Solar power is a topic that has been raising a lot of questions from News 8 On Your Side viewers lately. More and more companies are promising to reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills. But a Lancaster County couple took some words of warning before installing solar panels on their home. Last summer the Megonnells were very excited about the future. “I was thrilled that I was getting solar power for the house,” said Tim Megonnell. “We want to save the carbon footprint. We want to prepare for the future,” said Stephanie Megonnell. The solar panels were installed on the roof of her house in August 2020. This summer, the Megonnells feel a little different. “They are completely at the moment useless. Nothing is on. I can't turn it on, “said Tim Megonnell. Shortly after Vision Solar installed a solar panel on Megonnell's home, East Donegal Township issued a cease and desist order claiming the company had failed to make the necessary structural changes to the roof. After another review, it turned out that these changes were unnecessary. When the structural problems were resolved, another problem arose: the power grid was not compliant. Almost a year later, the solar modules are still unused. An inspector found four violations of the National Electrical Code that the homeowner said was hired by Vision Solar, so I didn't get in touch, wasn't in contact. If I call, leave a message, your calls will not be answered. I have useless equipment in my house, “said Tim Megonnell. There is some good news about all the unused solar panels.” It was free. Everything was laid on the house. No cost to me, “Megonnell said. As soon as the modules go online, the Megonnells will pay. It seems that this could happen soon. News 8 On Your Side reached out to Vision Solar, an attorney for the company sent a letter that read in part : “… there appears to have been a general lack of communication with Mr. Megonnell. This is regrettable, unacceptable and we intend to investigate this error further.” The company went on to say it will “… address any fixes or workarounds that are needed to ensure the system is up and running soon.” The Megonnells now have a strong message for all homeowners considering solar energy. “Your community. Make sure you know what building codes and what to expect in your home,” said Tim Megonnell. The decision to add solar panels to your home shouldn't be made lightly or quickly. The promise of tax credits and free installation sound appealing, but make sure you have a clear understanding of what your long-term commitment to the installation will be.
EAST DONEGAL TOWNSHIP, PA. –
Solar power is a topic that has been raising a lot of questions from News 8 On Your Side viewers lately.
More and more companies are promising to reduce or even eliminate their electricity bills.
But a Lancaster County couple have a few words of warning before installing solar panels in their home.
Last summer, the Megonnells were very excited about the future.
“I was excited that I was going to get solar power for the house,” said Tim Megonnell.
“We want to save the carbon footprint. We want to prepare for the future, ”said Stephanie Megonnell.
The solar modules were installed on the roof of their house in August 2020. This summer, the Megonnells are feeling a little differently.
“They are completely useless at the moment. Nothing is turned on. I can't turn it on, ”said Tim Megonnell.
Shortly after Vision Solar installed a solar panel array on the Megonnell home, East Donegal Township issued a cease and desist order claiming the company had not made the necessary structural changes to the roof. Upon further examination, it was determined that these changes are not required.
After addressing the structural issues, another problem emerged: the power grid wasn't up to the code.
Almost a year later, the solar panels are still unused.
Four National Electrical Code violations were identified by an inspector the homeowner said was hired by Vision Solar.
The Megonnells said a technician showed up unannounced in May to make some minor adjustments, but those code violations are still unresolved.
“Vision Solar didn't call me, wasn't in contact. If I call, leave a message, your calls won't be answered. I have useless equipment in my house,” said Tim Megonnell.
There is good news about all of the unused solar panels.
“It was free. Everything was put on the house. No cost to me,” Megonnell said.
As soon as the panels go online, the megonnells start paying.
It seems that this could happen soon.
After News 8 On Your Side contacted Vision Solar, an attorney for the company sent a letter that read in part: “… there appears to have been a general lack of communication with Mr. Megonnell. This is regrettable, unacceptable and we intend to investigate this failure further. “
The company said it will “… address any fixes or workarounds that are needed to ensure the system is up and running soon.”
The Megonnells now have a strong message for all homeowners considering solar power.
“If someone thinks about this, speak to your community. Make sure you know what building codes and what is expected in your home,” said Tim Megonnell.
The decision to place solar panels in your home shouldn't be made lightly or quickly.
The promise of tax breaks and free installation sounds tempting, but make sure you understand what your long-term commitment to installation will be.