Solar Brokers Canada Review

scam artists ! Lowes dumped these guys, and their investors pulled out. I just wanted my money back but it appears I'm not the only one. ZERO STARS

My wife was recently in Lowe's and happened to converse with someone that was advertising solar panel installations. They asked if we'd be willing to converse with them on the phone about a compelling solar opportunity, and we did so.

They presented a fantastic PDF to us. I'm super impressed with their use of Google Satellite View to allow them to perform an analysis on your roof, estimating how much sunlight will hit each surface each year, even providing a layout of panels that will work with your roof. From there, they can estimate the yearly number of kilowat hours produced. They had us send them one of our electricity bills, and with that, they produced a comprehensive report culminating in a graph estimating how much money we'd save over 25 years if we followed their plan.

It all seemed too good to be true. If the worst case was that we'd break even after 25 years, and the conservative case was that we'd save $22,000 over 25 years, why wouldn't people be beating down their doors to install solar? We asked Peter, our sales person, whether this too-good-to-be-true feeling implied that there were other considerations that we should be taking into account that would affect our decision. He politely replied that it was a great question. His answer was ultimately that the most common thing they hear is that people aren't always a fan of how solar looks on their roof.

The call ended, and it was time to try to sort out whether we were being tempted with an unrealistic deal.

After further analysis, I'm unhappy with the honesty/transparency of the Solar Brokers organization. One of the three images in their PDF shows a detailed graph that summarizes their financial analysis, and concludes with "You'll lose $22,301.46 by not going solar". I probably shouldn't be surprised that their analysis conveniently leaves out multiple factors that significantly impact the net financial proposition.

The most important omission is that each month part of what you pay your electricity company is a fixed fee for being connected with the grid. For many people, that could be around $15. Over the course of 25 years, that adds up to $4,500.

The second omission is insurance. The graph doesn't take into account that solar panels can be damaged by wind storms, etc, and so they recommend insuring the panels. Total cost over 25 years is around $3,300.

These two factors represent $9K. I know the world often works this way -- organizations painting only part of a picture so that they can make a proposition seem significantly stronger than it really is, but when they get to the point of drawing a graph like this, it feels downright dishonest to me.

The conclusion in terms of the full analysis is that this solar system would cost us about $9K net above current costs if electricity prices don't rise over the next 25 years.

One final aspect, which again is not unsubstantial, is that the premise that electricity prices are going to rise isn't nearly as simple as it is made out to be. In fact, electricity prices are set to decrease over the next 4 years because the government of Ontario has decided to subsidize electricity rates. So for the first 4 years of having a system like this, the graph is again going to be overly optimistic. And while I would suspect that government subsidies of electricity probably won't last forever, it is extremely unknown / subjective whether they will or won't. It's quite possible that the subsidies will keep rolling, if that is what is most politically palatable, and if so, their 4% yearly increase projected here could end up being completely wrong. Was the currently decreasing trend in rates addressed in our sales call? No.

All this isn't to say that people that go with Solar Brokers won't be happy 25 years from now. If electricity prices do end up rising a lot, then the net cost might be negative. But regardless, I want organizations to communicate with me in a way that doesn't hide things under the rug. Give me the best data you possibly can so that I can make a proper rational decision.

Quality solar company that can provide a service bar-none for implementation of major enterprise grade solar services and solutions.

Service after install is so far nonexistent. 5 months dead, no solar. It only worked for a month after install.

While i was happy with the people at solar brokers I was quite upset to find out midway into the project that hydro one had imposed a monthly charge for delivery if you want to be part of the microfit program . This means hydro one can always charge you monthly even if your self sufficient and they can increase at will the monthly charge. I do not recommend this system to anyone if hydro one is allowed to double book delivery charges

I paid them almost 10k for my solar setup but somehow the hydro distribution company rejected my application. Their policy for refund is 45 days, and its way over 80 days now and I still haven`t got my money back. This is very unprofessional and is a black spot on their credibility and business,

I worked for this company as a junior broker I'm trying to call them and ask them to send me my T4 and no one is getting back to me. Just so you guys know this is called a pyramid scheme.

