Solar Bear
Reviews and Complaints

Buyer Beware, worst company I have ever dealt with. They will not return calls they can't keep the systems in repair. I have been trying since February to get my system repaired. They do not return calls. The office girls tell you what repairs you need. They told me I need a new cellular chip and it was $400.00 I paid and it was supposed to be installed on Nov 6th. No calls and no one came.Now when I call they act like they don't know us and won't return my money. The system has not made power for two months. The only option I have now is an attorney.Please choose anyone else but this company your wallet and peace of mind will thank you for it.

SOLAR BEAR , is a complete fraud from the beginning to now , three years later. the sales person told me I could use the tax credit and I will get 30%
back , He new I was retired and the only way to use the tax credit is if you file a 1040 or a w-2 which as a retired a don't . I started paying $189.00 a month for the panels , second year they raised to $ 269.00 plus I still pay for FPL every month .
I called them and mentioned I want the panels removed and discontinue business with them and they told me that the panels are mine and nothing they can do about it .
I need help , I am retired and I can't afford $400 a month in electricity just for me and my wife. I need these panel removed and my account closed ,
thank you

This was a great experience. I learned a lot. IInterviewed 5 companies, 1 man said he drove 2.5 hours knowing he was going to tell me he couldn't sell me solar. He was eliminated from the bunch. Each company that came into my home, said I didn't need to interview any other companies. I said I've given you your time, I will give each one I scheduled their time too. I was learning more as I went along and weeded out the lies. Josh, my sales rep, was honest, and professional. I knew by this time, he was truthful and he knew his stuff. I went with him and Solar Bear, and so far, I'm very happy! Thank you Josh and Solar Bear. I thank the whole team for their knowledge, quick work, excellent clean up, and overall professionalism.

I signed an to have my solar installed over a year ago. Part of my agreement included a ev charger and a hook up for my generator so I can use my solar energy produced if my power goes out. I have called several times and I have been given the run around from several different people. It seems like turn around is high because I always end up talking to someone different who knows nothing about my situation. Today I requested a refund for that portion of work that wasn't completed. I was told that the work that is left to do on my system was being done for "free". So apparently I paid $37,000 but they can't put a price on how much it cost to install the ev charger and generator hook up. Do your research before going with this company.

The installation crew did not follow the approved construction drawings. The sales rep, Sean, assured they wouldn't penetrate our metal roof. In fact, the metal roof was selected specifically so solar panels could be installed without penetrating it. They penetrated the metal roof without any discussion. The panels have also failed inspection because the box was installed too close to the electrical box AND the installation did not match the approved drawings. The first electrician who came out to correct the installation wasn't able to because he's not as good of an electrician as his brother. All of these mistakes were easily preventable. At this point, Solar Bear has not lived up to the claims made during the sales rep's dog and pony show. Solar Bear can make it right. Hopefully this will be remedied quickly and with little effort on my part.

I signed a contract with Solar Bear last July 18, 2022, and they got the panels up immediately. They got the inspection and corrected any problems that were found. The final inspection was done in mid-September and we were told that our electrical meter would be connected within thirty days. We waited and waited but nothing happened. Now our utility company Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is telling us the problem is our system is oversized so they will not connect us. GRU claims they have notified Solar Bear but we have not heard from anyone, not Solar Bear nor GRU when trying to resolve this problem. We are running out of time to get connected to the grid to get our tax rebate. Our accountant says that unless we are connected by the end of the year, there will be no rebate. I feel like I am stuck in the middle of a conflict, one that will cost quite a bit of money.

Called to find out about Solar here in Florida. Jay came and explained everything to us in a very professional and complete way. He answered all of our questions and we made the decision to move forward. We had a great crew of people come in and work in our attic to remove all the old insulation since we went with that extra option. After they left the actual installation took place and again we were impressed with the friendliness and efficiency they exhibited. Electrical installation took place at that time also and I must say it is a very clean install. Very professional. Insulation was installed and all is great. We had a little bit of a wait for the county inspections, but that is no reflection on SolarBear. All looks great. Today we had Will Garcia come and show us how to turn the system on and monitor it from our phone application. Again everything has been explained in detail. Great company to work with. I strongly recommend them.

Signed for my solar panels in October, we are now 4 months in and my panels are still not running. Salesman was amazing, and the "solar bears" are very nice, however, the process has been painful as it seems like my file sits in a pile of many files. I originally called 2 weeks after my panels had been installed to find out what the next step was. Turns out I was waiting for the inspection, but noone was setting that up and noone was retrieving the building permit that had been sitting at the city hall for a month. So I went and got it myself and pushed for the inspection to be coordinated. Couple more weeks go by and once again I am having to prompt them to do their work and coordinate the phone calls. I definitely did not anticipate having to oversee a solar panel transition, and quite frankly am disappointed I had to do so with a company rated as highly as Solar Bear. Due to the constant delays, I will now have a solar bill and a full electric bill.

