⚖️ From state-of-the-art… to state-of-the-mess.
They promised cutting-edge solar sized to our energy needs. What we got was a shaded, undersized system, botched inspections, and even a knock on the door asking if we had glue for the placards.
Small claims court date: October 7th, 2025
We'll be documenting the full process — including filings, evidence, and testimony — right here, in real time.
The Solar Shambles Story
Electrum promised to match our energy needs using “state-of-the-art” solar. In reality, they sold only what would fit on the roof: 10 panels — a 4.1 kW system. On paper it looked fine, but in practice it was never enough.
The array was installed directly in shade and the inverters capped at 2.9kW. So, regardless the amount of sun, a 2.9kW can't run a 3.5kW HVAC system, but had they done an industry standard energy analysis, they'd know that. Turn on the air conditioner and the system chokes, battery never charges.
We asked for the official site survey that was supposed to justify the design. Still missing. Instead, Electrum sent us a “shade report” after the panels were already bolted into the shaded roof.
Installation was chaos from start to finish. The crew showed up unannounced with no install date, knocked on our door countless times (including once to borrow glue for placards during an inspection), and left us helping unload the truck. The battery was mounted only 12 inches off the floor — a code violation. The system failed inspection twice. After we flagged the battery issue, they moved it… and cracked the wall in the process.
Promised ~6,178 kWh in Year 1. Actual? About 5,000 kWh.
📅 The Solar Shambles Timeline
- Sales Pitch: Electrum promises “state-of-the-art” solar sized to our energy needs.
- Design: Sold what would fit: 10 panels (4.1 kW) on south-facing roof. Reality: shaded and undersized.
- No Notice: Crew showed up without an install date.
- Install Day: Just the driver. Homeowner helps unload the truck.
- Code Trouble #1: Battery mounted only 12 inches off the ground (violation).
- Code Trouble #2: Crew fails inspection twice — snow mounts missing, battery too low.
- Odd Requests: Crew knocked on the door countless times, including to borrow glue for placards during an inspection.
- Performance: Promised ~6,178 kWh. Actual ~5,000 kWh in Year 1.
- System Failure: Solar output maxes at 3.2 kW, while AC requires 3.5 kW. Running AC kills the system and the battery never charges.
- Damage: After battery violation flagged, it was moved — cracking the wall in the process.
- Survey: Site survey requested, never produced. Shading report sent only after install.
- Legal Action: Sheriff serves Electrum with small claims papers.
📸 Evidence Gallery
