Imagine this: you've made the eco-conscious choice to lease solar panels, a seemingly simple way to save on upfront costs. But now, imagine the panels stop working, and you're left in the dark, both literally and metaphorically. This is the reality for customers of Sunnova, a solar panel leasing company that recently filed for bankruptcy.
The Dark Side of Solar Leasing
Leasing solar panels is an attractive option for many homeowners, offering a way to reduce their carbon footprint without the initial financial burden. However, as the story of Sunnova and its customers unfolds, we uncover a potential downside to this seemingly green choice.
When Sunnova filed for bankruptcy, it left its customers in a tricky situation. Enter SunStrong, the company that took over Sunnova's operations. Despite the name, SunStrong has left numerous homeowners across Massachusetts without the solar power they were promised, and for some, this has gone on for months.
Take the case of Emilio Spagnuolo, a resident of Framingham, Massachusetts. He leased his solar panel system from Sunnova in 2023, signing a 25-year agreement for $329 per month. Most months, his electric bill was a pleasant $0, thanks to the power generated by his solar panels. But last June, his system was disconnected for home renovations, and around the same time, Sunnova filed for bankruptcy.
Construction on Spagnuolo's home was completed in August, but his solar panels remain disconnected. There are loose wires hanging from his home, a stark reminder of the system that should be providing him with clean energy. And yet, he continues to be charged hundreds of dollars each month for these non-functional panels.
"I was paying for something I was not receiving," Spagnuolo said, expressing his frustration at the situation.
On the South Shore, Ali Cash shares a similar story. She leased her solar panels from Sunnova and has been battling to get her system back online after it stopped working last summer.
"Each call to SunStrong was a test of my patience," Cash said. "It would take hours to navigate their phone system, only to be transferred from one department to another, never reaching a service department."
Cash only realized her system was down after receiving several electric bills in a row, during a time of year when her solar panels should have been at their peak performance.
"As a customer, I had to figure it out myself, months into the problem," she said.
Both Cash and Spagnuolo have not only been paying for non-functional panels but also incurring additional electric bills they wouldn't have received if their systems were working properly.
And here's where it gets controversial: the Sunnova lease agreement includes a clause stating that customers "will not be charged for the System being offline due to Sunnova's fault." Despite this, neither Cash nor Spagnuolo has been offered credits for the time their systems were down.
They believe SunStrong, the company now in charge, needs to step up its maintenance game and offer proper compensation for the inconvenience and financial loss suffered by its customers.
"There's been no follow-up from the company at all, knowing the trouble I've been through," Cash said.
While Cash's system is now back online, Spagnuolo's remains disconnected. After NewsCenter 5 reached out to SunStrong, they sent a technician to his home, but the system couldn't be reactivated without additional equipment. A follow-up visit was scheduled but never happened.
Both customers feel SunStrong owes them credits for the time their systems were down, and a company spokesperson said they will "evaluate customer credits, at a customer's request, once the system is repaired." This means customers must actively pursue reimbursement, which many may not be aware of or have the energy to pursue.
If you're a solar lease customer experiencing long waits for maintenance, it's recommended you file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. These complaints could be instrumental in holding solar providers accountable for their responsiveness (or lack thereof).
So, while solar leasing may seem like a bright idea, it's important to consider the potential risks and ensure you're protected in case of unforeseen circumstances.
What are your thoughts on solar leasing? Have you had any experiences, good or bad, with solar panel companies? We'd love to hear your stories and insights in the comments below!
