Overview of The Solar Panels I Installed Destroyed My Roof!
A caller to the Ramsey Network explains they bought a house with a financed solar system from a company (Sonova) that provided a roof-penetration leak warranty and a production guarantee. Months after purchase the system caused roof leaks, panels were removed and the roof replaced. The original solar company went bankrupt; the lease/note was sold and is now held by SunStrong, which refuses responsibility for the warranties. The caller still owes about $50,000 and the panels sit in the backyard. The host advises legal consultation and recommends negotiating to buy out the note at a discount rather than pursuing expensive litigation.
Key takeaways
- The warranty likely became worthless when the original solar company went bankrupt; the finance/lease note is a separate obligation and remains enforceable.
- Suing the note holder is possible but expensive; settlement or buying the note at a discount is often a better practical solution.
- If you have cash available, offer a lump-sum buyout to the note holder (host suggested starting around $10k on a $50k note) and get agreement in writing.
- Document everything, consult an attorney for local/state-specific rights (Massachusetts was mentioned), and avoid paying full retail when the product/service was defective.
Background & timeline
- Home purchased last summer with financed solar system.
- Sale included advertised long-term roof-penetration leak warranty and production guarantee.
- A few months later roof started leaking; panels were removed; entire roof ultimately replaced.
- Original solar company (Sonova) went bankrupt; lease/paper taken over by SunStrong, which denies warranty responsibility.
- Caller owes ~$50,000; panels are in the backyard and not installed.
Legal & financial analysis (as discussed)
- Warranties vs. note: The warranty was likely tied to the bankrupt vendor and may no longer be enforceable; the loan/note is a separate financial contract owned by the buyer of that paper.
- Note buyers often buy distressed paper and may be willing to settle at a steep discount to avoid legal costs and collection problems.
- Litigation is costly and uncertain; legal fees could exceed practical recovery. Use threat of legal action strategically but don’t rely on suing as the first option.
Recommended next steps / action items
- Consult an attorney (consumer protection or contract/real-estate lawyer) to confirm legal rights and options in your state.
- Gather and preserve documentation:
- Original contracts, warranty language, purchase/lease paperwork
- Communication with installer and note holder
- Roof repair invoices, photos of damage, inspection reports
- Negotiate with note holder:
- Offer a lump-sum buyout at a steep discount (host suggested starting at ~$10k on a $50k note; expect counteroffers—maybe $20k).
- Insist on a written settlement and release that cancels the note and clears your obligation.
- Demand removal or pickup of physical panels if you don’t want them; get this in writing.
- Consider alternatives for the panels: reinstallation at your own risk, sell for parts, or dispose of them—only after note is resolved and you own them free and clear.
- Explore consumer complaints/regulatory routes: state attorney general, consumer protection agency, and licensing boards if installer acted negligently.
- Confirm homeowner’s insurance or roofer warranties for roof repair coverage and document claims.
Risks & considerations
- Even after buying the note, you still face potential costs to reinstall or dispose of the panels and any future roof issues.
- Buying the note gives you title control over the panels but shifts liability for any unresolved installation defects entirely to you.
- Negotiation outcomes vary; the buyer may refuse steep discounts, but legal costs and mass complaints often make them receptive to settlement.
- Make sure any settlement fully releases you from future obligations and is legally binding.
Notable quotes from the episode
- “Right now what you’ve got is not a solar problem — you have a fifty thousand dollar problem.”
- “Giving them a dime for trash that’s laying in your backyard is more than you should have to give them.”
- The practical advice emphasized: get a lawyer, document everything, and try to buy out the note at a discount rather than pursue expensive litigation.
Bottom line
Treat the situation primarily as a financial/debt problem: verify legal rights, document damages, and aim to resolve the $50k note by negotiating a discounted lump-sum buyout with a written release. Litigation is a last resort due to high cost and uncertainty.