At least six Treasure Coast families have contacted WPTV about solar panel companies after experiencing similar aggressive sales tactics. Jane Bibee says her $40,000 solar loan has made it nearly impossible to sell her home. Mike Schopp is locked into a $60,000 loan for 25 years and now pays nearly double his previous electric bills. Paula Wass and David McCauley report that their $39,000 solar system never reduced their approximately $300 monthly FPL bills, and the system stopped working entirely in November 2024. All these homeowners describe comparable door-to-door pitches emphasizing rising utility rates and promised savings that did not materialize.
The scope of the problem extends well beyond these individual cases. Data obtained from the Florida attorney general shows nearly 750 consumer complaints have been filed against three solar companies examined in this investigation. The attorney general's office has opened formal investigations into two of these companies, with active litigation filed against the third. Seniors vs. Crime, a division of the attorney general's office, became involved after WPTV's initial reporting revealed court records and lawsuits documenting a troubling pattern affecting elderly homeowners who claim they were deceived.
Installation quality and long-term support present additional concerns for affected homeowners. When Wass and McCauley filed a claim seeking damages, they reported their solar system as non-functional. Shortly after installation, they discovered a roof leak. An engineering report commissioned by their insurance company determined the leak was caused by moisture intrusion at the solar panel brackets, and the inspector could not verify the brackets met approved installation standards. Marty Jacobsen, a deputy director with Seniors vs. Crime, explained the broader issue: "Oftentimes, these rogue products are obsolete. They'll go on your roof, they can't connect to the grid, but there's a 25-year warranty with a company that doesn't exist anymore, so you can't get service." Justin Hoysradt, president of Vinyasan Corporation and co-founder of Fix My Solar, noted that poor roof sealing and damaged roofs requiring replacement are common problems he encounters regularly.
Relief options are available for struggling homeowners. Seniors vs. Crime has helped multiple homeowners cancel contracts and recover money through mediation and negotiation at no cost. Attorneys have successfully recovered funds for some homeowners through class-action lawsuits, and Florida's Construction Recovery Fund, financed by permit fees, can compensate consumers who suffer losses due to contractor misconduct. The attorney general's office and Seniors vs. Crime encourage anyone experiencing similar problems to file a complaint with the attorney general's office.