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14
June 2023
By KRISTINE LAZAR
Solar industry facing bankruptcies, leaving many with
roof panels that don't work
The solar industry in California has experienced several high-profile
bankruptcies including one of its largest producers, Petersen Dean.
Now, another local solar company has shuttered, leaving homeowners
with unfinished systems on roofs that aren't producing any power, not
saving money on utility bills, and often there's still the financing
of the equipment and installation that the customer is responsible
for.
In Compton, Angela Dorsey's 83-year-old mother had panels installed on
her home's roof, but they aren't producing any power. Dorsey said the
installer, Harness Power, gave them a timeframe on the contract saying
the solar will be up by July 2022, and in full operation by September.
Nearly 10 months later, Harness Power is out of business, shutting its
doors in the spring without warning and Dorsey's mother Theresa is
supposed to soon start making payments on the $32 thousand system.
"I don't think it's fair for me to pay a company that didn't finish
the job," said Theresa.
Harness Power has a slew of negative reviews on Yelp with customers
being left with inoperable solar systems. One review reads " We got to
the finish line right before they went out of business," while another
reads, "They took my down payment seven days before they closed their
doors."
Another Harness Solar customer in Orange County was left with $70,000
in panels on her roof that don't work. "There's the cost of the
financial pieces of it, but the stress of all the rest of it too- it's
been a lot," said Stephanie Foults, solar customer.
Foults said she had tried to get another solar contractor to finish
the job, but most don't want to touch the equipment that isn't theirs.
"I think that's been the most frustrating part, trying to figure out
the next step when no one will help you with the next step," said
Foults.
Josh Bushwell Charco with the California Solar and Storage Association
said it's an unfortunate circumstance, but there are steps consumers
can take. He said first off, notify the lending company that the job
isn't complete.
"See if there can be either a delay on payment or forgiveness on
payment," said Bushwell. He said customers can also file a complaint
with the Contractors State License Board, and attach to the business's
bond -- but that is only worth $25,000, and is not much when split
amongst a number of people.
Lastly, a complaint can also be filed with the California Solar and
Storage Association. "And while we can't make any promises, we do our
best to mediate disputes between contractors and customers," said
Bushwell.
Harness Power released the
following statement:
After serving our customers for 6 years, we announced earlier this
year the regrettable closure of Harness Power due to insurmountable
financial challenges. We recognize and understand the distress our
closure caused our customer base. We have actively sought to find
resolutions for those whose projects remain unfinished. Through
social media postings or via email, we have communicated several
alternate paths to resolution that are available through their finance
companies and local contractors who can support them moving forward.
For those who financed their project, we have recommended they reach
out to their respective finance company to explore resolution, and
have worked with Administrators of these companies to facilitate
support. We wish to express gratitude to our customers for their
trust over the years and are distraught that we are unable to continue
serving them.
Green Play Ammonia™, Yielder® NFuel Energy.
Spokane, Washington. 99212
509 995 1879
Cell, Pacific Time Zone.
General office:
509-254
6854
4501 East Trent
Ave.
Spokane, WA 99212
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