Sales rep was friendly and helpful, installation of the solar panels was on time. Then came the issues. My installation can't seem to pass inspection, after two inspections, EVEN after in insisted that the corrections that was needed to pass the inspection was not corrected. The inspector showed us what was needed. The company's representatives, Carlina and the other individuals who's name sounds like Kyara, kept insisting that the corrections were made. Only to fail once again. I reached out to the sales rep, who responded once and never responded again. I called the office, then the attitudes started and the sarcasm. After bine calm but obviously, Carlina, sarcastically wishes me a blessed day then slams the phone down. I call back to speak with a manager, Kiara answers the phone states that the manager's name was Chris, then she hangs up. Then I called back, no one answers my calls. So guess what, as I promised, i will be filing a formal complaint. It's been four months, payments have started and it appears that $45K is going to be a big disappointment. Never EVER will I recommend them.

We contracted with Solar Bear and had 47 panels installed on our roof. We were assured that 47 panels would generate enough energy to match our usage. Over the past 18 months, those panels have only met our usage three months. We contacted Blake who said we had to contact Duke to determine if our usage had increased since the original plan. We have found that 47 panels only cover 66% of our monthly electric usage. Last December, after multiple emails and phone calls, Blake indicated to us that after checking with Duke, and reviewing our roof space, that he would add an additional 13 panels during the first week of January . It is now the end of February, and we have not heard or seen from him or anyone else at Solar Bear. Blake has not responded to our email asking what the status of the panels is. No response from Solar Bear is the rule rather than the exception. Our goal was to eliminate a monthly electric bill, and put that money toward the solar panels. Instead, we still owe $27000.00 on solar panels, AND still have a monthly electric bill that averages about $90. If you expect good customer service, do not hire Solar Bear.

I went though some eight solar companies, which I won't name, before Jamie K. stumbled upon me and asked me if I might be interested in solar. Basically, I said yes, but I was thinking what kind of pie in the sky sales pitch I'm I going to receive today. Not known to Jamie, was that my son worked sales for a solar company and taught me what the words and numbers meant that I would hear in someone's pitch.

From the start, I could hear my son's information and realized I might be getting an honest conversation about solar. By the end, I was sold and I do not part with that kind of money over some fad. However, Jamie put all the facts in front of me and answered all my questions during his presentation, not after. My electronics background made all the information understandable and clinched the sale.

To make along story short, Jamie walked me through the entire process and Matthew taught me about the black boxes. Actually the boxes are white. The entire system from the panels to the support equipment is located nicely and are really not an eye sore.

Our 1st month bill came in at 36.09 for Feb-Mar. That overage was due to workers running in and out of the house with the A/C running. I really estimate my next bill will zero or result in power credits.

I would highly recommend hiring Solar Bear of Tampa if you are interested in solar power. Don't overlook this company. They always made schedule with my project. They were all courteous and took the time to answer the 'Why' questions, which I thought was pretty professional..

they are a terrible company to deal with, from the day they came to my house had a problem.
my contact was Solar panels on roof 2 remove and replace existing panels for pool 3 remove all insulation in the attic and spray foam,4 install generator and burry 250 propane tank in the ground and supply all material and permits.
1 the salesman was responsible remove and re-install existing panels to a location on the roof.
did not want to pay a company for the new location
2 insulation broke my door in the garage made a complaint, never heard anything fix it myself
and they stayed foam in my attic.
3 Generator took a year to get here, but solar bear never filed for a permit, called them said
that engineer had to resubmit, six months went by, I went to the town hall to find out why they are taking so long they said there was never a permit for a generator filed, I called and said
they just send it out, lied again lying. finally, the Generator came after 1 1/2 year .
the electrician comes to do the electrical work with no permit? ask him and said they have it in
the office and that is lie because he knows it's supposed to be on the job, all said and done
permit finally comes, and inspector comes and failed the job.
the Generator got to be ready to run for inspector.
Suburban told me they don't do any finance with the solar bear, I had to put down 1800 bucks
they came they said they won't do anything solar bear gets a permit. I got a lawyer cost me
750 dollars send them a letter they ignore.
If I don't put out the money job will never get done, now am dealing with Suburban to install the 250-gallon tank supposed to be done Monday.
solar bear is going to owe me 3000.00 I have already lost 750.00 for a lawyer and that going to be a big problem. please help me am 80 years old I just wanted a generator salesman who did a great job on me told me he has my back, what joke. gave me a 30 year mortgage shame on me

I spent a lot on my system so going solar was very scary due to the horror stories. so i spoke to 3 separate companies, and went with Solar Bear. This is why: Upon doing research Solar Bear had the highest reviews and did not have associated dramas with installation that plague other solar companies like delayed installation or hit and runs.

This was my experience: Troy and Chuck came out and sat down with me and not only discussed solar but educated me on what i needed, why i needed it and the process from start to finish. The process was suppose to take 3 months and took 2.5 and this was mostly due to permitting the one thing most purchasers have drama with. When they came out, the installed in 3 days. Along with the install they included installing new screws in my metal roof at no cost to me, this was a major savings and extended the life of my roof 50 years. We had spoke about this in the interview but however never made it onto the contract nor the final price, to ensure my satisfaction they made it happen and covered the cost completely, this was a very innocent communication failure on both parties and they did not have to this and did. The people were exceedingly helpful and knowledgeable from the reps to the installers. Although they sold a very solid product they focused greatly on customer service making sure i was happy from beginning to end. Going solar is a very scary process or decision because it cost so much and its extremely hard to understand what you need and why, its not like buying a car at all. However they were friendly extremely patient, took the time to educated me even before agreement to buy and was there all the way through the process with any questions that i may have, an absolutely wonderful experience, i love my system, the energy independence, and the total lack of buyer remorse or uncertainty.. my only criticism is unlike any other purchase you do not get a itemized break down of what you get, i think that would along way with customer comfort due to the serious lack of understanding on how solar systems work... its not like getting a car and paying extra for power windows. they are determine by kilowatt...

