I signed a contract for a solar panels system a month ago. While talking to the sales person in the process of making my final decision, he mentions that he owns one of those systems (that he bought less than a year ago) and that for him his breakeven point is in 10 years. After considering that we live in the same area (same amount of sun exposure); that he got the system without any special price accommodations (I directly asked him), plus that he got the exact same percentage of tax credit I am supposed to be getting (I directly asked him), plus my solar panels are in the best position possible for efficiency (south, with no trees or anything blocking them), I decided it was a good point of reference to compare my system with the one the sales person owns to adjust my expectations. I thought, even if for me is 15 years due to any potential difference that I am not considering, I'd be happy with the product. After the project is installed, unfortunately I did not do the math on time, I found out that my breakeven point is in about 40 years even considering a lot of almost perfect scenarios (I can provide details about this later). When I emailed the sales person about this extreme difference demanding an explanation, he replied that we never talked about my breakeven point, that he was talking about his system, not mine. I understand this was a manipulation. But also, later I found out through three different quotes in three different other solar panels companies that I was overcharged at least $20,000 for the same product (the total amount of the contract is $54,000). I believe it is illegal to sell a product grossly overpriced according to the Consumers Protection Act in Michigan. Can anybody help me please? I would like to void the contract (or at least get a fair price). Thank you.
I would start by applying facts to law in terms of the Michigan Consumers Protection Act which protects residential consumers from a number of fraudulent representations in making a sale. The Act allows for the recovery of attorney fees should you prevail in your case controversy. The burden of proof is yours in making the alleged claim. A well-drafted letter from an attorney applying fact to law and spelling out the legal stakes make get the movement you desired towards a best outcome under the circumstances. Avoid litigation if you can; if not, armor up. Good luck.
Regards,
John K. Robertson
LAW OFFICE - CONTRACT ATTORNEY
t: (248)943-7770
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