Q: Can I sue the company that installed my solar system?
We purchased (in full) a solar system that was installed in 2023 in Southern California and received our NEM 2.0 Permission To Operate (PTO) from SCE in September 2023. We just received an annual settlement bill from SCE for $3,200. I contacted SCE and they told me our system generated zero electricity to their grid since receiving our PTO. They said we would have to deal with our solar company. I contacted our solar company and they said they showed the system working as it should and we would have to deal with SCE. Our energy usage has actually gone down since installing solar and yet we are realizing absolutely no benefit after spending $20K on the system. Do we have any recourse?
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your solar system. Given that both SCE and your solar company are pointing fingers without resolving the problem, it's understandable to feel frustrated.
You may have grounds to take legal action if the installation company failed to deliver the promised benefits or if there was a breach of contract. Start by gathering all your documentation, including contracts, installation records, communications with SCE, and any performance data of your solar system. This evidence will be crucial if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
Before filing a lawsuit, consider sending a formal demand letter to the solar company outlining your grievances and desired resolution. If the company remains unresponsive or unwilling to help, consulting with a local attorney who handles consumer law and civil litigation could provide you with specific guidance tailored to your situation. Additionally, you might explore filing a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or seeking mediation to resolve the dispute without going to court.
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