WARNING - If you don't want to read my long review just know that if you want SOLAR use ANY OTHER COMPANY but this one. You will end up paying double payments for months with no response.

Now on to the review...

I cannot express how disappointed I am in Solar Bear. This process started off so beautifully and seamlessly. From the quality and speed of the roof installation to the updates made to my power box and the Solar panel installation, I had exactly 0 issues. We had this all wrapped up end of September start of October, everything was so fast and efficient. Where the ball was dropped, was at the end of our project and we got our Permit package. We called the # on the form at the start of October and have been waiting for an inspector to come and finalize everything. We hadn't heard back for some time so we called back yesterday. The woman on the phone informed us that there was no inspection scheduled and that the job was incomplete? What? How? (Why didn't our concierge notify us of this?) We thought all work was done and ready to be inspected. She then hurriedly says "oh well someone will be out there tomorrow to complete the job?" We asked what was involved in "completing the job" she said the stickers were missing" that's it? So we waited an additional month for stickers to be put on? I could tell by her typing that she was trying to quickly arrange things for our project, we had obviously fallen through the cracks and she was trying to hurriedly rectify things. So now, we have to pay our Duke bill this month AND our new loan, which is unacceptable as there was more than enough time to complete this project. I totally understand that there may be overlap and would have been ok with paying, but stickers?! You're not going to tell me that these missing 'stickers' are going to cost me an addition $200 this month. This is a lazy mistake/oversight.

My mother referred me and still hasn't her referral cash?! I have since referred you to my friends, which, I'm regretting. I just got my satisfaction survey and can't in all good conscience give a good review for Solar Bear, which is sad. I'll have to pay my new loan payment and Duke for probably two months now, based on how disorganized this process has become towards the end.

Also, my husband reached out you multiple times, with no response. I loved the concept of a concierge but have definitely felt abandoned by your company towards the end. I've emailed the CEO, my sales person the sales team, nothing. Please use another company? PES was really nice and knowledgeable ask for NICO as I should have went with them.

March we signed a contract with Solar Bear. April the solar panels are delivered to the house. The next day the contractors show up to install the panels, I ask if the permit had been approved and the Lead said yes and it was on his phone. This crew does not install because they do not have the right clamps to install on our roof. The next day a crew shows up to install the panels, it takes a day and a half. I called Columbia County Permit Office the day after asking when to expect an inspection and they tell me there isn't a permit. So they have installed without a permit! I call the company and get the run around as to why there isn't a permit and they do not want to take responsibility for this either. I have to keep calling the permit office to find out if they even filed and finally they do and the end of May there is a permit. Then of course Loan Pal who finances the solar panel is going to start sending us a bill, because in accordance with the contract 60 days after the panels are installed the billing starts. I have several discussions with this company and tell them I am not paying for something that is not up and running. They recommend I call Solar Bear and after many phone calls Solar Bear submits a request to make the payment. So for the month of June, July, August, September and October I have to reach out to this company and request a payment because we are not up and running. The install failed two separate inspections from the county. Finally in September the installation is approved. I have to submit the paperwork to Clay Electric for them to come and switch out the meter. This takes a few emails, because my email went to the one guy who handles meter switches junk mail. Finally after 8 months they send out a guy for the exit survey and he asks how everything went and so I told him all the delays and lack of customer service and he of course makes excuses for the company and promises things will get better. Of course they ***'t and once again I am calling into the company asking for an email that I need to set up the App to monitor the system. I kept this person's phone number and text him and he told me he yelled at the front office for not doing their job. I'm sure this helped. It doesn't because the next day I drive up into my driveway and there is an unmarked trailer and truck and they are lucky I recognized the contractor from the install and he tells me they have to get up on my roof to get the serial numbers off of the panels so that I can see them on my app. The guy who took the original pictures no longer works for the company and they didn't think about getting his information from installs. I was upset because I had not received a call telling me to expect them. The customer service told me it was the Project Manager's responsibility to call me. So after an hour he does call me and apologizes but since the we were to be expedited that I wouldn't mind. He thought wrong. The contractors had to hear my rant on the lack of professionalism and they kept telling me they were only the installers. I told them you are wearing the company shirt so you are going to hear me out. After they were done with their job and showed me how to read the app, I called the Project Manager and told them they were done and had showed complete professionalism while I was ranting. He told me he had spoken to the owner of the company Blake A. and that he would call me later that afternoon 11/6 and of course he did not. Today is 11/9 and still no phone call. If we could remove these panels and send them back to the company and get out of the loan we would. This company has no regard for people, it is all about the sale. I am a Veteran and I will make sure all my Veteran friends and their friends know about this company and to never buy from them. I submitted a complaint on their web site too. People need to be warned about them, they do not care about their customers at all. If I could give minus points I would.

