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Can I cancel a contract if I have proof that I was grossly overcharged for a solar panels system installed in my house?

Michigan

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.

2 replies

Apr 29, 2021
It sounds like the solar installer has already performed thus it could be very hard to cancel the contract. You can try to contact the State and make a complaint about being overcharged but the State legislature has the Consumer Protection Act so screwed up in my experience its almost worthless.
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Apr 29, 2021

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

e: lawjkr@mac.com

(TEXT FOR EXPEDITED RESPONSE)

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