REC Solar

Review: Several months ago I contacted REC Solar in hopes of them installing a photovoltaic collection array on my roof. They inspected my roof and told me that I would be an excellent candidate, and that my solar exposure was ideal. We began the process to move forward, as I signed a contract, and paid a deposit. Subsequently, an engineer (vice salesman) arrived to inspect my roof closer and he decided that REC Solar didn't want to install the system on my roof. (Apparently, their business model revolves around doing the majority of simple roofs--they don't wish to deal with roofs that may be a little trickier to work with (and generally found on custom homes in Santa Barbara). They even suggested that they remove my 50-year warrantee metal roof and put a composition shingle un under where the many panels would go. I only learned of their business model from their director of operations for the State of California. No one else would admit to the problem for themselves.Desired Settlement: I desire not only a refund of the principle amount but also a 10% penalty fee. Taking months to return money is unacceptable in today's climate, particularly when the company unilaterally decided that doing my installation wasn't within their business model. (Which they failed to share when me when they eagerly took my money).They promised to return the money over a month ago, and have heard nothing at all from them. All they do is say they will refund the money, but they never do.

Business

Response:

Hello,

We have read through the complaint and are working internally to see what can be done to rectify the situation.

Review: I originally started a contract with REC Solar in Scottdale and was working with [redacted]. I had agreed to go with solar, and REC seemed to be the most professional. We set up a installation date to be in Jan 2013, on the day that was set up to be the install date, I called after no one had shown up, only to find that the instal was delayed due to issues with the local power co not approving the design. So after the design change was made it was resubmitted and set up to be installed in Feb of 2013. A week prior to that install date, I recieved an email from the local power co stating that I needed to sign new documents. So I got back with REC, and I informed them of what I had been sent. They still didnt realize that there was an issue. So they looked into it and got back to me after a few days. The rushed out the documents that needed to be ammended, I faxed them back. Only to find out the the install date would be pushed back again. So now I was told that March would be the install month for sure and that they would contact me with the new date. Not having heard from them I figured they werent going to do it. I recieved a call in June,from Kevin, saying I was on the board for installation. I quickly let him know that it was unacceptable and didnt want to work with this co, I at that time asked for my refund back and he said he would work on it for me. I have tried repeated times to work with Kevin, and finally he gave me the phone number to Sun Run who was the finance co. I have tried to work with them several times to get my $500 deposit back and they say because I didnt request a refund within 3 days of cancelling the contract I'm no longer entitled to my money. I have tried repeatedly to work with REC and SunRun to run into a wall of No's. If I hadnt been working with Kevin initially I would understand that I dropped the ball. Its a deposit for services to be rendered but nothing has been rendered.Desired Settlement: I would like to get my $500 from either REC Solar or Sun Run, I would also like the IPad that was promised to me by Kevin, but I'm sure thats not going to happen

Review: Consumer beware if you are contemplating having solar installed by REC Solar. Their sales approach is bait and switch and they do not provide accurate information on how the monthly billing will actually work. There are numerous solar companies out there. Do your research and stay away from REC Solar as they do not care about the dire situations they have put their customers in. Their sales process is completely misleading. Our sales representative advised us the unit we were obtaining would produce more than enough energy, too much in fact, and that we could go with a much smaller one and still be covered. Our main concern was to have enough solar energy produced so that we would not have a bill above and beyond our fixed monthly solar bill and the taxes to be on the grid. They also advised we would not have to change our lifestyle for the worse, but would be able to change for the better. Example, we could have a cooler house, run appliances when we wanted to, etc. But, since installing solar with REC Solar, we have had to change our lifestyle for the worse. I no longer cook the meals I once used to, bake with my daughter, or have our home at a comfortable temperature during the summer months for fear of increasing our monthly electricity bills even more than the outrageous amount Ive had to pay even though we are on solar. We have been paying excessively more than just the taxes to be on the grid ($150 + vs. the approximate $10-$20 they advised we would) and they have not done anything to correct the situation even after my numerous communications with them since the beginning of this year. Even when they advise they will respond to you with an answer on X day, they do not. They wait for you to contact them again and continue to ignore the issue. This is not only happening to me, I also know this is happening to at least three other households of elderly people that are on fixed incomes. All of our energy bills have increased substantially instead of decreasing or staying constant, which is how they sold their solar concept to all of us. They do not care about the consumer, they only care about the dollars in their pocket.Desired Settlement: Correct the situation and abide by what was sold to us. There should be no monthly excess amount due above and beyond the taxes to be on the APS grid. If they can't figure out a way to make that happen, terminate our lease without penalty and remove the solar system.

Business

Response:

Hello,

Thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. The issue is in the course of being resolved. We are expecting to have the information back from NRG Energy on a resolution this week so we can make a decision on how to proceed. We will be in contact with you as we move forward.

-[redacted]

Business

Response:

Hello,

A member of our management has spoke with S[redacted] and we are moving forward with the following resolution:

1- 1- We will reimburse her for the additional cost that has been spent on electricity since the system was installed. Specifically, that if the NRG/ Suncap agreement is for 0.17kWh, and their actual cost of power from the utility is $0.11 that we would cover the difference.

2. 2- We will cover her full cost of solar for each month until a resolution was reached.

3. 3- That once we receive the information we need from NRG, we will determine a resolution that is agreeable to her for the future.

4. 4- We will send her an email recapping our conversation today stating everything above

5. 5- We will calculate what her excess costs have been, and we will then send her a summary which will require her approval before we move forward with reimbursement

6. 6- That reimbursement will be in the form of a gift card so we can deliver it this week and not have any internal delays in getting a check issued.

I am confident that with thorough communication and fair compensation for the financial burden this customer has incurred, that this issue can be resolved .

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

Review: 9769409

I am rejecting this response because:

The initial compensation has been made but complete resolution for a go-forward approach is still being worked on.

Regards,

Review: REC promised a solar system.... they failed to communicate with me as to the status of my installation. I called [redacted] of REC and he told me they couldn't provide me the system they promised because of Orange County setbacks. My issue is that they knew the setbacks(which he agreed) and never indicated there would be an issue. As warned my many other solar companies, REC deceive me into an unrealistic system. As a police officer in Southern California, I have witnessed such poor business practices and am ashamed that I also "fell" for it.Desired Settlement: Please cancel my contract ASAP so I may pursue a reputable solar company. ThanksSteve

Consumer

Response:

Review: 9871414

I am rejecting this response because: