ComplaintsforSolar Bear, LLC

Solar Energy Contractors

View Business profile

Need to file a complaint?

BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process.

File a Complaint

Initial Complaint
02/22/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
September 2022 we got solar panels from MC Solar with a 6-8 week timeframe to be functional. MC Solar installed within a week then disappeared. Two months later I called our lien holder, Goodleap. I was told MC Solar was not in business and our project would be finished by another contractor. I was to receive a call within 8 weeks. Time passed and Id heard nothing so I called our lien holder again. I got Solar Bears info so I called them. They were confused and said someone would call me back. A week passed. I heard nothing.8/2/23 I left a poor ****** review of Solar Bear. I got a call from the owner, Blake, the next day. He asked me to remove my review, as it tarnishes the reputation of the good companies like his. He wanted to earn 5 stars and gave me his personal number and said hed keep me informed. 8/10/23 he texted to ask if I removed my review. No update given. 9/6/23 I texted Blake for an update.9/7/23 he texted back about waiting for my city to release the insurance from MC Solar and Id have an update by EOD. I didnt hear back.9/14/23, 9/18/23, and 9/26/33 I texted again and heard nothing.10/2/23 finally got a text back that inspection was next day, more than a year after install. 10/5/23 I receive a text that panels passed inspection. No other info. 10/19/23 I texted for an update and was told there was nothing to do on my end. FPL had 30 days. 1.5 months passed.12/6/23 I texted. He asked for my address. No text back.12/7/24 I texted again and was told theres a form from FPL I needed to sign. I completed same day.Same day I got an email from ******** with *************************** to complete a net metering app. FPL would be sending an invoice that needed to be forwarded to Goodleap. I received and sent on 12/8/23.1/3/24 I emailed ******** and was told my app was still in review.2/6/24 I emailed ******** and was told our invoice from 12/8/23 was paid on 1/12/24 and review by FPL takes 1-2 months.1.5 YEARS later - STILL waiting.
Business response
02/27/2024
We understand the customers frustration. MC solar was a bad company and is currently being sued by the attorney General. We took over 1200 projects that MC solar left unfinished. Theses we're not our customers, we were just stepping in to help get them to the finish line. We faced many challenges with MC solar on getting necessary engineering info, and their insurance info. We did nothing but help 1200 families get what they paid for when they were left to die by MC solar. We did our very best to get all people to the finish line as quick as possible. Most customers are praising us while some are ungrateful and don't understand the magnitude of the work that took place to make this right for all of these homeowners.
Customer response
03/02/2024

Complaint: 21330656

I am rejecting this response because: this reaffirms how unprofessional this business is. Calling me ungrateful? MOST homeowners are happy with you? Have you seen the complaints here and on ******* What do I have to be grateful for? Youve left me just as high and dry as MC Solar with your lack of communication regarding my solar, despite telling me Id be informed every step of the way. Ive been waiting OVER A YEAR and still am for my system to work. I am paying for something I cant even use! I have text proof of me repeatedly asking for an update and being ignored or of being told Id get an update and never hearing back. Maybe if you actually kept your word I wouldnt be so ungrateful. Solar Bear is just as scammy as most of the other solar companies out there.

Sincerely,

***************************
Business response
03/08/2024
We didn't make you wait a year, and we are not the reason you are continuing to wait. We cannot control that MC solar has completely screwed up and made it extremely difficult to get what we need to get you to the finish line. We jumped in to help 1200 customers that they left high and dry and now your making us the bad guy. Who else jumped in to help? No one. We understand you're frustrated, but taking it out on us is not right. I will have someone from our office follow up with you.
Initial Complaint
02/06/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I had Solar Bear install panels an Spray Foam in my attic. The ceiling in my home was damaged. They also promised the spray foam would keep out the squirrels. It doesn't. During the install, getting ahold of my project manager, KB, was useless. She would only return my call after I called the sales **** *** to complain. *** has put in Service Request, but up to now there has been no contact. I've been to the business in *****, **. and they have a legitimate facility. They seem to be growing faster than they can keep up and it doesn't seem they're very interested in customer service during our after the install. After signing the contract and collecting the money (this is just my opinion) you only hear from them when they're coming to do the install. Additionally, when the rep came to our home to check the finished product and how the app for the solar panels and works, he asked about there placement. We relied on the sales reps suggestions and there "engineering" department. The rep said he would advise them about having them moved, but so far nothing.
Business response
02/27/2024
We remove pest from the attic when we spray. We do not guarantee that a squirrel can't get in the attic. They have big sharp teeth that can chew through metal. Its in our contract that any drywall damage we will repair. Someone will reach out to the customer to schedule the repair.
Customer response
02/28/2024