Worst solar company in Canada paid them $38,670 never seen an install nor a callback been waiting 8 months for my money back. Don t trust these scammers

Took advantage of The MicroFIT program and so far very happy with it!

I was owed money in commissions that were never paid out whilst there. Bonuses were always forgotten and had to be reminded to be paid out. It was a company for the company and not for the end consumer. I'd expect the same to travel down to their cleints.

Please view Monkhouse Law - class actions - Solar Brokers Canada...

I am incredibly disappointed in the service after install. Rest assured they are great right up to instalation. I had my system installed Dec 2017 and from day one have been experiencing issues. I have contacted Green Lion well over 20 times over the last 8 mths to get a qualified tech to rectify the arch fault issue only be constantly given false hope and lies. I have been told on more then 5 occasions that someone would contact me never to hear from them. I would not recommend this company.

Great articles..Very informative and I always share the content in my circle.

First of all it's not a free program you have to take a line of credit or equity loan on your house for $30,000 and pay monthly and the max a guarantee was $200 a month which covers just the payments for the solar panels so how was it worth it for the customer biggest rip-off ever these guys are scam artists be careful

My experience with Solar Brokers was awesome. My broker was incredibly knowledgeable about all things solar.

I signed contract. Overnight decided to cancel. Sent emails to 4 email ID's and left phone message to 1 rep., wanted reply to acknowledge my cancel request. Didn't get response for 2 business days of 8 AM - 8 PM, not until 9 PM, 4 days including weekend and Ontario's 10-day cooling period is calendar days (not business days), and wife was stressing me out badly (worried of cancel on time & deposit refund). 3 stars because response time & stress.

I installed solar on contract and was not fully paid so I stopped bidding. Call us if you have an unfinished project in Ontario and need help getting it installed or getting your money back. This company is mostly salespeople that hire companies like ours to actually do the complicated solar installation and wiring.

Do not use this company - - have not been paid for 4 months on solar and now they wont answer calls - DO NOT USE THEM - for a $30,000 investment I would have expected a great deal more.

This company has gladly taken my money but have failed to provide the service as promised. I have been beyond patient. I have waited and received nothing in return except for very expensive roof decorations. Don't waste your money. Zero stars.

I d give them 0 stars if I could
DO NOT SIGN A CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH THIS COMPANY!
I made the mistake of accepting and signing the initial proposal and then the final agreement in February 2018, then it was all downhill from there. Everything was relatively fast and smooth up to the point where I had to make the initial payment, 66% of the project cost. Once they got their money, nearly $22,000.00, nobody was keeping me informed about the progress of the project. I had to keep emailing the project coordinator for updates, without being too pushy, sent maybe 4 or 5 emails in total in the span of about 3 months, I was always assured that everything is going as planned. Less than a month before the deadline for submitting the Net Metering documentation and fee (their responsibility) to Hydro One, asking for yet another update I was told that We are currently in the process of obtaining your building permit. The application is ready, once it has been approved our building department will send you a copy of your building permit. This is the final step in the process that requires approval before your project is ready to build. We will update you once your building permit approval has been received in office."
Great, everything is on schedule, or so I thought. About a month after the Net Metering application deadline, not getting any updates from my project coordinator, I decided to call Hydro One and ask them what s happening. I was told that the documents were never submitted (and fee not paid, obviously), so the offer is expired and a new application needs to be submitted.
This is when I decided to cancel the project. After all, Solar Brokers Canada / Green Lion Eco Group did not fulfill their obligations and flat out lied to me about it when I was asking for updates. I am still fighting with them more than four months after I informed them that I am cancelling the project, trying to contact someone that can actually make a decision, being ignored at all levels. I got one single email from them a couple of months ago, being told that I would have to pay a cancellation fee of $3500 as per the service agreement I signed. Really!!?? They don t do their job, they lie to me about it, and I have to pay a cancellation fee? Not a chance!
AGAIN, DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!

Update as of Jan. 29, 2019
Finally got the full refund, thanks to LOWE'S.

Participating in the program. Worst customer service experience I've ever had. When money is paid out, they go dark. No response to phone calls. I regret choosing this group for our solar panels.