Stefany Payne is stuck paying for a system that has only raised her bills
Stefany Payne is stuck paying for a system that has only raised her bills
Stefany Payne is stuck paying for a system that has only raised her bills
It sounded like a solid deal to Stefany Payne.
Install 10 solar panels on her roof. Watch her electric bill go down.
But nearly a year and a half after the Kansas City, Kansas, teacher bought a $49,000 solar panel system from a front-door salesman along with tree trimming and energy upgrades for her home, she is trying to hire an attorney to get out of the 25-year contract.
Her solar system is not lowering her bills. No one has shown up to trim the trees to allow for better solar coverage. And the insulation, duct sealing and smart thermostat she paid for in her contract never arrived, either.
The total payments for her solar system, with interest? More than $77,000.
The lender could potentially put a lien on the system if she stops making payments.
“If I do not get this resolved in the next couple of years, I would not be able to sell my home,” she said.
Payne contacted KMBC 9 Investigates to warn others about door-to-door solar salesmen. She is the latest customer to reach out to KMBC with concerns about deceptive business practices of solar salesmen. She is now searching for an attorney to represent her in breach of contract claims, aiming for arbitration or a settlement with the lender since the company never delivered on its promise.
The “Solar Bro” industry has come under fire after scores of homeowners got duped into contracts with companies that have now gone bankrupt, closed up shop or will not respond.
The company that sold Payne her system, G3 Solar, has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau and is facing a lawsuit in Ohio and government fines and actions in Utah. KMBC emailed an address on file for the company but did not hear back.
Reputable solar sales workers and companies will never pressure consumers into contracts, according to Bob Solger, founder and emeritus board member of the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association and managing partner of Solar Design Studio. Solger says you should always look to see if the company is part of the MSEIA in Missouri, or Clean Energy Business Council in Kansas, both organizations that abide by codes of ethics.
“These companies have been vetted and are reputable, similar to what the Better Business Bureau would do. But this is specific to solar,” Solger said.
Solger said if they do not have enough cash, consumers should always work with local banks to potentially take out a home improvement loan.
The Better Business Bureau does also have tips on solar scams.
If you are a victim of solar panel loan fraud or your solar panel system is not working as advertised, email investigative reporter Matt Flener at investigates@kmbc.com.
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