The Solar Panels I Installed Destroyed My Roof!

The caller describes a nightmare after buying a home last summer with a pre-installed, financed solar system from Sonova. The system included a roof penetration leak warranty and production guarantee, but leaks started soon after purchase, forcing panel removal and full roof replacement. Sonova went bankrupt, Sunstrong took over the lease but disclaimed all warranties, leaving the caller with $50,000 owed and panels stacked in the backyard.

The Mess Explained

Dave Ramsey immediately labels this "a mess," not a solar issue but a $50,000 financial problem. The original contract bundled solar installation with warranties, transferred to the caller upon home purchase. Legally, Ramsey suspects the loan stands separate from the failed warranties, though morally the company should cover it. Sunstrong bought "paper" (the loan notes) from a bankrupt firm riddled with issues—likely facing widespread customer dissatisfaction, non-payments, and disputes beyond just this case. Ramsey notes they're "not the lone ranger," implying leverage from being one of many problem accounts.