The solar industry asks for a big investment and promises big returns, but there's little regulation in North Carolina to make sure those promises are kept.

Since then, there’s been a rise in complaints about rooftop solar companies, but also record interest. 24v Battery Bank Lifepo4

The solar industry asks for a big investment and promises big returns, but there’s little regulation in North Carolina to make sure those promises are kept.

Among the approximately 20 complaints to 5 On Your Side in the last three months were problems with a roof leaking after a poor installation, equipment that was burning up, and a company that closed suddenly costing a customer a $22,000 down payment.

"The protection of homeowners is not there," said Wesley Haney.

Haney lives in Garner and bought a system three years ago from a company called Source Energy Solutions. He had problems with the installation, wiring, inverter and fuses. Haney says since he got the system, it has only worked about 50%-60% of the time.

"You pay someone $37,000 to do it, you’d think they’d be licensed in the industry and knowing what they’re doing," Haney told 5 On Your Side.

"Most reputable companies are going to have one or more NABCEP certified professionals," said Don Moreland, the founder of Solar Crowdsource.

"I think every solar company should seek that certification at one level or another," Moreland said.

Solarize the Triangle also does extensive vetting to identify one company to install all of the systems that people sign up for. One of their requirements is that the installer have contractors who are NABCEP certified.

People in the Triangle have until Dec. 31 to sign up to get a free quote from Yes Solar Solutions, and then until March 31 to decide whether to purchase the system. So far, more than 1,200 people have signed up for a free quote, which Moreland says is a record for a Solar Crowdsource campaign.

"I love my system," Mark Swallow told 5 On Your Side. He also used Yes Solar Solutions and is seeing the savings on his energy bill that were promised.

Swallow reached out to 5 On Your Side hoping to see coverage on the good you can get from solar.

"I told some of the neighbors I was getting solar, and their initial reaction was ‘Are you sure? 'Cause we’ve heard about this company, Pink Energy,'" Swallow said.

His entire system cost about $41,000. His panels are guaranteed for 25 years, and Yes Solar Solutions estimated he could pay them off in 10 after the 30% federal tax credit. Paying off the Tesla battery that’s part of his system would take a few more years.

"I think it's the advice you say all the time, right? Talk to multiple installers, talk to references, which is what I did," Swallow told 5 On Your Side about how he vetted installers before committing to a system.

But Haney also did his homework and his installer had a NABCEP certification, too.

"We vetted them out," Haney explained.

5 On Your Side learned Haney’s installer, Source Energy Solutions, was sold shortly after Haney got his system, and the new owners haven’t helped him with repairs.

Haney ended up fixing his own system.

"With it working, it’ll be $25 a month," Haney said about his electric bill.

Having a NABCEP certification is a good thing to look for in an installer, but it’s not the only thing to be mindful of.

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