Solar Energy Design
Hytech HomeThis business is NOT BBB Accredited.
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Complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
- 6 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 2 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
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Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/07/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- 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.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
This is a follow-up on complaint #********. Shortly after I failed that complaint, the business called and sent someone to take a look at our gutters. He did realize and did acknowledge that the roof had indeed not been installed properly and that the gutters had been stripped of their filters at the time of installation. He cleaned the gutters at that time (that was months ago), said he would be reporting back to them, and that we should hear back from them "very soon". That was a few months ago and we are still waiting to hear back. In the mean time, our gutters are filling up again with leaves and dirt, and the water is leaking on the outside of our house. Once again, the same exact display of extremely poor customer service, lack of bare minimum decency and work ethics, and frankly a total disrespect for their customers and an absolute dismissal of their concerns. I am really not sure how this business is still allowed to run. In any event, we would like them to come in and fix the disaster they have caused once for all. Our patience is running really really thin.Business Response
Date: 02/21/2025
We take all customer concerns seriously and appreciate the opportunity to clarify and address this matter.
The Tesla Solar Roof system installed on the residence was inspected and completed in accordance with ****** specifications and industry standards. As previously noted, the design of the Tesla Solar Roof differs from traditional asphalt shingles and does not allow for the use of gutter guards that slide underneath. Unfortunately, this was not communicated as clearly as it should have been during the installation process, and we acknowledge that this led to frustration and confusion.To address the gutter concerns, Hytech contracted ************************, a professional gutter company, to install a compatible gutter guard system at no cost to the homeowner. This installation was successfully completed on 2/7/2025, and Hytech covered the full expense of this service.
We understand your frustration regarding past communication delays, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. However, the issue of debris accumulation in the gutters is an ongoing maintenance requirement for any home, and Hytech has taken the necessary steps to provide a long-term solution by installing the appropriate gutter guards.At this time, Hytech has fulfilled our commitment to addressing the concerns raised in your initial complaint by ensuring that a professional gutter guard system has been installed. We remain committed to customer satisfaction and appreciate your feedback.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/25/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:I acknowledge that, in response to our complaint, Hytech Solar did indeed contract Long Island Gutter who installed for us gutter guards. However, once again, communication was poor (even though they are apologizing with words for their poor communication, when it comes to actions, Hytech solar always seems to be doubling down on bad communication with us). In fact, we were not informed of exactly what type of guards we were getting, whether there was any warranty, and most importantly whether the overhang issue has been resolved (and, if it cannot be resolved, whether this will lead to a future risk of water seeping through in between the roof and the gutter and continuing to damage the exterior of the house). The only answer my wife was able to get from them was: "don't worry, everything has been taken care of, we checked with Tesla and there is no need for roof-on-gutter overhang" (i might be slightly paraphrasing here).
I ended up myself contacting Long Island Gutters. They do not provide any warranty for the work they did (if water leakage happens in the future, it's our problem) and, most imporantly, had no idea regarding the main issue of roof-on-gutter overhang (Hytech Solar did not bother telling them about it). I explained to them the problem and how water damage is affecting the exterior of my house because of that lack of overhang. I also sent them photos of my roof and gutters. They reviewed them with their gutter professionals and just called me back saying that, indeed, this is a set up for water leakage and potential damage to the house in the future. They offered to send their own expert to remedy this, but will have to charge me for this service/labor/materials (even though Hytech Solar seem to have done an inadequate roofing job). Hytech Solar needs to assume the responsibility for resolving this issue, not their customer who already spent ***** on their faulty roof installation.
Another important issue: Hytech Solar claims that it's the accumulation of debris in gutters that caused the exterior damage to my house. It very well may be. However, the accumulation of debris would have never happened in the first place, had they not discarded my preexistent gutter guards and not informed us about their removing them. They are now refusing to assume the responsibility of fixing the damage caused by their own lack of attention to detail. It goes without saying that they should be the ones taking care of such repairs, without adding additional costs to the customer.
Sincerely,
***** *****
Business Response
Date: 03/10/2025
We appreciate the opportunity to respond and clarify the steps taken to address this matter.
