My contractor installed the solar panels and battery backup and said I should get the rebate in 45 days and that never happened. He took my money and ran. Didn’t even get the system permitted. Now I need to get it permitted and then file for the rebate. Anyone know of someone who can assist? I am willing to hire someone but I will be weary of when I would release payment of course as I am out of $54k
My contractor took my money and now I’m on my own! I need help and or advice.
- Thread starter Jamilyn
- Start date
Solar Guppy
Red Cobra Guppy
What rebates are you asking about?
All I know of is federal tax credit that you file for with your federal return with the IRS
All I know of is federal tax credit that you file for with your federal return with the IRS
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2022
- Messages
- 22,496
Made up rebates can be collected year around.
Bluedog225
Solar Wizard
Welcome to the form.
You can probably get the help you’re looking for here. Or at least the information you need to help yourself.
It would be helpful to everyone if you would describe your system, tell us your location, and other relevant details. My understanding of the IRS rags as you can apply for your federal tax credit if the system is in service. If you’re looking for some kind of local rebate well that’s gonna depend upon your jurisdiction.
Lots and lots more information needed.
And the hive mind loves pictures.
You can probably get the help you’re looking for here. Or at least the information you need to help yourself.
It would be helpful to everyone if you would describe your system, tell us your location, and other relevant details. My understanding of the IRS rags as you can apply for your federal tax credit if the system is in service. If you’re looking for some kind of local rebate well that’s gonna depend upon your jurisdiction.
Lots and lots more information needed.
And the hive mind loves pictures.
HighDesertOffgrid
Solar Wizard
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2022
- Messages
- 840
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Last edited:
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
Take pictures from a distance of the whole setup, then close-up pictures of each item. If you are comfortable and feel like you can do it safely take the covers off and take more pictures. Do take pictures of any model number plates you see.
Post it all and we can help you figure it out.
$54k seems like the system should either be huge or gold plated. All to often fly-by-night install companies disappear and leave the home owner holding the bag. Expensive lesson in how to deal with contractors. Pay in parts 25% down, another 25 to 50% once the job is mostly finished and the last 25 to 50% when the job is finished and the permits are signed off on.
I know some folks are against permits, and I am on the fence at times, but while they get the AHJ involved they also protect the homeowner from predatory contractors that cut corners and do a shit job leaving the owner holding the bag.
If the installer left any diagrams, bill of materials, or docs post those as well.
Post it all and we can help you figure it out.
$54k seems like the system should either be huge or gold plated. All to often fly-by-night install companies disappear and leave the home owner holding the bag. Expensive lesson in how to deal with contractors. Pay in parts 25% down, another 25 to 50% once the job is mostly finished and the last 25 to 50% when the job is finished and the permits are signed off on.
I know some folks are against permits, and I am on the fence at times, but while they get the AHJ involved they also protect the homeowner from predatory contractors that cut corners and do a shit job leaving the owner holding the bag.
If the installer left any diagrams, bill of materials, or docs post those as well.
And rebates can be for any amount dreamed up … whatever it takes to close the deal ..
Lawrence_SoCal
New Member
Couple of quick thoughts
- (Assuming USA) some places also have local/state rebates
for both For both Federal and local rebates... your concern should be if contractor claimed those rebates and took that money as well (and that may well not be Fed or local agency responsibility)... you probably need to get a lawyer involved (ideally one familiar with residential construction, though commercial building construction is similar enough if need be)
Another possibility, if you can find one, is a competent local solar system master/certified electrician inspector... someone who can go over your install with a fine-tooth comb (so to speak) and identify any potential issues. In my case, with significant issues found with my install (but not the horror stories other's have had), the inspection money spent will reduce my bill to the contractor (if project ever completed, and any amounts ever due... other discussion).
Such an inspection report, I'll also be using for a contractor license board complaint. The process and requirements for such a complaint depend on your local jurisdiction.
Such an inspection report will also inform you of what anyone else may need to remediate in order to pass inspection. And then there is tracking down what, if any, applications submitted to AHJ (local housing jurisdiction), Power Company (PoCo). And that info will then determine what all will be required to get your system permitted, inspected (if applicable) and operational
*IF* your contractor has filed bankruptcy, that has one set of implication. if not, time to get a court judgement against that person/company. including job abandonment. Sometimes pursuing such gets contractors to re-engage (but not something to expect).
- (Assuming USA) some places also have local/state rebates
for both For both Federal and local rebates... your concern should be if contractor claimed those rebates and took that money as well (and that may well not be Fed or local agency responsibility)... you probably need to get a lawyer involved (ideally one familiar with residential construction, though commercial building construction is similar enough if need be)
Another possibility, if you can find one, is a competent local solar system master/certified electrician inspector... someone who can go over your install with a fine-tooth comb (so to speak) and identify any potential issues. In my case, with significant issues found with my install (but not the horror stories other's have had), the inspection money spent will reduce my bill to the contractor (if project ever completed, and any amounts ever due... other discussion).
Such an inspection report, I'll also be using for a contractor license board complaint. The process and requirements for such a complaint depend on your local jurisdiction.
Such an inspection report will also inform you of what anyone else may need to remediate in order to pass inspection. And then there is tracking down what, if any, applications submitted to AHJ (local housing jurisdiction), Power Company (PoCo). And that info will then determine what all will be required to get your system permitted, inspected (if applicable) and operational
*IF* your contractor has filed bankruptcy, that has one set of implication. if not, time to get a court judgement against that person/company. including job abandonment. Sometimes pursuing such gets contractors to re-engage (but not something to expect).
Be your own contractor…!!!
Save money,
Know how to fix everything if it breaks .
Understand rebate issues….
Impress your in- laws who thought you were a dufass.
Have friends need your help..
Not have to listen to salesman BS…
Don’t worry…Be happy !
J.
Save money,
Know how to fix everything if it breaks .
Understand rebate issues….
Impress your in- laws who thought you were a dufass.
Have friends need your help..
Not have to listen to salesman BS…
Don’t worry…Be happy ! J.
BentleyJ
Solar Wizard
Seems like you are just a few miles up the 215 North of us. This consultant may be able to help.
Juliansolarguide.com
Juliansolarguide.com is your go to site for real solar information. We help people go solar in over 25 states and are here to help
juliansolarguide.com
Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with Julian in any way and have never met him. Just follow him on YouTube and hope it helps you.
Wow, i hope you can post the contractors invoice, and contact info, so his rep will be broadcast to the forum.
Very good point… too many clip joint artist out here today operating in every field you deal with…
there was a time a few decades ago that people cared about their reputation in a business..and tried to be fair…
Not Now…
I have gotten to the point ( there are exceptions) I learn how to fix or replace my own stuff on everything I own …..or I get rid of it.. .. or learn enough to discuss the repair with knowledge ..
that way they only “ sorta clobber you” , not slam dunk you…
To be unaware of how yer stuff works and what needed , is an invitation for many new age merchants to stick it to ya X 5 …
They are used to the average young guppy customer just going along with their story i guess…
It’s amazing at what has happened to normal life in the last 20 - 30 years…
Hard to trust anyone anymore…
Jim.
Lawrence_SoCal
New Member
Ah, OP is SoCal... yea, the solar inspector I used (took months to find the right person/company) is based in San Diego, and works across all of SoCal (end even further north).. DM me for contact info if desired
And I also like Julian's straight forward approach
And I also like Julian's straight forward approach
HighDesertDrifter
Teaching is a rare skill, Thanks to those who do!
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