A Mississippi man is facing significant financial loss and unresolved issues after the installation of solar panels on his property. His experience highlights concerns some consumers encounter within the evolving solar companies market.
Jim Dutton of Carriere reports paying nearly $100,000 for solar panels from Tren Solar, a Louisiana company. Dutton signed a contract and secured a loan from Mosaic, a lending company, for the project.
According to Dutton, Tren Solar installed the panels quickly but failed to complete the electrical wiring needed for system operation. After installation, communication from the company stopped.
Three months later, an electrician appeared but reportedly lacked an approved plan from the local utility. David Blackledge, a manager with Cooperative Energy, later stated the installation was unapproved and created safety hazards, making activation impossible.
Efforts to contact Tren Solar were unsuccessful. Reports indicate the company closed months ago. Michael Drummond, president of the Better Business Bureau of Greater New Orleans, stated the BBB received complaints about the company, primarily concerning communication failures.
Tren Solar owners Trey Clark, Sharon Urbina, and Reyn Rogers could not be located. Rogers is also listed as an officer for Pelican Power Solar, a company registered in February. Mosaic, the lending company, is still billing Dutton and faces its own Better Business Bureau complaints and lawsuits from state Attorneys General regarding trade practices.
While some consumers encounter problems, the broader solar power industry continues global growth. Markets like India are expanding their renewable energy capacity, driving demand for related technologies.
Advancements include solar trackers that move panels to follow the sun. These systems, available in single-axis and dual-axis designs, increase energy capture. Trackers are particularly valuable for large ground-mounted solar plants and have applications in agrivoltaics.
GameChange Solar is one of the solar tracker companies operating internationally. CEO Andrew Worden highlighted the company's focus on delivering solutions for developers and constructors.
GameChange Solar's product line includes the Genius Trackerâ„¢ system. Other technologies like PowerBoostâ„¢ and SmartStowâ„¢ aim to improve performance, reliability, and reduce maintenance risk.
The company has invested in local manufacturing in India, establishing a GameChange BOS transformer facility in Maharashtra with 5,400 MVA annual capacity, serving both domestic and export markets.
The solar industry features both challenges for consumers and ongoing advancements from companies focused on technology and market presence. Jim Dutton's situation remains unresolved.
"I'm still out $100,000," Dutton said. "I think it's up to me to fight it."