Complaint: 21241298

I am rejecting this response because:

Sincerely,

***************************
Customer response
03/01/2024
Your sales **** ************************************ sold ** on spray foam because he stated it would take care of our squirrel problem. If that was misrepresented, then I would like the entry points where the squirrels are making entry repaired.
Business response
03/08/2024
we did not create entry points where the squirrels are getting in your home. We do not do those kinds of repairs. You would need to hire a General Contractor if you have areas of the home that have open cavities that you want closed. If the squirrels chewed through the foam, we can come spray that area over.
Initial Complaint
01/24/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
On August 2022 I purchased solar panels from MC Solar and it financed through Good Leap. The panels were installed and they were waiting for inspection when MC Solar dissolved. I contacted Good Leap, the finance company, to explain what was happening with MC Solar and they explained that they were assuming responsibility and that they hired a new company, Solar Bear, to complete the job and get the panels working. Solar Bear came to the house and verified MC Solar installation to certify for inspection. The employee from Solar Bear said that they had to adjust the panel because they were things missing and updated the inspection form. This was all done 9 months after the panels were initially installed. Once again I waited for the inspection for months. I called Solar Bear multiple time and when I reached someone they were rude and said that I needed to wait for the inspection. I contacted Good Leap to explain what was happening, and they contacted Solar Bear. That same week Solar Bear contacted me and send me new papers for inspection. It took about two -three weeks for the panels to be inspected. On December 4, 2023 I received an email from Solar Bear that the inspection was approved. They asked for a copy of my power bill, which I sent immediately and they confirmed they got it. They said the next step was for Solar Bear to come and activate the panels. Two months later my panels are still not working. Not only that, but now I have a leak on my roof, where one of the panels is installed. I've tried to communicate with Solar Bear but I haven't heard from them. When they assumed the responsibility of MC Solar's clients they committed to finish the work, instead they damage my roof and my panels are still not working a year and five months later. It's been one year and five months that I have been paying for my loan without any service. Paying for both the solar panel loan and the power bill has caused hardship.
Business response
01/29/2024
To be clear, Modern Concepts solar company and Solar Bear have no connection. Solar Bear was contracted by the finance company to get 700 customers ********** concepts left unfinished. We have been working diligently to help all of these customers. The reason the solar is not on yet, is because Modern Concepts let their insurance expire, so we had to submit all new paperwork in order to get the solar turned on. We are just waiting on them to swap it and we will be finished. We did not install there solar, and because of that, we did not cause the leak. We are happy to come out and check the issue as Modern Concepts is no longer in business and is being sued by the Attorney General, but the issues were not caused by **. We are stuck cleaning up their mess. We did not accept liability for any work that Modern Concepts did. We took over the jobs to get them to the finish line. As you can see we already passed inspection.
Initial Complaint
01/18/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
In November 2022 we contracted with Solar Bear for solar panel and solar system installation. The panels were installed in January 2023. Later we found that the solar panels had been installed incorrectly, using materials that were not suited for our roof which led to leaks when it rained. They sent out their roof crew to make repairs however the roof was brand new on a brand new building and their repairs were inadequate (also, the roof still leaked). They opted to come out and remove the solar panels and said they would replace the damaged roof materials. We have been without use of the solar panels since September 2023 and have had to pay our electric bill along with paying for the solar panels which has been a complete disaster...AND the roof still leaks. We have not been able to get anyone to call us back. I have seen that as recent as a week ago that they are responding to 'glowing' reviews on ****** but refuse to honor their contract with us much less the courtesy of a phone call back. Not sure what else to do.
Business response
01/23/2024
We have asked quite a few times for the contact of the contractor who installed their metal roof. We have already agreed to replace the area where the leak is happening. We Just need their contact to order the materials. I have sent numerous emails with no response trying to get this resolved. It should be mentioned that this is a detached garage/pole barn and not the living space.
Initial Complaint
01/17/2024
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Roof leaks due to solar installation. Company sends roof *** to fix the leaks, he refuses to do the work and leaves.
Business response
01/23/2024
We repaired the roof leak under the solar. What we did not repair is the leaks happening on the other side of the house where there is no solar. We can fix it, but we need to get a contract in place before we perform work on the leaks that are not from solar. This roof is very old and needs to be replaced, but can be repaired if the customer agrees to do so.
Initial Complaint
01/12/2024
Complaint Type:
Sales and Advertising Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
On September 16, 2023 I had a solar panel cleaning done by Solar Bear. On 11/4 I noticed my ceiling had leak stains and wet spots on it and was cracked. I reached out to Solar Bear and left messages with no return calls and Blake (via email) with no response. Today, again, with all the rain, the ceiling is leaking. Again, I called Solar Bear and left a message and emailed Blake. This is the second leak since my original installation in 2021. And it is very frustrating and aggravating because I should not have leaks in my solar panels and it makes me question the quality of the work that was done. My home is brand new - just built-as of 4/17/2021. I would like the solar panel leak fixed and the panels checked to ensure there are water tight seals. I would like my celling repaired - not just from this instance - but also from the previous instance - when no one ever came out to finish the repair of my ceiling and any damage in my attic fixed - including the insulation replaced.
Business response
01/16/2024
We have a 10 year no leak guarantee, so if any leak is caused by a solar panel install, we fix the issue, and the damage at no cost to the customer. This complaint is confusing because it says crack in the ceiling came after the panels were cleaned. We do not go in the attic when cleaning the panels so cracking the ceiling would not be possible from us being on the roof. We will schedule a tech to go out and take pictures. If there is an issue we caused, ************** on the spot. If we find that its coming from something else on the roof, or the attic ( like a leaking AC) it will be the customers responsibility to get it repaired.
Customer response
01/17/2024