The Salesman was Deceptive throughout his Representation of the Facts that Solor Bear was working with the Government to help make Solor energy affordable. There was an implied reference that the government was going to pay for 26% of the cost. (False) The utility bill was fixed at $178.00 per month and on repeated questing reassured us, that was all, except for $30.00 per month for the new meter. (False) When asked about the cost, stated that it was a fixed cost for 25 years that could be passed on when the house sold but would add value to the house Sales price. (False) He repeatedly stated that there was no down payment. (False) Still with no further Disclosure. Never did he tell us that a finance company would be involved. It seemed to us that Solar Bear was the owner as they were going to continue to do yearly maintenance and cleaning. We have no Taxable Income and the salesman was told that when he asked. To place the order, a cell Phone was used to sign the order. We were never given any document associated with the order or have any time to read what we were to sign let alone even see it on a Phone. Just sign. After months had passed, we had to call repeatedly to finally find out how we were deceived, when reading the documents that arrived approxamently 30 pages. (Never seen Prior, and we would have never signed) We only thought we signed an order, not a Finance Contract that required the payment of the 26% in 18 months, that we were told the Government would pay. (Undisclosed) We were also told that we would be supplied a phone app for solar panels savings. Still have not received the app. and it is now one year. The salesman now states that two people who heard the same thing and signed a document on the Phone, handed over by him (see doc for the remaining detail )

On 4/12/22 a representative came to our house and went over solar panels with us. I believed we understood most of the sale pitch. We understood the taxes that could be reimbursed and we could use them on our payments. I understood that they use there own men and not contract out. I understood the solar was installed, and then a few other things, like inspections and a grid converter was put on and then we would be up and running. I understood they had 30 days for the grid and up and running after the inspection. And I understood that they push the payment way out so they have plenty of time to get things working. That is not what happened. First you have no one to call. Second they never got the permits to put the solar up. Then they lost all the paperwork, then they lied and said it was at the house, the inspector has a picture and it is not this house, then my neighbor took a video 7 days later of solar bear coming to the house, hanging paperwork, taken a picture then tearing it down and running away. On top of this every piece of paperwork has had to be redone, they lost the permit when they finally got it. They signed all the paperwork for duke energy wrong and it all had to be redone. They made me fix both of these problems. When you ask for a supervisor they refuse to give you one. Now I get a bill to pay yet, I still don't have the solar connected. So without even knowing if what I bought works I have to pay a bill. When I ask for help to get duke to hook me up, they said no not our job. So what was there job, not to get permits, not to show up to inspections because they missed two, not to show up to get me hooked up, not to do any paperwork correct, the permits had the wrong names, the duke paperwork had all the wrong accounts, the bank paperwork had issues and I had to fix them all. This company is a joke, don't use them at all.

Signed a contract with Solar Bear on September 28. My time line for finance was up on June 11. On June 9 and 10, 2021, we finally had a crew install 66 solar panels. They were so happy...now they could get funded. Now, nearly 6 months later, the solar is not hooked up and running. I've been told by them it is because of a permit. I was also told by them they submitted it for permit on August 27. Then I was told on September 22 that they would call to find out where the permit is. That same day, they called me to say the city said there was no engineering stamp on the permit, and they were sending a runner over to get it stamped and take it back to the city. On September 28, I was told AGAIN that they were taking the permit to engineering for a stamp and returning it to the city. On October 4, one of the owners said he would check on the permit and call me back. He didn't call back. On October 20, we called the city about the permit. We were told it was submitted for the FIRST time on October 7th. On November 15, the owner told me they are waiting for the permit. On November 16, we again called the city. The permit is ready. They just need a GC to sign off on it. They had tried to contact Solar Bear, but no one has returned their calls. I finally got hold of Solar Bear and was told they were sending a GC on the 17th or 18th to sign and pick up the permit. Today is November 30th. The city says no one has signed it or tried to pick it up. I've left numerous messages at Solar Bear yesterday and today. They have not returned my calls. They got funded 100%. Then they didn't finish the job. Horrible, horrible company. I have no idea how they can get an A+ rating with the Complaintsboard.com. I wish I would have read the online complaints about them before I signed a contract. I have kept a daily journal (when activity actually existed) if you have any questions.

I ordered a solar panel system which included electrical panel upgrades for just over 75k, but I did not receive any itemized breakdown of these costs. The electrician for Solar Bear stated that considering there were 4 panel upgrades that the share of the cost would be around $12,000 total (3k each). Solar Bear, without informing me, decided not to include these upgrades in the system. When I asked the technicians about the panel upgrades after I was told all the work was completed, he said he was not informed of these panel upgrades and they were not in the plans. I inquired with my sales representative (Ge P) and he offered me a $2,300 refund for these 4 panel upgrades, so I insisted that they just do the upgrades per the contract. I reached out to the owner of the company (B***e A) and he offered me $2,800 and said that in order to complete the work in time I would not be able to get the upgrades done at all. I suggested we wait until the work is finished to further discuss a refund. After missing the deadline to complete the work, I requested yet again that the panel upgrades be installed but received no response. After over 11 months of waiting for the work to get done (contract suggests maximum time to full completion is 5 1/2 months), I never received the electrical panel upgrades nor any refund. I have multiple messages to the owner and have not received a response. The explanation I was given by the sales person was that these electrical panel upgrades were a "buy 1 get 3 free" deal so I was only entitled to the refund for 1 electrical panel but that they would not actually do the work to install the panels even upon my multiple requests for it to be done per the contract. The credit union that financed this deal (partners with Solar Bear) charged me full price and never confirmed anything about the work being done. Names redacted for privacy purposes.

