This business installed a solar panel on my house that fell apart a few years later and came crashing down this morningThey refused to back up their product, saying that it was beyond warrantyThe person who handled my call - Diane - was very rude and hung upI would not recommend this companyEdward P***
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/06/19) */
We installed a solar hot water heater at the clients in a timely manner because the existing solar water heater was very old and not functioningOur initial drawings showed a typical rack mounted system installed onto a flat roof
constructionAt site it was evident that the unit would be severely shaded on two sides and therefore would not function as intendedConsidering that the old water heater was dysfunctional and had been removed we went ahead with the installation in the knowledge that we could retrospectively apply for the amended permits from the County but would pay a small penalty fee which we were happy to accommodate
Some weeks after installation the client called our office by telephone had insisted that we now install the system in a manner to his own design but his suggested design did not comply with plumbing or building regulations and the client was informed of this verbally by us and the County OfficerThis complaint appeared unusual considering that the client was present during the entire installation process and at no stage did he express any concerns or dissatisfaction with our work or the equipment installed
The County eventually processed the permit applications together with stamped and approved design drawingsWe immediately sent copies to the client by USPS and certified mail which he received on July 16th which interestingly enough is the date that this complaint case was opened by our clientIn the letter we advised the client that we needed to make a very minor change to the cross bracing of the frame so we could call it in for inspection and close out the open permits that we now hold against his property
It should be noted that the solar water heater is functioning perfectly as intended and at no stage whatsoever has the client complained about the performance of the systemThe timelines of the whole permit application process is one that is totally beyond our control and we have responded immediately to any requests made of us by the County OfficeWe refute the claim that we lied to the client and are confused that he would suggest that when he also states that we had not responded or communicated with him at allWe did answer his one telephone call where we advised him that we were waiting for the County to respond to our permit applications
We have revisited the site to measure the mounting framework so we can order the required materials which will then take approximately minutes to fasten in place once we are in receipt of the partsThe County will then inspect the installation and we will then close out the open permits
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2014/06/26) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Rebuttal to Hawaiian Solar letter to Revdex.com:
We installed a solar hot water heater at the clients in a timely manner because the existing solar water heater was very old and not functioning
The older existing solar water heater was functioning, but not at its full potentialIt was producing water that we could use for showers and dish washingWe were not in dire need for the replacementHawaiian Solar seemed to be the only contractor on this island to handle *** HeaterWe also wanted the old unit taken off the roof of our shop and the new unit put on existing concrete base behind our houseWe talked to another solar company who said the site was fineThe efficiency inspector for solar exposure passed it with no problem
Our initial drawings showed a typical rack mounted system installed onto a flat roof constructionAt site it was evident that the unit would be severely shaded on two sides and therefore would not function as intended
The above statement is not true in that the panels that were on the roof originally were not shaded on any sideThe contract we signed for Hawaiian Solar to do the work calls for "*** hot water system ground mounted on a rack." We never wanted or ask for a roof mounted systemWhen the workers came to mount it they were ready for a roof mountThey had to go out to the hardware store to get the four inch diameter galvanized pipe for the stand uprightsThe drawing that were given to us at the time of contract clearly showed ground mounted panels on concrete piers using x treated beans, x treated posts and treated cross bracing
Considering that the old water heater was dysfunctional and had been removed we went ahead with the installation in the knowledge that we could retrospectively apply for the amended permits from the County but would pay a small penalty fee which we were happy to accommodate
The old dysfunctional water heater was removed from our shop roof and the new Solahart was installed the same day (Tuesday, Feb25, 2014)The county said the permits were applied for on 2-21-14, but not OK by the county at that dateThe second permit application dated 6-04-did not show the metal bracing and were not as per the original diagram given to us at contract and down payment dayWe were not in a hurry to install a new system as we have been using it for over yearsThe old panels were donated and a new pump was put on the panels because the pump was the problem, but the panels
Some weeks after installation the client called our office by telephone had insisted that we now install the system in a manner to his own design but his suggested design did not comply with plumbing or building regulations and the client was informed of this verbally by us and the County Officer