First, we want to reaffirm that the Tesla Solar Roof system was installed properly and in full accordance with Teslas specifications. As previously explained, Tesla Solar Roof tiles do not have an overhang in the same way that traditional asphalt shingles do, and they are designed to function without one. We consulted directly with ***** to confirm that the system does not require a roof-on-gutter overhang, and the installation remains in compliance with their standards.
Regarding the gutter guards, Hytech contracted ************************ to install a compatible system, which was completed on 2/7/2025 at no cost to you. It is important to note that gutter guards are a preventative measure, not a guarantee against debris buildup or future water issues. Every homes environment is different, and factors such as the volume of surrounding trees, seasonal debris, and maintenance frequency all impact how effectively a gutter guard system performs. Because of these variables, gutter companies typically do not provide a warranty against leaks, as gutter guards alone cannot prevent all potential drainage issues.
Additionally, ************************ is a professional gutter company, but they are not a roofing contractor and are not a Tesla Solar Roof-certified installer. While their team is experienced in gutter protection systems, they would not have the means to assess or determine fault in a Tesla Solar Roof installation, as that falls outside of their scope of expertise. The Tesla Solar Roof system was installed per manufacturer specifications, and there has been no evidence presented that indicates an installation defect.
Lastly, regarding the removal of your original gutter guards, we understand the frustration. However, the preexisting guards were incompatible with the Tesla Solar Roof system and needed to be removed to ensure a proper installation. We acknowledge that this should have been communicated more clearly if it was not. That said, gutter maintenance is a standard homeowner responsibility, and periodic cleaning may still be required even with a gutter guard system in place.
At this time, Hytech has fulfilled our commitments by completing the Tesla Solar Roof installation properly, covering the cost of a professional gutter guard installation, and ensuring that the system functions as designed. If there are concerns regarding future maintenance, we recommend consulting with a professional gutter service to ensure your system remains clear and functional. However, Hytech is not responsible for additional modifications or repairs beyond what has already been addressed.Customer Answer
Date: 03/11/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:The company claims that its installation of the Tesla solar roof was correct and per the manufacturer's standards. I am attaching photos of the installation, which clearly show how the roof stops short of the gutters, without any overhang whatsoever. According to at least two gutter/roofing experts that I have consulted (including their own partner, *******************), this is a setup for water leakage in between the roof and gutters, which will evidently land on the exterior of the house and ultimately erode it and destroy it. In fact, shortly after my last message on this thread, their partner Long Island Gutters came back to my property, reinspected the roof and gutters, and advised me to have my roof waterproofed via the installation of aluminum flashing all round the house. This project will cost us $3,700 (see attached invoice from *********** Gutters).
If the company can give me a clear written directive and guarantee on this forum that aluminum flashing installation is not advised and unnecessary, since they are 100% certain that this is the proper way to install the roof and that, provided I regularly maintain my gutters, no water leakage will occur between the roof and gutters, then they got themselves a deal and I will happily close my BBB complaint. I will also personally handle water damage repairs to the outside of my house. However, a copy of this message thread will be kept on file and I will hold them accountable in case water leakage and ensuing damage to the exterior of my house were to occur in the future.
Do we have a deal?
In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.
Sincerely,
***** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:10/21/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- 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.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Totally unprofessional and unethical! We had paid them over $300K back in the fall of 2022 to install a Tesla solar roof. Once they received the funds, they started dragging their feet, stopped communicating, failing to complete the installation until March-April 2024, only after we filed multiple complaints with their solar lending partners. Because of their unjustified delays, poor communication, and overall incompetence, we missed the deadline for $1.5k in rebates from the Tesla, while having to pay full electric bills, in addition to our solar loan installments, until the past spring.Current problem: we recently started noticing water damage and rotten wood on the outside of the house. After inspecting the gutters, we realized that gutter covers (that we had paid money for) had been REMOVED AND DISCARDED by them, without us being informed. Our gutters are now clogged with debris, causing water to overflow on the house. To avoid wasting time on their terrible after-sale service, we didn't bother calling them and instead went ahead and consulted a renowned gutter protection company (**** ******* to try to fix the problem. However, after inspecting the gutters, **** ****** is telling us they cannot do anything because of the improper installation of the roof: solar shingles have no overhang whatsoever on the gutters (overhang is apparently standard practice in that industry). As a result, water is leaking between the roof and the gutters, and only Hytech can come and fix this problem they created. Even if **** ****** were to install their gutter protectors, water would still continue to leak in between those gutter protectors and the roof. So I went ahead and contacted Hytech TWO MONTHS AGO and I was given the "we're so sorry to hear that" and "I will talk to our owner and call you back early next week" BS. No updates since. They don't bother answering my multiple email messages. Meanwhile, my house is slowly rotting, a serious mold situation waiting to happen.Business Response
Date: 12/09/2024
We take all customer concerns very seriously and strive to address them promptly and thoroughly. We regret the frustration and inconvenience this situation has caused and want to provide clarity on the matter.