I signed a contract with Solar Bear on March 9th 2022 with *** for a home solar system. *** was helpful through the process and answered all the questions I had - I have had solar in other states in the past so I was somewhat familiar with the process. My main concern was making sure I had a big enough system to offset my *** bills. I gave *** my Duke bills for the last 12 months and he put together a system that he stated would produce more energy than I have been consuming. He also included in the contract if the system did NOT produce enough to offset my energy bills that Solar Bear would install more panels at no cost - this is what sold me on Solar Bear over other companies. I signed the contract and *** told me I would have different Solar Bear reps along the way and each one would assist me. This is where things started to turn.TJ left the company soon after I signed the contract. I had another person assigned to me that called me 1x and never I heard from again (I assume they left) I failed multiple inspections and constantly had to call Solar Bear to push them along to get my system started. I have had my system in operation since July including a couple weeks in cool temps with limited and no AC and have yet to produce enough solar to offset my *** - ON ANY INDIVIDUAL DAY. I called 2 weeks ago to try to talk to someone - no callback. I called Monday last week - again no callback. I then called one last time on Thursday 10/20.22 and was told by the receptionist that someone would definitely call me within 24 to 48 hours - I have gotten 0 calls. I completely frustrated with my experience and don't feel I have a system that is matched to my needs and cannot get anyone to talk to me. I asked the receptionist if the company had been bought out or going out of business and she stated "no" and that she was sorry nobody has called me back. I need help and resolution.

On Dec. 19, 2020 I met with Luis G. (Regional Manager with Solar Bear) and signed a contract for the purchase of a 17 panel solar system which was to be financed through LoanPal, (now GoodLeap) for the amount of $21,879 at 2.99% APR. G.'s main selling points were that our Power Co. SECO Energy would purchase our solar power production at a 1 for 1 purchase price match and any excess solar that we produced would be banked for future use, which after the installation of the 17 panels during a phone conversation with a representative of SECO's Solar Dept. *** SECO does not purchase solar at a 1 for 1 and has not done so since Nov. 2014, but charges 0.0954 per KWH and purchases solar at 0.0754 per KWH, and has never banked excess production. Solar Bears recommendation was for a 21 panel system but due to the monthly payment being more that our average electric bill, G. recommended we go with the 17 panel system, stating that it should be sufficient if a freezer issue we had previous been having was repaired and our consumption was less, which both have occurred. Feb. 27, 2021 spoke with Solar Bears Vice president of sale Justin D. explaining the above issues, and it was decided that they would provide 4 additional panels. After our first few electric bills of us still paying $50 plus after solar production, I spoke with SECO and was advised it normally takes approx. 20% more solar production to cover the price difference and was told our system should have at least 6-8 additional panels. Solar Bear also violated FL Admin. Code 25-6.065 by not notifying SECO of additional panel installation, never filed with Sumter Co. for a permit revision or had a re-inspection. Violated SECO's meter tampering policy. During installation improper backfeed breaker was installed not as approved by county & SECO. I have made multiple attempts to resolve these issues with Solar bear & GoodLeap with no satisfaction, and made them aware of these violations.

Im a disabled veteran on a limited income. I spent $42,000 I get nothing except horrible customer service, lies on eveything they said to get me to sign the contract, and then just an Im sorry for what happened with no resolution. I went with solar bear because of many perks and promises. All I recieved I feel was a bait and switch. Now I have a solar bill, an electric bill, no 26% tax credit, and I cant run my genorator with my solar like they told me I could if there was a power outage. Solar bear told me I only needed 24 panels, even after I told them I needed an overbuilt system so I wouldnt have any electric bills. I went against what they recommended and did 28 panels. Even at 28 panels and spray foam, It still not enough panels for my house. The reason I went with more panels is once the loan is complete I cant add more panels. Solar bear told me that if I needed more panels because their engineers were wrong they would take care of it. Enphase is the manufacture of the solar products and apps solar bear uses. I had mulitiple Enphase tech support agents say my system was to small, I told solar bear and even showed them a chat screenshot and I get ignored. Solar bear told me to wait a year and we will see what happens. Im sure if I wait a year they will tell me I waited to long. I have more details but cant add everything since characters are limited. Since 06/21 I have called Solar Bear's office 37 times (spoke with Erika the office manager 3 times), The reginal manager, Jamie 10 times, and between the techs and salesperson another 6 times. I have also sent emails on 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 9/30, and 10/14 with response back. I have also sent more than 100 texts. I have requested a couple times over the phone and in an email to speak with Justin the VP or the owner and I get nothing. I've now waited 30 days and still no call back or response to my emails. I have also had two full months of solar and still getting a decent size electric bill.