I did call Hawaiian Solar about their install as it did not follow the diagram in the original contractI did not give Hawaiian Solar my "own design"I suggested that the unit needs more bracing and flexible in and out water lines for typical hot water tank set up in an earthquake zone (the whole county of Hawaii is an earthquake zone)On June 19, at 9:am *** from Hawaiian Solar came for a "re-measure" on the frame for more bracing of the upright structureThis was part of my original suggestion to have more bracing on the structureNo "county officer" informed me that "more bracing" did not comply with county code
This complaint appeared unusual considering that the client was present during the entire installation process and at no stage did he express any concerns or dissatisfaction with our work or the equipment installed
On 2-25-when the Hawaiian Solar crew was here, according to my daily log It was raining, We were expecting a bed frame to come in, and We were painting upstairs all dayI went out twice to look at the work and said to the guy who seemed to be in charge where he could get the pipe and angle iron as it seemed they were prepared for a roof mount, not a ground mountHe had to leave to get the pipe and angle iron to do the job (local hardware?)I later said that one inch pipe to hold over 1,lbswith braces did not seem structurally sound to meI could reach up and very easily rock the whole unitHe said I would have to talk with Hawaiian Solar
The County eventually processed the permit applications together with stamped and approved design drawingsWe immediately sent copies to the client by USPS and certified mail which he received on July 16th which interestingly enough is the date that this complaint case was opened by our client
I telephoned to Revdex.com prior to 6-13-On that date we sent e-mail compliant to Revdex.comTheir letter must have a typo as it is June not July
In the letter we advised the client that we needed to make a very minor change to the cross bracing of the frame so we could call it in for inspection and close out the open permits that we now hold against his property
On June 19, at 9:AM the above mentioned "re-measure" took place and *** stated that they would come out and add or more angle iron bracingThe "very minor" change in the cross bracing (that is not shown on the 4-17-architect's plans) seems to show new 1/inch angle iron bracing which is more like the bracing I desired(my problem now is if they drill the inch pipe for the bracing the drilling will weaken the one inch pipe?)
It should be noted that the solar water heater is functioning perfectly as intended and at no stage whatsoever has the client complained about the performance of the systemThe timelines of the whole permit application process is one that is totally beyond our control and we have responded immediately to any requests made of us by the County OfficeWe refute the claim that we lied to the client and are confused that he would suggest that when he also states that we had not responded or communicated with him at allWe did answer his one telephone call where we advised him that we were waiting for the County to respond to our permit applications
Yes the water heater unit is functioning well, but the unit was never the problemThe problem was and still is the structure that supports the over 1,lbsridged piped in unitThe "lie" was the original structural design diagram did not match the later structural attemptsAlso we did call Hawaiian Solar with no response and the State Regulated Industries Complain Office required us to send a registered letter of complain to Hawaiian Solar (dated 4-15-14)We also called on 6-09-"message only" and 6-12-and again message left
We have revisited the site to measure the mounting framework so we can order the required materials which will then take approximately minutes to fasten in place once we are in receipt of the partsThe County will then inspect the installation and we will then close out the open permits
The original complaint: That the permits were not obtained prior to constructionThe diagram were given did not conform to the structure that was erectedAs of June 16, the multipliable inspections have not been doneThe "minor bracing" of the structure has not been completedIt seems to me that over months, lots of phone calls, trips to both Hilo and Kona county planning offices, computer time, and all and out pain in the butt botched job needs to be made right*** put holds on the two payments for the problems we are havingThe first payment *** Card has paid, the last payment is waiting for finished job or ***'s time line for holding is running out and I think Hawaiian Solar knows thatAll our time and energy has costs us money and time for which some reduction in payment would be appropriate
[mailto:[redacted]] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 12:11 PMTo: [redacted]Subject: RE: Hawaii's Revdex.com - Case # [redacted]
[redacted],
Yes, Hawaiian Solar & Plumbing, Inc. finally came to my place and did the proper thing which was to completely remove the Solar Water heater and re-install it properly in compliance with Hawaii County building codes. I was waiting for the inspection to be finaled by the County Bldg. Dept before contacting you. The inspector approved the re-installation! Yea!! It has taken since June 2014 to get relief on this incorrect installation issue and it only happened because I hounded the company weekly. I would not recommend this company to anyone. Their upper management seems intent on taking short cuts that will get the customer in trouble and waste one’s time and money.
This company does not stand by there equipment and do not make service calls.
I tried to call them for 3 months with a problem with a leaky solar panels an they never came or called back. Finally after the leak was so bad they finally said I need new panels.
