensive, mine ran around $6000 for parts that I purchased. I have 400 watts of Lifepoe4 batteries, 640 watts solar, 3kw Victron Mulitplus, MPPT, CerboGX, SmartShunt, the whole 9 yards. I could have gotten better batteries but I went with the cheaper option which required additional protection for low temp charging. (my batts don’t have that built in). I could not be happier with the results, I can actually run the a/c off this, which blew my socks off. If you want the job done right, call Jeffrey, that’s the best way to go from my experience.

Regina from Bakersfield wrote on April 4, 2022 at 5:31 pm

I know how hard it can be to find qualified people to help with your DIY van build. I searched for a long time before one day as I was purusing Craigslist, I found Solavan and ultimately Jeffrey. I contacted him and the rest is part of my now built, camper van. I cannot say how relived I was to find someone who not only was experienced working with electricity, but solar set ups as well. It just so happened that the week I contacted Jeffrey, he had a cancellation in his schedule and was able to work me in immediately! I was estatic! Even though it meant working outside in the Central Valleys hottest month of the year. In my driveway. On cement! Jeffrey was unfazed. He showed up, he brought his tools and to work he went. What I found out about Jeffrey is that not only is he an experienced solar installer, he is dependable, hard working and is proud of his work. He wants to make sure you have what you need/want and goes literally out of his way to accomplish this goal. Do I recommend Jeffrey? Absolutely!

George from Pasedena wrote on March 7, 2022 at 6:05 pm

I call him my solar guru. Jeffrey came out to my property and installed my entire off grid system from start to finish. He was totally familiar with all of the components even though he had not worked with the hardware I was installing. He was able to troubleshoot on his feet, while patiently explaining to me, a dummy, what he was doing and how to fix it if things were to fail. I am absolutely impressed by his knowledge and ability, but the thing that stands out is the man himself. He is a good dude that will not ever try and get one over on you. Totally professional, overly capable, and insanely kind. Cannot recommend him enough. Thanks for all your help, Jeffrey!

Gomez Family from Elko NV wrote on March 5, 2022 at 10:24 pm

Jeffrey came out to our off grid property in Elko Nevada for a few days to hook up our awesome solar system that he put together for us. Jeffrey is a very good knowledgeable man when it comes to these off grid solar systems. Jeffrey is awesome in general. Before he left out property he showed us how to use our system, made sure everything was working correctly and it very well was. We can not believe how he brought power out to the middle of nowhere. He made our family feel like we are living on grid. We highly recommend Jeffrey, his knowledge and work is 100%. Thank you Jeffrey, our family appreciates you very much.

Michele from Palm Springs wrote on February 22, 2022 at 9:01 pm

Jeffery came to my home and hooked up a complete solar electrical system in my 2020 Ram Promaster. His detail to my needs and use were listened to and his suggestions were so helpful. Previously I had 640watts hooked up to a bluetti 2000 which really wasn’t sufficient for me to run my Cpap machine and other appliances. Jeffery’s knowledge is extensive and he is extremely easy to work with and accommodating. I had researched the cost of an entire system and I felt his charge was very comparable to other professionals. I highly recommend Jeffery if you want a well done professional job.

Alison from Oakland wrote on January 17, 2022 at 12:39 am

Jeffrey is an investment in my sanity. I have learned a lot building my van. I am confident making my own mistakes with most things but electrical scares me. I have had lots of opportunities to get comfortable with my 12 volt stuff. I hired Jeffery to help upgrade my system from a craigslist post. I was a little put off by paying travel but I hadn't found anyone else to help. I am so glad I did. He was so easy to work with. His work is thorough and he is very knowledgeable about all things van electrical. He is very clear about costs and what to expect. For me it is so important that anyone I hire be able to fit their work into my endless build and with other work that was already done. Because it is an endless build I ended up moving several things after he left. The quality of his work made that much simpler. More significant, he always responds to my questions and helps me make sure I get it right. He has helped me get more comfortable with the set up I have. Even with the travel cost I have gotten so much more than just some electrical work. Jeffery is an important resource for me. I reccomend him highly.

Jack from Oakland wrote on December 2, 2021 at 2:44 am

Jeffrey is an all-around professional! Not only is he timely, prepared, professional, he is also courteous and a pleasure to learn from. He provides years of experience while offering some thing you can’t buy, a willingness to teach. I am more than satisfied with my electrical system, the experience, and the peace of mind knowing I am prepared for life on the road thanks to Jeffrey.