System and insulation are not providing the promised production and saving. This is an excerpt of the email I sent to the company. I have attempted communications and I was promised that they would look into the problem, then all of the sudden the stop communicating. My efforts to contact them and have the correct the issues have been in vane. I am asking for your assistance before I pursue legal actions against their company."Im bringing to your attention that the solar system has underproduced what was guaranteed. Additionally, the spray foam was to provide between 25%-40% savings on our electric usage. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, since the installation of the solar system and spray foam we have performed several improvements to our home to contribute to lower our electric usage; we have replaced water heater with hybrid water heater, added crawl space encapsulation, and replaced guest house window a/c with an energy efficient mini split. All of these changes have contributed lowering our electric usage, but still not achieving the guarantee. I have provided *** with all my electric bills; he has stated that they were forwarded to you for review. I have tried leveraging the use of the two Tesla Powerwall to limit how much electricity is used from the electrical company. I have based my calculations using reports from Enphase and Tesla. Currently I am paying for the solar system and continue to pay the electrical company more than was expected due the lack of savings from the spray foam and the underproduction of the solar system. I dont regret going solar as I do believe it works. I ask that you promptly correct this situation, meet expectations, and guarantees. I look forward to a prompt solution, thank you.Feel free to contact me via email and/or phone."Person I have contacted:Blake Ambrester Solar Bear LLC, President *** O:

August 17th we had two reps from Solar Bear come to our house. They went over the whole solar process of where they get their panels and they don't sub out any work and they had a whole program of working with veterans and how they help veterans get solar which was great since my husband was in the army. The kept talking about this 26% tax rebate and how the government was giving away money to help offset the cost of solar so we don't have to put a down payment. We mentioned multiple times that we were self employed and just starting our business. I met the solar rep in my local networking group and talked about this was my first year in business since losing my job during COVID. They said the tax rebate would be great to help lower the cost. They said that it's like borrow against myself, I can use the 15k to put towards my solar bill or I can use the 15k to pay off our car or fix the house. If we apply the 15k to the loan it will make my payments lower if I choose to not apply the 15k to the loan then my payments will be higher. But what I do with the money once we get it is up to use. I've said great because since we are self employed and just starting out we need to save money since we are trying to get back on our feet. We went to go file our taxes and we don't qualify for the tax rebate which now we know it's a credit not a rebate and we don't pay income taxes since we are in our first year of business. We were mislead by the sale rep with him doing the break down of what will happen when we get this money from the government. Especially since we said multiple times we were just starting our own business. Our panels were also not installed correctly and had to call them out multiple times. We started paying on the loan before the panels were turned on and the first month we had the panels on our bill was $130 when they told us it would be $12. We have been mislead the moment they came into our home and took advantage of my husband being a vet.

My wife and I selected Solar Bear, for solar panels over other companies because of its high customer reviews. The salesmen made such a persuasive pitch that we also signed with them for a rental house down the street. This was in July. Early on we discovered we needed a roof for the rental house. Solar Bear also operates a roofing company managed by someone named "Dan". Our sales representative said nothing unfavorable about Solar Bear's company but did indicate that we weren't obligated to use that company. He gave us the name of an alternative company with a "Brett." Meanwhile, someone by the name of Wilfredo showed up with something to sign and we were honestly confused as to "Dan" or "Brett." To us, it was the same. First, we needed to see if our roof damage was covered by insurance. Dan, roofing agent #1, was to accompany me to the insurance inspector to help me makea case for reimbursement. He didn't show up. The insurance inspector declined the application. To make matters worse, On October 1, Dan had his crew to go to my rental house and WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE OR PERMISSION had his men mount the roof and proceed to lay out the shingles. The renters were flabbergasted and we were shocked. We told him to stop work. Imagine our surprise when, four weeks later, we discovered the shingles STILL ON THE ROOF, and now as of this date December 4, they're still there. Meanwhile, Brett, the other roofing agent, showed up and he provided excellent service. They were prompt, followed through, and were congenial. Moreover, THEY made contact with the insurance company; they accepted our application and provided a disbursement for a new roof. Dan, has proceeded to send us letters threatening us with all kinds of charges. And Brett cannot repair the roof because the shingles are there. IMPORTANT! We lose our tax credits if the roofs aren't installed by Dec. 31 and yet Solar Bear is giving us the "silent treatment." This is the worst financial experience of our 52 years of marriage

Installation Issue This solar system installation was contracted in February. I still do not have a working solar array 3 months later. The communication throughout this process has been horrible. Typically, I'm contacted two or three days before a step in the process is to be completed and am expected to somehow get a day off work to sit around and wait all day for whichever person has to show up that day and hope they do the work. In the case of the electrical work needed to hook up the array, the process has been even worse. The first electrician who was sent out was failed by the inspector almost immediately upon arrival. After the work was completely redone, I was told by the company that a representative from the company would be present at the second inspection so that the process could be moved along. I'm a healthcare worker in a Covid 19 clinic, and when I was notified at the beginning of the week that this inspection was Friday, I informed the company that while I could provide access to the panel for Solar Bear and the inspector to do the job, I would not be present. My wife and I are both essential and our schedules are not flexible at this time. Solar Bear called me today and told me that ,while the inspector from the county could come out today between 1-4, Solar Bear was not able to have a tech onsite to meet the inspector. Their reasoning was "they couldn't wait around for three hours because they had other installs to go to". Apparently, even though my electrical work was botched and I am now paying for a system that doesn't work, my install in not a priority for this company. That attitude is reflected in all the messages I've left that have gone unanswered, and the multitude of times I have tried to contact this place during regular business hours with absolutely no answer or response. I would love for someone to finish this job at some point. As much as I love looking at the half-finished work, it would maybe benefit me more if the system I'm not paying for actually functioned in some way.

