Sunrun-Builder’s Solar Scam
I booked a new construction house from Taylor Morrison in California and things were going hunky dory until I got an introductory email from builder’s solar partner: Sunrun. They sent an email telling me to either buy the solar panels for $32,000 or pay $110 in pease per month for next 25 years. When I checked the pricing for same specs panels from Tesla and other top providers, it came out of be exactly half of Sunrun - and that too before tax refunds. After tax refund, Tesla panels are costing about $11,500. When I brought this up to Sunrun, they shamelessly said that the builder has an exclusive agreement with them and basically either I pay to Sunrun or I do not buy the home at all. When I looked at the purchase agreement fine print, it mentioned that the solar system has to be bought from Sunrun and pricing can change any time. The salesperson never mentioned the solar panels pricing and they didn’t include it in the pricing of home or upgrades. Clearly, while I signed the agreement in good faith, they are doing arm twisting now and taking advantage of the situation. My question is: can I file a lawsuit against the builder (Taylor Morrison) and Sunrun for deceptive practices? Even better, can a class action lawsuit be created on this? Finally, for sure I am going to raise it with my area’s congressman and see if the legislation can be updated for not forcing new home buyers to install solar from manufacturer’s provider. @mentioned some companies for visibility Blind Tax 20 yoe 300K TC
yikes. my guess is yes
Tesla panel costing less than sunrun is not true.. Irrespective $32k is more unless they are providing battery for storage also ..I have seen builders offering free solar..
You can go to Tesla website and build your own estimate for 6.48KW Solar Panels. Sunrun is indeed a rip off and they have builder in bed with them.
They should have told you before you signed the purchase agreement. If they didn’t, at best you can push them to let you back out and get your deposit back. It is the law in California that all new homes have solar and I agree it’s super scammy that they force you into an overpriced system. I went through the same with TollBrothers, I was forced to pay 36K for a 6kw system. The options were: - pay a ridiculous price - least for an even stupider price - don’t buy
That's highway robbery. Our 13kw 36 panel system from Tesla was 15k after tax rebates and a Tesla promotional discount.
Ouch! That hurts! 36 grand for 6KW is ludicrous.
Maybe ask for the smallest system you can. Like a single panel. If they don't install, contract is void for non-performance.
Apparently they have “manufacturer recommendation” of 6.48KW.
It's easy to sue, harder to win. If you get free legal insurance run the contract by them and go from there.
If you decide to move forward, leasing seems the way to go. They'll be on the hook for maintenance and warranty throughout, plus you can always transfer the lease to the next person when selling.
That’s why you always read before you sign especially a new build
You should make trouble. Contact all your local officials and state consumer agencies. Also contact local press like consumer advocates at newspapers and on TV. Have a news anchor walk up and put a microphone in the face of the builder. I am a big solar fan and want solar adoption to take off and builders/installers ripping off consumers just raises mistrust inthe system which will harm adoption and ultimately harm the planet. So give them hell!
Start by not only reading but understanding the contract you sign....all the stuff you mention is more past tense... Fighting the contract is what will drive change
Great advice! Thank you. The squeaky wheel indeed gets the grease.
I have the same issue with Taylor Morisson . What did you end up with finally ? can I DM you .
My only question is: are you Indian?
No