Brigitte from Las Vegas wrote on December 1, 2021 at 6:45 pm

Jeffrey is the best! My boyfriend and I started our DIY van conversion having no idea how to do the electrical. We were having a really hard time finding electricians who were willing to work on the van since it requires auto knowledge as well. We spoke on the phone with him and realized how experienced he is. He sent us a full shopping list of everything required for the set up (which took a lot of researching hours off of our hands). He got all of it done within two days hooked us up with our solar, electrical outlets, and made it so we can charge from our alternator. He really knows his stuff. To this day if we have a question he’s always there to help us and that is something we could not of gotten anywhere else. Can’t say enough good things about our experience! Thank you Jeffrey we appreciate you 🙂

Dennis from Escondido wrote on November 21, 2021 at 8:12 pm

Jeffrey, thank you so much for building our off-grid solar powered, battery backup system. You crushed it! Complex, check! Complicated, check! Far from home, prepared, professional, check, check, check! We highly recommend Jeffrey. Again, thanks a million! All The Best, Dennis & Laurie

Will from Los Angeles wrote on October 28, 2021 at 2:53 am

I bought an RV recently, but was very unsatisfied with the solar options I was getting from the dealership. After doing a lot of research, I was able to find Jeffrey, who could do the modifications I needed, and provide a personal touch. This was important, because I will be full time living in this RV for the foreseeable future! I'm happy to say, that I now have all the solar I could need, and 3 additional ways to recharge my batteries. Jeffrey's lifetime of experience made modifying the existing system a breeze. He was prompt, putting full days of work, until it was done which was 4 full days. He answered all my questions, and allowed me to even help or offer suggestions. I'm all set for a life on the road and haven't had to plug in once since i left his shop. I love solar, and I love my new life! Thank you Jeffrey and Solavanbuild! If anyone has any questions, I'd happily give Jeffrey a referral. I couldn't imagine a better builder.

Gus from San Pablo wrote on October 14, 2021 at 4:35 am

I'm in the process of moving out of Northern California the Bay Area to my off grid property in another state. My family and I are going to live in our toy hauler for a while until we build a home on our property. I only have 1 solar panel on my trailer that is only used to keep my batteries charged for interior lights, stereo and TV. I know I needed to have something in my trailer that could power my fridge and deep freezer 24/7 without having to use my generator all the time. Especially with the gas prices being so high, I knew that would end up being expensive being off grid. So I decided to do some research on the internet, hoping there would be someone near my area that could install a solar powered system on my trailer that could have enough power to keep my refrigerators running and possibly charge up our phones and kids tablets. I then came across Mr. Hardy's information online and I decided to give him a call. I told Jeffrey exactly what my plan is and what I will be needing power for. I told him my exact situation going off grid with my wife and two young kids. We talked over the price for parts and labor, we both agreed then he scheduled me 2 months out to get started on my project. Unfortunately, that appointment to start on my project was too far out for me, by then I will be out of California so I told Jeffrey I would love to get this done but due to the timing, I can't. Well, to make a long story short. We worked out a plan. I sent Jeffrey pictures of the measurements he asked for, I purchased the parts he needed and had them shipped to his home! I never done anything like this, especially with someone I never met! Jeffrey would send me pictures and detailed updates at least 3 times a day! Talk about giving me a piece of mind! Jeffrey made me feel really comfortable through the whole process, with pictures and updates and always answered his phone if I had a question. I called Jeffrey on a Tuesday and he squeezed me in to his schedule and had my solar system custom made to fit (perfectly) under my trailers seat with measurements sent to him all through pictures! I wanted something that would power my fridge and deep freezer. Jeffrey went above and BEYOND and added USB outlets for my phones and kids tablets, added a switch powered outlet to power up my well for when my trailer runs out of water, he added a fat cable that could plug right in to my generator to charge up my solar system if it's a foggy, rainy or snowy day. He also added a space for an extra battery in the future! I can't thank Jeffrey enough for what he did for me and my family! Not only did he squeeze me into his schedule, but he did this all in 3 days! Right before he started another solar job. And he drove 2 hours to meet me halfway to deliver and show me how to use the system. Jeffrey is a kind and very honest man, his work is meticulous! Very amazing detailed work. Clean wiring, labels and uses quality parts. I will not recommend anyone else! This solar system is new to me but custom service is not. The customer service I experienced with Jeffrey is the best customer service I've honestly ever had! Till this day if I have a question, he's a phone call or a text message away. Thank you very much Jeffrey! You don't know how much I appreciate your hard honest work. #solavanbuild quality work, by far the best! Thank you, Gus Gomez and family.

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