First, we acknowledge and understand the delays in completing the Tesla Solar Roof installation. This project encountered several unforeseen challenges, including supply chain disruptions, financing and weather-related delays, which extended the timeline beyond what was initially anticipated. However, the installation was completed to Teslas specifications,and we stand by the quality of the work performed.
Regarding the issue with the gutters, our team has inspected the site and found that the existing gutter guards were incompatible with the Tesla Solar Roof system. The shingle overhang that **** ****** is referring to is standard on asphalt shingles with standard drip edge and allows their gutter guards to slide underneath. However, the Tesla Solar Roof system is fully integrated and does not permit anything to slide under its roofing tiles or on their drip edge, as its design differs from traditional asphalt shingles. This incompatibility necessitated the removal of the original guards to ensure proper installation of the solar roof. We regret that this was not clearly communicated during the project, and we take responsibility for the oversight in providing detailed information at that time.
It was determined on site, the water overflow issues appear to be caused by leaf debris accumulation in the gutters, leading to clogging and overflow. This is not a direct result of the Tesla Solar Roof system itself but rather the lack of a functional gutter protection system. To address this matter, we are actively working with our vetted gutter subcontractors to provide a compatible gutter guard solution. Hytech Home will cover the cost of this work when performed by one of our approved subcontractors to ensure compatibility with Tesla warranties and quality.
It is also worth noting that the **** ****** brand of gutter guards may not be compatible with Tesla Solar Roofs. However, as we do not have a working relationship with **** ****** or their products, we cannot comment on their service technician's assessment or recommendations. Our focus remains on finding a solution tailored to your specific system through our trusted subcontractors.
A member of our team will reach out within the next two business days to provide Please know that we are dedicated to resolving this issue effectively and preventing further concerns.
We value your feedback and the opportunity to improve our communication and processes. Thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention, and we look forward to resolving this issue to your satisfaction.Customer Answer
Date: 02/26/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********* and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:This is a follow-up on complaint #********. Shortly after I failed that complaint, the business called and sent someone to take a look at our gutters. He did realize and did acknowledge that the roof had indeed not been installed properly and that the gutters had been stripped of their filters at the time of installation. He cleaned the gutters at that time (that was months ago), said he would be reporting back to them, and that we should hear back from them "very soon". That was a few months ago and we are still waiting to hear back. In the mean time, our gutters are filling up again with leaves and dirt, and the water is leaking on the outside of our house. Once again, the same exact display of extremely poor customer service, lack of bare minimum decency and work ethics, and frankly a total disrespect for their customers and an absolute dismissal of their concerns. I am really not sure how this business is still allowed to run. In any event, we would like them to come in and fix the disaster they have caused once for all. Our patience is running really really thin.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/26/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- 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.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
- In march of 2023, Hytech Home installed solar panels -Hytech home then came out to fix wiring issues. I was charged for this fee -wiring issue has not been fixed. My enphase solar app is constantly reporting gateway meter issues -my utility company is reporting more consumption than the app listed -enphase customer support states installer has to come out to fix ct wiring issue-Hytech home sent out a technician on 02/14 to fix at wiring issue. Only have solar breaker to 80amps and tighten ct wires. Did not call enphase on scene to see real issue. Technician name is *********************. -problem persists and enphase customer service states installer needs to come out.-Hytech home currently doesnt answer my phone calls and *** from their support team states theres no issue and I have to call con ******. Con ****** and enphase states Hytech home the installer has to come out and fix wiring issue. Which I dont mind paying extra for even though this should be apart of the service already.It was a 39k project and theres no support. Everyone I talked to including con ****** and Enphase states its a simple wiring ct issue that the installer has to come out for and fixBusiness Response
Date: 04/11/2024
For *************** solar system, after we completed the installation of the solar system the client contracted another electrician to upgrade his electrical service. The other electrician did not properly reconnect the solar equipment. Our technicians visited the residence on 2/14/24 to rectify these issues, incurring a service charge due to the additional work required from the electrical service upgrade.