Solar Bear has not finished the installation and connection of solar panels. We are paying for panels that do not work and our monthly electric bill. This solar installation started back in November . Fast forward 2 months and we finally get the solar panels installation date for 4 January. We thought we would be good to go with the install at this point but two days prior to installation, Solar Bear called and told us we had to get our electrical panel upgraded (split). This would be an extra 1k out of pocket expense and we could not move forward with connection to the grid until new permits were issued. We paid the 1k, the panels were installed on our roof, and we were stuck waiting again. No communication from Solar Bear. Every time we called for an update we would get the run around and a different ETA and a different reason why the install was on hold. Seemed as though no one in the company knew what was going on with our installation. Finally we get in contact a young lady at Solar Bear who sends the electrician out to look at the system. It's now March. The electrician looks and says we do not need a new panel and he does his part. We call Solar Bear and tell them what their electrician said about our panel and they do refund us the 1k. My wife and I think we are good to go with getting connected to the grid but AGAIN we are stuck waiting and we hear nothing back from Solar Bear. We get in contact with Solar Bear AGAIN and FINALLY an inspector is sent out. WE FAIL INSPECTION b/c apparently our plans do not match what is actually installed. We have called Solar Bear multiple times since the inspector failed us on 23 March. The last time we were able to speak with a representative we were told their plans department works from home and are hard to get in contact with. We are getting nowhere with this installation and Solar Bear is unable to tell us what the problem is, a resolution, or an ETA of when our panels will be operational. It is now mid April. The panels were installed the first week of January and we are stuck making monthly payments for solar panels that do not work as well as paying our monthly electric bill.

Installed without final plans in July and still don't have approved plans with the county. After a great sales pitch, we felt like our solar installers should be Solar Bear. We had to inform them of a fire code set-back they weren't taking into account and this should have raised red flags. Unfortunately, we thought it an honest mistake and continued with Solar Bear. They came out to install the system without letting us know AND without sending us any final plan layouts for approval (which were promised when we pointed out the still present fire code issue to a "carebear" while on the line with her and the sales person). Luckily, we were home for the installation to continue. Unfortunately, the sales rep couldn't make it for a possible bonus sales tent setup because he wasn't notified that they were coming, either. Upon going for a walk, I noticed that they were still in violation of the previously mentioned fire code. They had already drilled into our roof, but were told by the project manager to just repair it and change the layout...again, we didn't approve any plans. In fact, it was about a week after the install that HOA sent us an email for the approved install. This was in July and we still don't have working solar because we haven't had an inspection because the county hasn't approved their plans...the same plans for the installation that they already completed. Why was work done on our home before final plan approvals? I feel like this is a step before acquiring permits. I'm hoping they have all permits. But, I don't have any answers because we haven't spoken to any project managers or superiors. We only get replies from customer service and all they can do is apologize. We only get updates when we initialize phone calls to them. How is it okay to not finish a $30,000 job for someone and feel like you don't have to keep them in the loop with updates? Maybe because they've already been paid? Now, we will soon begin payments on a financed system that isn't working and was supposed to offset energy bills that we will also continue to receive. Not to mention the worry that the final approved layout will NOT match what they've installed and will cause further damage to our roof. Is there a warranty response for the repairs they have already made and will potentially have to make due to their faulty business practices?

2 yr ago, we signed a contract with Solar Bear and are still paying electric and solar! Blake A. is non-responsive and blames Duke energy. Help Two years ago, we signed up with Solar Bear to transition to a product and service that we were excited about in so many ways. Not only was the implementation experience long, painful, and completely on us to manage, but in the 6 months that we have been "live," we have been paying both the $60,000 solar bill, as well as our full electric bill! We were told the initial implementation would only take 3-4 months. 14 months later, with very little communication and response to my calls and emails, we finally went live. That wasn't without issue. At this point, we were just happy to have a real system that we could see online. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of our painful journey... While we were listening to Solar Bear blame the city of Treasure Island for the horrible communication and lack of support, they needed to take us live, we started receiving our solar bills. We had no choice but to pay both. We have been double-paying bills for a year without any response from this company other than, "we are looking into this issue with Duke Energy." When this was first escalated to the owner of Solar Bear, Blake A., I was told that he was "too busy and eating dinner with his family" to deal with my issues. I continued to be patient and send countless emails (I have a paper trail of all communication), but received no response. After SIX MONTHS of paying double bills, he responded by placing blame on Duke Energy. He said he was "personally looking into the matter." Several months and emails later, I am once again without a response. Wednesday, November 4 - "Ill follow up with Duke today. I sent it to a higher up that I have a connection with. Ill make sure the check for Ducts goes out today." Wednesday, November 4 - "Your system was turned on in the end of February , I need the bills after that." Monday, December 14 (LAST RESPONSE DESPITE MY MANY ATTEMPTS) - "I promise I am personally working on this one. Duke just moves slow and blames everything on covid and under staffing. I'm checking on them daily. A check will be mailed out for you today." I am reaching out to you in dire hopes that you can stop this horrible scam, help me retrieve the money that I have been over-paying, and warn other customers about this company! Nobody should air them on their network as reliable. Please help during these tough times. Thank you very much. These are only a few of the issues we have experienced with this company. We are looking for the panels to be removed and a full refund of the services we signed up for and never received.

