Solar install turning out really bad - looking for some help/advice please.

[Volusiano]

The situation is so screwed that I can't even fire the guy apparently. I've reached out to the Registrar of Contractors to get information on how the process of a formal complaint would work and I'm waiting on an email back but I was told by another electrians that I can't bring in someone new to finish the job at this point. I have to file a formal complaint with the ROC and also give the current installer written notice of my intent to fire him and bring in someone new otherwise I risk being sued for not giving the installer a fair chance to correct whatever problems there are...as if I haven't given him plently of chances and been more than patient already.

I think if you want to fire the guy then you should consult a lawyer like other posters have suggested.

But if you think you can't fire the guy because 1) nobody else would be willing to come in to fix a mess and 2) the installer holds the current permit and back to (1) nobody would want to start a new permit with a job almost done already, and 3) you just want it to be over it soon, then I guess you'll just have to bite the bullet and let him make the necessary repairs to pass inspection then pony up money for somebody else to check on the workmanship and fix any issue for you in the end (or do it yourself).

[HX_Guy]

Yeah, #3 would be my ideal situation. Brining a lawyer into it would drag this on so much longer...weeks, months even maybe.

I did hear back from the ROC saying that once a formal complaint is filed, an inspector will come out to assess and verify the complaint and then the contractor will be given 15 days to complete the job. So I do have that leverage. Plus I can still have the payment I made to him reversed.

As for brining someone in to inspect it afterwards, I guess I could, but I also feel confident I could self inspect it as well. Luckily there aren't that many connection points where there could be potential problems...really on the roof it's just the MC4 connectors that he assembled and the combiner box, which I worked on myself so I know it's good. Then on the ground you have all he connections between the inverter, the meter socket, the disconnect and the service panel. Those are all very easy to check for tightness. Any missing grounds or other code items on the ground the city inspector seems to have caught already and I'm sure will look even more closely the second time around.

[HX_Guy]

Maybe there's still hope???

Called the installed just now and he answered the phone. Whoa.

And he was "nice". Whoa x 2.

Called him, fully expecting him not to answer, but he did. I asked him if he can give me a status update and a definite day of when they would come out to fix the items needed.

Seems he in the meantime he figured out that the work doesn't need to be redone, the permit can be changed to match what has already been installed (which was an option I was saying on here too). Said the permit was submitted with the city yesterday and they told him since it's just a small change, it should be ready to pick back up on Monday. So he figures Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest they will come back out and fix the other small items that are needed (two things really...run the wire up on the roof through conduit...about 6' worth that exposed and touching the roof tiles and add a bond bushing inside the inverter).

Keeping my fingers crossed!

[sdold]

Yeah, #3 would be my ideal situation. Brining a lawyer into it would drag this on so much longer...weeks, months even maybe.

I don't think anyone said to hire a lawyer, we just said to go see one for an hour or two and get some advice so you don't make any more bad choices.

[HX_Guy]

City said no amended permit was dropped off with them yesterday or today. They checked with the office staff and in the "pending" pile (ones that haven't been entered into the system yet) and they do not have it.

Given that, I've filled out a formal complaint with the ROC and am filing it tomorrow.
These are the complaints I outlined and followed up with detailed explanations.


These are the "further explanations" if anyone wants to take a read. There's probably more than just these but I feel this tells the story well enough.

Explanations for Complaint - PDF

I'm just wondering if I should send him an email and copy of the complaint, something to the effect of...

"Please be advised I spoke with the City and they stated an amended permit was not submitted to them for his project as you confirmed earlier today. I am submitting a formal complaint to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. I apologize that it has come to this but I have given you fair warning multiple times."

Yay on that or screw him and just file it and don't contact him again?

[control4userguy]

Don't bother notifying him- he is still stringing you along. Fix #6 to read "Contractor installed incorrect conduit". Don't pretend he actually did something right anywhere in your filing. Also, don't let him back onsite once you have filed. That will slow your already slow progress. You can't expect anything good to come from him so why repeat the same mistake by letting him touch things.

[Alisobob]

When I saw your first post with the conduit ratsnest.... I had a fear it was all going in this direction.



So... what to do now?

Tell him to STOP!!!!

I'm a contractor in California, and have seen plenty of jobs go sideways.... very few ( if any) ever straighten out with the original contractor.

I would find a construction lawyer in AZ who specializes in solar immediately!!!

Better to be proactive on this now... than continue to drag in out over who knows how much time.

Sorry to hear of your situation...

I still think this was good advice, from 12-11-14 . You would be done by now.

[alienwulf]

I have been following this tread from the first. I have to agree with other posters this has gone way too far. I would of filed a complaint and got a lawyer on retainer long ago to protect my rights and property.
He sounds like a fly by night take the money and run kind of guy even though you have the money end protected. People like him is what we all try and hope not to get for our projects . Good luck on the rest of this saga.

[silversaver]

Somehow I have a feeling there's going to be another new thread about how to fire a F rating installer on budget

[Alisobob]

somehow i have a feeling there's going to be another new thread about how to fire a f rating installer on budget

x 2

[HX_Guy]

Well looks like the installer actually DID resubmit the permit to the city. Must have done it this morning because as I said before, they did not have it as of Thursday afternoon (city office is closed on Fridays) even though he had said he dropped it off Wednesday. Maybe the ROC complaint motivated him.

[SunEagle]

Well looks like the installer actually DID resubmit the permit to the city. Must have done it this morning because as I said before, they did not have it as of Thursday afternoon (city office is closed on Fridays) even though he had said he dropped it off Wednesday. Maybe the ROC complaint motivated him.

Sometimes the "squeaky wheel" motivation works.

[silversaver]

Well looks like the installer actually DID resubmit the permit to the city. Must have done it this morning because as I said before, they did not have it as of Thursday afternoon (city office is closed on Fridays) even though he had said he dropped it off Wednesday. Maybe the ROC complaint motivated him.

Sometimes the "squeaky wheel" motivation works.

I have not seen any city hall process an application and update their website ASAP.

You think you have found a bad installer.... (basically you just like to take advantage of paying with your credit)

Like a kid keeps playing with fire and crying of getting burn.... classic

Have you found a way to save more money by firing your insaller?

[HX_Guy]

Keep laughing silversaver, I have a feeling I'll be the one getting the last laugh with a nice big system and top notch install and components at a very good price/watt.

And this city does update online in almost real time.

[Willy T]

I have not seen any city hall process an application and update their website ASAP.

You think you have found a bad installer.... (basically you just like to take advantage of paying with your credit)

Like a kid keeps playing with fire and crying of getting burn.... classic

Have you found a way to save more money by firing your insaller?

No, but he's been trying from the get go.