Given this is a data collection system, we conducted our first step of fixes allowing for data to begin collecting for review. However, the system was not reporting consumption properly. We then conducted another change remotely via the online portal, allowing thus us to receive and review more data. The Consumption monitoring was still not reporting correctly, we consulted with the manufacture Enphase and were advised to upgrade a breaker from 60a to 80a. The issues were resolved on 3/5/24.
Then shortly after the issue was resolved it did become present again on 3/29/24, we sent a tech back on site. One of the consumption **'s was repositioned and was now cracked, we replaced with no charge or question as to if another person repositioned it. The issue was resolved again, no further issues to date.
The solar system relies on a WiFi internet connection for seamless operation. In densely populated areas like yours, interruptions to the WiFi signal may occur intermittently, triggering gateway meter alerts on the Enphase monitoring app. However, it's important to note that the gateway unit stores data locally and transmits it to the online portal once the connection is restored. Currently, there are no visible alerts on your monitoring portal, indicating that your system is functioning as expected.
The consumption **'s are not an item we charge for on the clients agreement, however it was a free item we included within the purchase. The Consumption CT's allow the homeowner to monitor the consumption of the residence through the Enphase Solar Monitoring Portal before the utility meter.
Furthermore, regarding the mention of *********'s reported consumption, we do not have access to this data. Our monitoring capabilities are limited to the information provided by the Enphase system at the service panel level before the ConEdison meter.
We did run a report from our phone system, the phone number provided on the complaint was found 3 times since November 2023, no calls were missed. However, the client may contact our service manager directly at ******************** if an issue arises again we do want to make sure there are no contact issues. (attached)
For your reference, we have attached two screenshots of your system. One showing the full system, and ************* the 3 components Gateway, Consumption **'s and Production **'s indicating normal operational status at this time.
We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We remain committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction with your solar system installation.Initial Complaint
Date:03/13/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- 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.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Hytech solar installed our panels in May 2021. Prior to this, they assessed our roof to see that it was in good enough condition to withstand and hold solar panels for 20+ years. After this assessment, we were told that our roof was in good enough conditions and we did not need a new roof for the solar panels. Hytech installed the solar panels in May 2021. After reaching out to our salesperson regarding the leak under the panels, Hytech solar shows up to investigate the leak. After spending some time on the roof, they could not figure out what the issue was without taking off the panel and told us they would need to investigate further. We waited that afternoon for someone to contact us from the office, but still no one has. We email ***** regarding this, wondering when/if this issue will be resolved and all the while are wondering how much it will cost to remove the panels and investigate this leak. Hytech has been both vague AND slow to respond. No one has given us a straight answer about the pricing/any resolution. On Thursday, ***** says she will find out and call us back. She calls back at 1:30pm to tell us that our roof pitch is wrong and that we need to redo the roof, does not send us the quote or any further information when we ask what the next steps are. On Friday, we call at 10am and ***** offers to send us the quote which we still have not received.Since the company installed the panels for the part of the roof that needs to be replaced/fixed, why would it be OUR responsibility to pay for the removal of the solar panels/reinstallation? We are extremely upset with the lack of help or attention we are getting regarding this issue. I am writing this review in hopes to get some attention from someone at the company, as it seems that their main concern and priority is installing new panels and not taking care of existing customers.Business Response
Date: 06/01/2023