In Jan'21, our solar installer had us financed for $76,233 (grossly inaccurate) and has refused to itemize after numerous requests. Loan is now due. Last year, we filed a complaint against SolarBear's poor service in installing solar in two our our houses. It was more or less resolved. This year the problem is financing through Solar Bear's recommended Corning Credit Union. Early in January , we got a loan schedule relative to $76,233 of SolarBear's charges for the 618 Wood Hollow house. That figure was never broken down so we could identify the source of the charges. It was not broken down in our initial contract nor in subsequent modifications of service. We've requested itemization numerous times from January 18 to March 2. On February 11, Justin, Solar Bear's agent, called and said he'd call back in a few minutes. We waited. No call. He did call back the next day but we were out. We called him back and asked him to call us. No response. On February 12, we reached out to Mary, Solar Bear's consumer trouble shooter. No response. On February 19, Solar Bear's clerk Erika promised we'd definitely hear from her. No response from Mary to this day. Solar Bear's executive had assured us that she'd be our go-to person in case of problems. No call received from her in weeks. February 19, we wrote a letter of complaint to Solar Bear's executive. No response from him to this day. On February 19, Solar Bear's Justin did call. We reminded him that we were concerned that the original loan amount was grossly inaccurate and that we needed an itemization. We wanted the cost of the roof taken out (we paid for it separately). He concurred with that. We also mentioned our desire to opt out of the spray foam insulation for health reasons. Agent Justin priced the foam at $4.75 a square foot and indicated our square footage as 3313 sq' for the rental. Our rental roof was separated out from the solar project and totaled more than $30,000, an amount that should also come off financing. Justin promised we'd get a check by Friday, February 26. On Tuesday, March 2, we received the check from Solar Bear. It was a check with scribbled writing AND NO ITEMIZATION. No letter enclosed. No clue. No explanations. We're still in the dark. Meanwhile, we've received a payment schedule from Corning Financial, Solar Bear's financing company out of Corning, NY, requesting March payment. We explained the situation to Marysol C. from Corning who put us in touch with a Tim M. on February 26 who referred us to Sunlight Financial, Solar Bear's financing agent. On March 2 we called Sunlight and talked with a Sheryl who refered us to a Dustin. We were promised that Dustin would contact us right away. No response. As of March 10, we've heard nothing from Solar Bear or Sunlight Financial.

Solar Bear damaged my roof support, and violated their contract. Hired 12/3 at a cost of $56,024.00 to install solar panels and spray foam in the attic. Contracted to install a Tier 1 system totaling 36 panels with 2 extras. January 20th a team came out to replace the main breaker box. But they still need to replace a 100-amp breaker with a 150 amp. 2/8 Mike from Solar Bear called at 10:43am, to see if they can start the solar panels tomorrow. I said they must have they must show me the permit. It was dated 2/8. 2/9 at 9:37am Solar Bear arrived on site to install panels. Once they were done, I walked outside to check the installation, count panels and took pictures. I counted 46 not 35 per revised contract. I called Justin R. their sales Rep'. He said the revised contract was submitted and someone in the office made a mistake. I also checked the city permit, it too had 46 panels on it which labeled the work as a tier 2 project not tier one. They will have to correct the install. New roof was installed 3 years ago, removed panels and plugging holes leaves us with concerns about leaks and aesthetics. 3/2 At 7:27pm I sent the salesmen an email and pictures stating " Never heard back from your company. The far side of the attic is worst. They cut the 2×4 Rafter in half and left it without reinforcing it or notifying the owner. Now it's a weak area for high winds and walking on the roof. The solar panel brackets are fastened to the 3/4 plywood not the 2x4's rafter as per contract and permit. At 8:03pm I sent a text message to Justin (the salesmen) to put the spray foaming on hold until these issues can be resolved. My concern is that under high wings the panels will tear away from the 3/4 plywood. Or they would flex and cause a leak. 3/3 Received phone call (2:02pm from Marry at Solar Bear XXX-XXX-XXXX) stating on of their technician, name Alberto will come by to secure the hanging wires in the attic above the garage. Al did show up and secured the wires in the attic. I also pointed out to him the errors in installation. He noticed the other team used 2 different mounting bracket. Rafters and decking's in different locations. He was also given a copy of the picture by text XXX-XXX-XXXX, that showed the damaged rafter, he forwarded it to XXX-XXX-XXXX. 3/4 Solar bear representee named Mimi called at 1:54pm from their Admin Team to let me know they are working on the issues and will get back to me. 3/15 Solar Bear (Carline) called at 10.30am to set up an appointment for their rep' Dan to come by an see what needs to be done. Appt' set for 10:30am, 3/17 Dan arrived at 9:48am, I asked him did he receive the information and photos of the complain? He said no. He went in the attic and got on the roof to survey the work area. He stated his firm needs to hire a structural engineering company to tell them how to make the rafter repair. And acknowledges that the solar panel decking brackets need to be changed. He also took pictures of what he thought was a leak around the chimney base. I told him, that the black stain which he saw was before the new roof was installed and it should be dry, but I'll check it. This area is not part of solar bears project. That was the last time they contacted me. Amount was through a loan at $202.38 a month. Sales rep" Justin R.