Case # [redacted] Dear [redacted], Our response to the above case number as follows. The system was originally installed in 2006 and has been functioning perfectly for 9 years, unfortunately for reasons unknown the building permit was never closed out but most probably through an administration error. Building codes are constantly changing and since calling the job in for inspection mandated that we had to comply with more recent and current codes. We moved the system approximately 2 feet from its original position after consulting with the local County building inspector. The system was then inspected and passed and the open permits were duly signed off and closed by the County. [redacted] Hawaiian Solar Office [redacted] Cell [redacted]
This business installed a solar panel on my house that fell apart a few years later and came crashing down this morningThey refused to back up their product, saying that it was beyond warrantyThe person who handled my call - Diane - was very rude and hung upI would not recommend this companyEdward P***
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/06/19) */
We installed a solar hot water heater at the clients in a timely manner because the existing solar water heater was very old and not functioningOur initial drawings showed a typical rack mounted system installed onto a flat roof
constructionAt site it was evident that the unit would be severely shaded on two sides and therefore would not function as intendedConsidering that the old water heater was dysfunctional and had been removed we went ahead with the installation in the knowledge that we could retrospectively apply for the amended permits from the County but would pay a small penalty fee which we were happy to accommodate
Some weeks after installation the client called our office by telephone had insisted that we now install the system in a manner to his own design but his suggested design did not comply with plumbing or building regulations and the client was informed of this verbally by us and the County OfficerThis complaint appeared unusual considering that the client was present during the entire installation process and at no stage did he express any concerns or dissatisfaction with our work or the equipment installed
The County eventually processed the permit applications together with stamped and approved design drawingsWe immediately sent copies to the client by USPS and certified mail which he received on July 16th which interestingly enough is the date that this complaint case was opened by our clientIn the letter we advised the client that we needed to make a very minor change to the cross bracing of the frame so we could call it in for inspection and close out the open permits that we now hold against his property
It should be noted that the solar water heater is functioning perfectly as intended and at no stage whatsoever has the client complained about the performance of the systemThe timelines of the whole permit application process is one that is totally beyond our control and we have responded immediately to any requests made of us by the County OfficeWe refute the claim that we lied to the client and are confused that he would suggest that when he also states that we had not responded or communicated with him at allWe did answer his one telephone call where we advised him that we were waiting for the County to respond to our permit applications
We have revisited the site to measure the mounting framework so we can order the required materials which will then take approximately minutes to fasten in place once we are in receipt of the partsThe County will then inspect the installation and we will then close out the open permits
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2014/06/26) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Rebuttal to Hawaiian Solar letter to Revdex.com:
We installed a solar hot water heater at the clients in a timely manner because the existing solar water heater was very old and not functioning
The older existing solar water heater was functioning, but not at its full potentialIt was producing water that we could use for showers and dish washingWe were not in dire need for the replacementHawaiian Solar seemed to be the only contractor on this island to handle *** HeaterWe also wanted the old unit taken off the roof of our shop and the new unit put on existing concrete base behind our houseWe talked to another solar company who said the site was fineThe efficiency inspector for solar exposure passed it with no problem
Our initial drawings showed a typical rack mounted system installed onto a flat roof constructionAt site it was evident that the unit would be severely shaded on two sides and therefore would not function as intended
The above statement is not true in that the panels that were on the roof originally were not shaded on any sideThe contract we signed for Hawaiian Solar to do the work calls for "*** hot water system ground mounted on a rack." We never wanted or ask for a roof mounted systemWhen the workers came to mount it they were ready for a roof mountThey had to go out to the hardware store to get the four inch diameter galvanized pipe for the stand uprightsThe drawing that were given to us at the time of contract clearly showed ground mounted panels on concrete piers using x treated beans, x treated posts and treated cross bracing
Considering that the old water heater was dysfunctional and had been removed we went ahead with the installation in the knowledge that we could retrospectively apply for the amended permits from the County but would pay a small penalty fee which we were happy to accommodate
The old dysfunctional water heater was removed from our shop roof and the new Solahart was installed the same day (Tuesday, Feb25, 2014)The county said the permits were applied for on 2-21-14, but not OK by the county at that dateThe second permit application dated 6-04-did not show the metal bracing and were not as per the original diagram given to us at contract and down payment dayWe were not in a hurry to install a new system as we have been using it for over yearsThe old panels were donated and a new pump was put on the panels because the pump was the problem, but the panels
Some weeks after installation the client called our office by telephone had insisted that we now install the system in a manner to his own design but his suggested design did not comply with plumbing or building regulations and the client was informed of this verbally by us and the County Officer
