Real Stories: How a Bad Solar Contractor Cost One Homeowner Thousands

Introduction

Not all solar stories end in savings.

While thousands of Canadians are cutting their power bills with clean energy, others have been left with faulty systems, broken promises, and mounting bills—because they chose the wrong installer.

This real-life case study from Mississauga, Ontario highlights how one homeowner’s decision to sign with a high-pressure solar salesperson led to project delays, hidden fees, and serious regret. If you’re considering solar, let this be your guide on what not to do—and how to avoid the same fate.

The Pitch: “No Money Down. Guaranteed Savings.”

It started like many solar pitches in Canada: a door knock and a polished salesperson with a glossy brochure.

Monica, a homeowner in Mississauga, was told:

• The system would cost her “nothing upfront”
• She’d eliminate 100% of her hydro bill
• She could start saving immediately
• All permits and paperwork would be handled

Feeling confident, Monica signed the contract the same day.

Red flags ignored:

• No printed quote with equipment specs
• No explanation of financing terms
• No delay to review or compare options

The Reality: Subcontracted Work, No Permits Filed

Weeks passed. Then months. Eventually, an installation crew arrived—one Monica had never met.

They:

• Showed up without calling
• Spoke little English
• Couldn’t explain where the panels would go

Later, Monica learned:

• The company had subcontracted the install to a local crew with no experience in solar
• No permits had been submitted to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
• Her inverter was not the one listed in the original brochure

Quote from Monica:

“I had no idea who was in charge. I signed with a company in Vaughan, but the people on my roof were from somewhere else entirely.”

The Fine Print: Surprise Financing Terms

The real shock came with the first loan statement.

Monica discovered:

• Monthly payments were higher than quoted
• A 5% annual payment escalator was built into the lease
• Total cost over 25 years: over $42,000 for a 5 kW system worth $18,000

Monica had never seen the full financing contract. It had been emailed after signing and was buried in legal jargon.

Lesson: Never sign a clean energy contract until you’ve reviewed every document—including loan agreements—with a trusted advisor or friend.

The Fallout: Legal Bills and Unfinished Work

Frustrated, Monica contacted:

• The ESA (who confirmed no inspection had been filed)
• Her bank (who couldn’t cancel the automatic lease)
• A lawyer (who reviewed the contract and found it legally binding)

She tried to terminate the agreement, but the cancellation clause required:

• Full repayment of the remaining loan
• Payment for panel removal and decommissioning

The system was never connected to the grid. Monica paid nearly $3,000 in legal fees—and was stuck making payments on a system that didn’t work.

How to Avoid the Same Mistakes

If you’re a Canadian homeowner exploring solar, learn from Monica’s experience:

Always ask for:

• A written quote with model numbers
• Permitting details (who files, who pays)
• Clear warranty documents
• Time to review and compare offers

Never:

• Sign a contract the same day
• Skip reading the financing terms
• Rely on verbal promises

Bonus Tip: Use Solenery’s Postal Code Lookup to find pre-vetted, certified installers in your region.

Conclusion

Going solar should feel exciting—not stressful. Unfortunately, not every company in Canada plays by the rules. Monica’s story is a cautionary tale—but it’s also a powerful reminder of why vetting your installer is the most important part of the process.