******************* call in about a roof leak that she was experiencing and believe it was solar related. We sent out the roof team to her home to investigate where the leak was coming from. We learned that the leak was NOT solar related at all but because her roof was improperly pitched the water was traveling to different sections of her roof. When we discussed this information with the homeowner, they let ** know that the recently had a roof leak in the bathroom (not where near the solar panels) and they had a different roofing company come out and try to fix the roof. They said that other roof over $3,000 and he never fixed the leak in fact, it was then worse. Once *** and *******************/***** learned that the leak was not related to the solar installation, they were provided a quote to removal the solar system, replace the full roof and reinstall. They accepted the quote, paid in full and the work was completed in March 2023.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/01/2023
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- 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.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Last year I was sold a Solar System being showed an energy bill for $13.33 and being told this is what would happen for me. It would include a new roof and if I had trees cut back the system would work even better.. So I went for it, had trees cut back. It took months but the new roof went on, the solar went on they put panels on the back of the house to the eastern side and on the front of the house also on the eastern side. The roofer left nails all over the place and that cost me $25 to get fixed because one ended up in my truck tire. The front panels do practically nothing and they keep telling me wait until summer. Well if I have only a few months where they are going to work seems like a rip off. I had trees cut so they could put all the panels on the south facing roof which is the back. Also their system communicated over the power wires which is causing havoc to some systems I have in the house. I have called, emailed both the office and the salesman - no help. To say I am frustrated is better than how I actually feel. I now have an additional bill for electric so instead of just the equivalent of one bill I have twice the amount to pay each month.Business Response
Date: 06/01/2023
Hello,
Attached you can find copies of the proposal layout and proposal that was signed by ******************. On both documents it clearly states that the solar is estimated to only cover 40% of your annual electrical consumption. There was never no call made into the office or the roofing company about debris left on site. If this would of been brought to our attention, we would of sent someone out there to do an additional clean up. I personally have had numerous conversations with ****************************, the last conversation being just last week and never once has anything been mentioned either. We have gone above and beyond to be accommodating to this customer. We have done work outside our normal scope of work and even so at a discounted price. Last week, ******************* called into the office to let me know that she believed there was an issue with her system. I had a technician on site less than 48 hours after she called in only to find out that ***************************** took it upon himself to install his own device in our Solar Breaker Box, which can actually void their warranty and ****************** caused his system to no longer communicate correctly. ******************* and myself personally have been in constant communication, on the phone as well as text messages that I can provide copies of. ******************* is also well aware that her system is only estimated to produce 40% of her annual usage because she has discussed wanting to purchase additional panels to help cover more of her electricity.Customer Answer
Date: 03/05/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:Hello,
I would have replied sooner but technical difficulties coupled with a change of email limited my ability to reply.
I have reviewed the documentation; ************* was very skillful in not letting us see the 40% as he was using a tablet and never was there a hard copy presented so that section was never visible on either document rather, he just put that electric bill he carried showing that he only pays the under $15.00 per month to distract us from ever being able to see the full proposed document.
As for the roofing debris, at first it was annoying small debris that we noticed, sadly the nail in the tire after having to fill the tire a number of times it was too late to avoid the damage and upon having it checked a roofing nail was found in it. It was very frustrating to get a nail in my tire in my own driveway, not to mention the cost to repair but I am glad it was not a full tire replacement.
The fact that we had trees mutilated so that the solar could be installed, which we did communicate to the next person(s) who came to survey and still 7 panels were put on the front (North facing) side of the roof where they do not produce nearly as much as the rear and that the overall production is less than 25% of consumption is not acceptable. We even waited, as requested by you, to see that it would get better, but it has not.
I have attached pictures of the year-to-date production percentage and the array differences.
You wanted to sell us more panels but refused to put the ones you already sold us on the south facing roof like it should have been from the beginning. We have spoken to other solar companies like sunrun who are baffled as to why the split on the roof.
Normally I would have just sent ************* packing as I knew it was too good to be true, but I bought into it sadly and now here we are. I also wish I knew that these micro-inverters communicate over the power wiring which causes issues in my house systems, please let your future customers know about this, maybe it will save some pain.
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