The Rise and Fall of Large Solar Installers
The solar industry has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade, fueled by increasing demand for renewable energy, government incentives, and falling equipment costs. However, along with this boom, some of the largest solar installation companies have faced financial turmoil, leading to bankruptcies, poor customer service, and frustrated homeowners.
In recent years, several high-profile solar companies have collapsed, leaving thousands of customers stranded. Companies like SunEdison, American Solar Direct, and Pink Energy (formerly PowerHome Solar) have all gone out of business, taking customer warranties and service guarantees with them. Many of these companies grew too fast, taking on excessive debt and focusing more on sales volume than sustainable business operations.
The result? Homeowners were left dealing with malfunctioning solar systems, unfulfilled contracts, and long legal battles to regain control of their energy solutions.
The Problems with Big Solar Leasing Programs
One of the biggest selling points of major solar corporations has been their leasing programs, which promise homeowners little-to-no upfront costs for installing solar panels. While this may sound like an attractive deal at first, these leasing models are often riddled with hidden costs, restrictive contracts, and poor long-term value. Here are some of the most common issues:
1. Locked into Lengthy Contracts
Many large solar companies offer leasing agreements that last 20 to 25 years, making it difficult for homeowners to get out of the deal if they decide to sell their home or want to upgrade their system.
2. Escalating Payments
Solar leases often include escalator clauses, meaning that the monthly payments increase every year—sometimes at a rate higher than electricity inflation. What initially seems like a money-saving option can end up costing homeowners far more in the long run.
3. Loss of Incentives
When leasing a solar system, the company, not the homeowner, claims all available tax credits and rebates. Homeowners who lease miss out on thousands of dollars in federal and state incentives that could have significantly reduced the cost of system ownership.
4. Poor Customer Service & Maintenance Delays
As large companies expand, they often struggle to keep up with customer service demands. Many customers report delays in repairs, unresolved issues with system performance, and difficulty reaching customer support once their systems are installed.
5. Complications When Selling a Home
Homeowners looking to sell their property often struggle to transfer solar leases to new buyers. Many potential buyers are deterred by the obligation to take over long-term contracts, making it harder to sell homes equipped with leased solar panels.
Common Issues with Big Solar Installers
Beyond leasing concerns, large solar installers often cut corners to maximize profits, leading to frustrating customer experiences and unreliable solar systems. Some common complaints include:
Subpar Equipment – Many large solar companies use the cheapest available panels and inverters to reduce costs, leading to frequent malfunctions and lower efficiency.
Poor Installation Quality – Large-scale installers often subcontract work to third-party contractors, who may not be properly trained, leading to faulty wiring, roof damage, and inefficient panel placement.
Long Wait Times for Service Calls – Customers often wait weeks or even months to have their issues addressed due to overburdened customer service departments.
Hidden Fees & Buyout Costs – Many customers discover hidden fees in their contracts, and those who wish to purchase their leased systems later often find the buyout price inflated far beyond the system's actual value.
Why Choosing a Local Solar Installer Is the Better Option
If you're considering solar, working with a local, reputable company like The Electrical Company LLC offers a much better experience. Here’s why:
1. Personalized Service & Customer Support
Unlike national solar corporations, local solar companies provide hands-on, personalized service. At The Electrical Company LLC, we take the time to understand your energy needs and tailor a solution specific to your home and lifestyle.
2. Higher Quality Installations
We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that every system is installed with precision and care. Our in-house team of expert electricians ensures that all wiring and panel placements maximize efficiency and longevity.
3. No Middlemen or Outsourced Contractors
Many big solar companies rely on subcontractors who may not be properly trained or motivated to deliver high-quality work. At The Electrical Company LLC, we handle every installation ourselves, ensuring that every project meets our strict quality standards.
4. Transparent Pricing & Ownership Options
Unlike big solar companies that push leasing agreements, we offer straightforward purchasing options so you can fully own your system and take advantage of federal and state incentives. No hidden fees, no surprises—just honest, transparent pricing.
5. Reliable Backup Power Solutions
In addition to solar, we specialize in battery backups and backup generators, ensuring that your home stays powered even during outages. Large solar companies often fail to provide proper battery storage solutions, leaving homeowners vulnerable during blackouts.
6. Long-Term System Support
We’re committed to building long-term relationships with our customers. If you ever need maintenance or have questions about your system, we’re just a phone call away—not an automated customer service line that keeps you on hold for hours.
Conclusion: Choose Quality & Reliability Over Big Promises
The bankruptcies of large solar companies and the flaws in their leasing models serve as a warning to homeowners considering solar energy. While big solar corporations promise low upfront costs and easy installations, their poor service, restrictive contracts, and frequent failures often leave homeowners frustrated.
By choosing a trusted local installer like The Electrical Company LLC, you ensure that your solar investment is backed by superior craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Don’t fall for the pitfalls of big solar—work with a company that puts your needs first. Contact us today for a consultation!
Comments