I did call Hawaiian Solar about their install as it did not follow the diagram in the original contractI did not give Hawaiian Solar my "own design"I suggested that the unit needs more bracing and flexible in and out water lines for typical hot water tank set up in an earthquake zone (the whole county of Hawaii is an earthquake zone)On June 19, at 9:am *** from Hawaiian Solar came for a "re-measure" on the frame for more bracing of the upright structureThis was part of my original suggestion to have more bracing on the structureNo "county officer" informed me that "more bracing" did not comply with county code
This complaint appeared unusual considering that the client was present during the entire installation process and at no stage did he express any concerns or dissatisfaction with our work or the equipment installed
On 2-25-when the Hawaiian Solar crew was here, according to my daily log It was raining, We were expecting a bed frame to come in, and We were painting upstairs all dayI went out twice to look at the work and said to the guy who seemed to be in charge where he could get the pipe and angle iron as it seemed they were prepared for a roof mount, not a ground mountHe had to leave to get the pipe and angle iron to do the job (local hardware?)I later said that one inch pipe to hold over 1,lbswith braces did not seem structurally sound to meI could reach up and very easily rock the whole unitHe said I would have to talk with Hawaiian Solar
The County eventually processed the permit applications together with stamped and approved design drawingsWe immediately sent copies to the client by USPS and certified mail which he received on July 16th which interestingly enough is the date that this complaint case was opened by our client
I telephoned to Revdex.com prior to 6-13-On that date we sent e-mail compliant to Revdex.comTheir letter must have a typo as it is June not July
In the letter we advised the client that we needed to make a very minor change to the cross bracing of the frame so we could call it in for inspection and close out the open permits that we now hold against his property
On June 19, at 9:AM the above mentioned "re-measure" took place and *** stated that they would come out and add or more angle iron bracingThe "very minor" change in the cross bracing (that is not shown on the 4-17-architect's plans) seems to show new 1/inch angle iron bracing which is more like the bracing I desired(my problem now is if they drill the inch pipe for the bracing the drilling will weaken the one inch pipe?)
It should be noted that the solar water heater is functioning perfectly as intended and at no stage whatsoever has the client complained about the performance of the systemThe timelines of the whole permit application process is one that is totally beyond our control and we have responded immediately to any requests made of us by the County OfficeWe refute the claim that we lied to the client and are confused that he would suggest that when he also states that we had not responded or communicated with him at allWe did answer his one telephone call where we advised him that we were waiting for the County to respond to our permit applications
Yes the water heater unit is functioning well, but the unit was never the problemThe problem was and still is the structure that supports the over 1,lbsridged piped in unitThe "lie" was the original structural design diagram did not match the later structural attemptsAlso we did call Hawaiian Solar with no response and the State Regulated Industries Complain Office required us to send a registered letter of complain to Hawaiian Solar (dated 4-15-14)We also called on 6-09-"message only" and 6-12-and again message left
We have revisited the site to measure the mounting framework so we can order the required materials which will then take approximately minutes to fasten in place once we are in receipt of the partsThe County will then inspect the installation and we will then close out the open permits
The original complaint: That the permits were not obtained prior to constructionThe diagram were given did not conform to the structure that was erectedAs of June 16, the multipliable inspections have not been doneThe "minor bracing" of the structure has not been completedIt seems to me that over months, lots of phone calls, trips to both Hilo and Kona county planning offices, computer time, and all and out pain in the butt botched job needs to be made right*** put holds on the two payments for the problems we are havingThe first payment *** Card has paid, the last payment is waiting for finished job or ***'s time line for holding is running out and I think Hawaiian Solar knows thatAll our time and energy has costs us money and time for which some reduction in payment would be appropriate
From: * [redacted]...
[mailto:[redacted]] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 12:11 PMTo: [redacted]Subject: RE: Hawaii's Revdex.com - Case # [redacted]
[redacted],
Yes, Hawaiian Solar & Plumbing, Inc. finally came to my place and did the proper thing which was to completely remove the Solar Water heater and re-install it properly in compliance with Hawaii County building codes. I was waiting for the inspection to be finaled by the County Bldg. Dept before contacting you. The inspector approved the re-installation! Yea!! It has taken since June 2014 to get relief on this incorrect installation issue and it only happened because I hounded the company weekly. I would not recommend this company to anyone. Their upper management seems intent on taking short cuts that will get the customer in trouble and waste one’s time and money.
[redacted]
This company does not stand by there equipment and do not make service calls.
I tried to call them for 3 months with a problem with a leaky solar panels an they never came or called back. Finally after the leak was so bad they finally said I need new panels.
Case # [redacted] Dear [redacted], Our response to the above case number as follows. The system was originally installed in 2006 and has been functioning perfectly for 9 years, unfortunately for reasons unknown the building permit was never closed out but most probably through an administration error. Building codes are constantly changing and since calling the job in for inspection mandated that we had to comply with more recent and current codes. We moved the system approximately 2 feet from its original position after consulting with the local County building inspector. The system was then inspected and passed and the open permits were duly signed off and closed by the County. [redacted] Hawaiian Solar Office [redacted] Cell [redacted]