Complaint: 21123350

I am rejecting this response because: My initial leak in 2022 did cause a crack in the ceiling. Water drips down, hits the attic floor, soaks through drywall and impacts the ceiling and causes bubbling and cracks in the ceiling. Standard physics of water leaks coming from the roof. Most homeowners notice water leaks from the roof because of cracks in ceiling caused by water damage - not because they are crawling around their attic for lack of better things to do.
But, I had emailed Blake on Nov 14, 2023 and received no responses. I had called and left messages and received no responses. Last week, when I called again, I spoke to a wonderful woman, **** - who advised me that **** would be calling me. **** actually called me! And she was so warm, empathetic and kind. She took my concern seriously. And she sent out another wonderful person, ******, to check my attic for leakage. He did not find any and actually he led me down a different rabbit hole for potential causes of the leak - and he was correct. It did not have to do with the solar panels. And for that I am very happy. My whole experience this time around with Solar Bear was so positive and caring because of ****, **** and *************
I am rejecting the claim because I am still waiting for texture to be put on my ceiling from my initial leak in August 2022. No one ever came back to complete the job after many emails between myself and Blake.

Sincerely,

*****************************
Business response
01/23/2024
We were there today to fix the leak that was caused by the cleaning, and we completed the texture the ceiling.
Initial Complaint
01/03/2024
Complaint Type:
Order Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
On April 12, 23 Solar Bear LLC contracted with us to install a *********, Foam Bear and Solar Bear solar panel system. This was a very simple contract with no explanation of what kind of solar panels ect with proposed system size (100% offset) ****** KWH annually with Representative ******************** 4005FDOD52OE4EA. We were told that the solar panels would produce enough solar to pay most of our $500 a month electric bill. Then later I was told by ***** who called herself Project manager that the solar was only to SUPPLEMENT our electric bill. We would not make a $75,000 investment just to supplement our electric bill. We have 43 solar panels and do not understand why we are having low solar production.The solar panels were installed in August 2023 and hooked up with *********** in September. I was told to download the Enphase app that they monitored my solar, with no explanation of what this meant. On the day of installation i asked WHY 6 panels were facing north. I was told that is what the contract stated Enphase and have tried to communicate with Solar Bear to come to a resolution for the lack of solar panel production with no resolution. Initially, we were told to wait 30 days to see our solar panel production. Then we were told another 30 days till the end of December. Now we are being told we need to wait an entire colander year to see full panel production, Enphase is the designated solar panel production monitoring agency, Solar Bear refuses to contact them to address our lack of solar panel production. We believe the solar panels were installed incorrectly and should be lifted off our roof facing the sun currently they are flat against a low slope roof. We have three panels that are producing more than the other panels. Those are the panels on the peak of our roof. All of the panels should be at the same angle to produce adequately.Solar Bear gave us deceptive & false information and misrepresented their good and services.
Business response
01/16/2024
The customer's home has significant shading and it is causing the panels to produce less. Her guarantee is ****** kWh annually. Her system has been on for 4.5 months and has produced over **** kWh which means we are still on track for our guarantee, as the panels are only shaded for a part of the day. I have attached the production report as well.
Initial Complaint
12/20/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I have bought solar from Solar Bear and Im supposed to be producing a certain amount of power for my solar panels. They keep making excuses why its not producing correctly and now wont come out to look at my solar to figure out what is wrong. They have been out twice but dont follow up with me until I call many many times. On 12-8-23 EJ the supervisor told me his tech couldnt get out until after he was sick and I said that was fine. No calls or anything to reschedule and now its 12-20-23! I called today but I get the same excuse that they need to see my bills now from Duke. I explained that I have gave the *********************** in office my Duke log in so they could get the bills a month ago. I tried logging in today but they changed the password on my account! WHO DOES THIS?!!I left the owner Blake a message but still havent heard back. I have a contract with Solar Bear guaranteeing to produce a certain amount of power for my system and its not being produced! I am making payments for a system that is not working properly and this is terrible! I want it fixed that is all. I paid 33K for a a system not working properly
Business response
01/16/2024
The Customer got a *********** wall installed (back up battery) by another contractor after we installed the solar. The customer also is now charging a Tesla car in the garage. The battery is being discharged at night, which requires is to recharge during the day using a big portion of the solar production. This has caused the energy he was once sending to the grid, to go to the battery. He needs to change the function of the battery with the contractor who installed it. He is also using significantly more energy now than when he was sold the system. A big portion of that is the charging of the electric vehicle. I have attached his monitoring so you can see how the consumption has gone way up.
Customer response
01/16/2024

