Investigative Journalism Spotlights Solar Panel Issues
Telemundo has been running a special investigative news story called, “The high price of the sun,” which features stories from people who purchased solar panels. This special report has been spearheaded by Martha Minjarez, an investigative reporter who specializes in issues such as solar panel fraud.
The stories highlight issues customers who purchased solar have faced, including:
Homeowners who signed contracts to install solar-panel systems thinking they’d dramatically reduce electricity bills, only to discover that their savings are far less than promised.
Situations where the installed system under-performs (fewer kilowatt-hours generated than expected), or the installation was delayed, incomplete, or poorly maintained.
Financial arrangements (leases, power-purchase agreements (PPAs) or loans) which leave the homeowner with ongoing obligations despite the system not delivering benefits.
Stories of aggressive marketing / door-to-door sales or high-pressure tactics persuading homeowners to board early, often without fully understanding the long-term implications (maintenance, roof condition, interconnection, inverter replacements).
Consumer frustration at being locked into long-term contracts, sometimes with little recourse, and discovering hidden costs (maintenance, removal, warranty lapses) or realizing that the promised “zero cost monthly payment” or “100% savings” claims were exaggerated or misleading.
Some homeowners are facing difficulty when trying to exit or modify their agreements, or when the company goes out of business, making warranty and performance obligations unclear.
The segment may also highlight regulatory or oversight gaps (how the solar industry is regulated in Texas / local utility / interconnection standards) and how consumers sometimes lack sufficient disclosure or recourse.
If you experienced any one of these issues, you may have legal rights that entitle you to cancel the loan, terminate the lien, and get reimbursed for your expenses.