04/21/2020
KJH
Olympia, WA
We had a 20 panel solar system installed at our house in March, 2020, by West Seattle Solar. Other than some communications lapses on their part, we were not aware of problems until they finished the job and had been paid. Problem #1 - We got charged by our utility for the solar power the system generated. Instead of getting a lower electrical bill, we got the highest bill we ever received at this house. This is because the installer left the system disconnect in the "on" position, telling us the meter would "run backwards" and give us credit with the utility for our surplus power. So for three weeks surplus power flowed into the utilities system, but instead of getting some kind of credit, it was recorded as power we consumed and we were charged for it. West Seattle should have known this. Problem #2 - Leaving the breaker "on" met power from our system was flowing into the utilities lines that they did not know about. Potentially, a line worker could have been injured thinking all power was off, when it was not. When the utility learned our system was on, we were told to immediately, at that moment, go down and turn it OFF! West Seattle created a dangerous situation and some liability for us potentially. Problem #3 - they either did not submit the application to the utility to have our system approved and get a new meter that would record our power surplus correctly or they submitted it and did not follow up to see if it was approved. I filled out the forms three months in advance and the installer was supposed to submit them. When I called the utility to find out when we would be getting our new meter I learned they did not know about our system. I had to fill out a new application and submit. I needed a schematic of the system which I did not have. I called the installer twice and emailed three times and got no response. Finally I was able to get the plan from our local permit office. Otherwise I was left hanging with no help or support of any kind from the installer. Without this document, the system could never be approved and used. I could go into more detail, but simply we were left without support after a series of mistakes cost us money in a high electrical bill and a dangerous situation. Hopefully the mechanical and electrical parts of the work were done correctly. Who knows? I don't. I regret using this vendor.