A South Florida couple thought they'd save money and go green with solar power, but it's turned out to be a costly mistake. Bill and Mary Garrett invested over $65,000 in 42 panels three years ago, but now the system isn't producing electricity and the city is racking up fines.
The project started smoothly, with the work completed within weeks. However, when the company went bankrupt, leaving the Garretts out of pocket, things took a turn for the worse. Despite paying the finance company in full, they couldn't find anyone to complete the job.
"It's like they're saying we don't work on other people's projects, and our panels are too old," Bill Garrett told Help Me Howard. The city is now charging $100 per day in fines and threatening to put a lien on their home, which could result in losing it.
Contract law expert Howard Finkelstein explains that the Garretts made a mistake by paying the full amount upfront. "You never want to pay all of the money before the work is done," he said. The lender should have taken on more responsibility for dispersing the funds, so they can't say they weren't aware of the company's financial issues.
The city has agreed to continue the case until May and delay certification of the lien, giving the Garretts some more time. However, Bill still needs to find a contractor to complete the installation and flip the switch that will finally bring them the solar energy they're counting on.
For now, the couple is just holding out hope. "We got hope," Mary Garrett said with a smile. And despite not having any solar power yet, they're finding the positive energy from their home – filled with instruments and filled with music.
The project started smoothly, with the work completed within weeks. However, when the company went bankrupt, leaving the Garretts out of pocket, things took a turn for the worse. Despite paying the finance company in full, they couldn't find anyone to complete the job.
"It's like they're saying we don't work on other people's projects, and our panels are too old," Bill Garrett told Help Me Howard. The city is now charging $100 per day in fines and threatening to put a lien on their home, which could result in losing it.
Contract law expert Howard Finkelstein explains that the Garretts made a mistake by paying the full amount upfront. "You never want to pay all of the money before the work is done," he said. The lender should have taken on more responsibility for dispersing the funds, so they can't say they weren't aware of the company's financial issues.
The city has agreed to continue the case until May and delay certification of the lien, giving the Garretts some more time. However, Bill still needs to find a contractor to complete the installation and flip the switch that will finally bring them the solar energy they're counting on.
For now, the couple is just holding out hope. "We got hope," Mary Garrett said with a smile. And despite not having any solar power yet, they're finding the positive energy from their home – filled with instruments and filled with music.
They went all in on going green and now they're getting RIPPED OFF by a bankrupt company that just DROPPED THE BALL! $65,000 is a HUGE investment and to have it not work out because of some shady business deal is just so frustrating 
. And the city's fines are just adding insult to injury 
. I mean what even is the point of paying upfront if the contractor can't deliver?! It's just common sense, right? 
. Like, hello! The company went bankrupt and left them high & dry - it's not like they were the ones who didn't show up to work or anything! 
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. I hope they get everything sorted out soon and can finally enjoy the benefits of solar power 
. And to anyone who's considering going green, just make sure you do your research and go with reputable companies! Don't let people like this shady contractor take advantage of you 
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I'm skeptical about this whole thing. 65k for 42 panels that don't even work? That's crazy! And now the city is racking up fines and threatening to put a lien on their home? 
Has anyone looked into the city's policies on solar panel installation and maintenance? What kind of oversight is in place to prevent this kind of thing from happening again? 
. The city needs to step up and make sure these guys don't lose their home over this 
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. and don't even get me started on the bills they're racking up, that's just crazy talk $100 a day?! 
I'm so bummed to hear about Bill & Mary's solar panel fiasco 
They invested so much in this green dream, only to have it turn into a costly nightmare 
And the fact that they couldn't find anyone to finish the job after the company went bankrupt just highlights how tricky contract law can be 
It's not like Bill & Mary are asking for much – just some solar power and a chance to recoup their investment 
But hey, at least they've got music to keep them company 
, especially when its as expensive as it sounds like this was 
this whole thing is so annoying! I mean, come on, Bill and Mary thought they were going green and saving money, but it's turned out to be a total headache 
. They're holding on to that positive energy from music and stuff 
42 panels for $65k was already pricey 
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, you know? They're the ones who took all that cash upfront 
. Now the Garretts are stuck with no solar power and a bunch of fines 
. But, on a positive note, Bill & Mary are finding some silver lining 
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. Hopefully, someone will come along soon to flip the switch and bring 'em some energy 
. They thought they were doing something eco-friendly but ended up getting taken to the cleaners financially 
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. And it's funny that she's finding positivity in her home, surrounded by instruments and music 