Complaint: 21036578

I am rejecting this response because: thisjis a ridiculous response. How do they know since they dont bother to come out and try to fix? I have had the Tesla right after the system was installed a few yrs ago and the power never went down this drastically. Having my power wall has not done anything but show me that my system is not providing like it should be. We had signed a contract that the system would generate so much energy and its not doing it.
I just want it fixed and actually have the company come out when they say they will. The last I heard the person thats experienced with *********** walls was going to stop by in December butchered he was sick and shocker, never heard back again from this unprofessional company

Sincerely,

***********************
Business response
01/17/2024
Its very simple. If you are discharging your battery at night, it has to recharge when the sun comes up. So the solar energy you are producing is going into the battery, instead of into the home and electrical grid. Also, the issue didn't arise until you had the battery installed, which you should have contacted us, because if they touched any of the equipment we installed it could void the warranty we provide. I am not saying that is the case. I am just saying if they did.
Initial Complaint
12/19/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
In January 2022 we had solar panels installed. We had roof leaks within 3 months. Solar Bear came to the house and worked on the roof. We assumed they were repaired. The next heavy rain the leaks returned. Again we called and they worked on the roof. Last weekend (Dec 10) the leaks returned. I texted them again but got no response. Thus weekend was a very heavy rain and we had several bucket around our house catching the water. We have contacted another roofing company since it appears Solar Bear is not going to repair the damage.
Business response
12/20/2023
We went out the same day the complaint was made. The roof is 12 years old, and is having issues all over it. Even in the areas where there is no solar. We are working with the customer to resolve the issue completely.
Initial Complaint
11/29/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I contacted solar bear because my power bill went through the roof around the 3rd week of july, i requested a tech to come out because the system no longer reports production, it took till aug 20th (about 4 weeks)to get a tech out, the tech spent about an hour looking at the system, then told me one of my converters was bad, we spoke with someone who was on the other end checking the converter remotely. they determined the converter was bad and i was told they would send a new one to my house, at that point, i should call them and they would come swap them out and get me restored. From there nothing has happened, I've called several times and the one time i actually got through was October 19th. I spoke with the receptionist who i explained everything to and i asked for a manager to call me back about a credit for my power bill since it had been several months with no resolve. It is now November 29th, at least 4 months since i reported the issue originally and i have yet to get a phone call or any movement towards getting this restored. Now I'm giving 2 options, either give a full refund $44,000 and remove all equipment from my property or come fix this and give me a $1,675 check for my power bills that had you kept your part of the warranty and actually took care of existing customers wouldn't have occurred. This is after the initial install was a complete cluster that took 6+months to get resolved. There are a ton of competitors out there...
Business response
12/07/2023
When a warranty exchange happens, we do not control the speed in which it takes the manufacture to send the new equipment. We are waiting on that to arrive. I will have a team member reach out and see what the hold up is and have them reach out to you to give an update.

Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

Cookies on BBB.org

ComplaintsforSolar Bear, LLC

Need to file a complaint?

Complaint Details

Showing all complaints

Business response

Customer response

Business response

Business response

Customer response

Customer response

Business response

Business response

Business response

Business response

Business response

Customer response

Business response

Business response

Business response

Customer response

Business response

Business response

Business response

BBB Rating & Accreditation

Contact Information

Customer Complaints Summary