An Unexpected Costly Decision

An Ontario man is facing a staggering $20,000 bill just to remove solar panels that he installed on his roof 12 years ago. Ryan Adams is determined to get the panels off for his family's safety, citing hazardous conditions that have made his backyard a no-go zone.

Dangerous Snow and Ice Accumulation

This winter has brought above-average snowfall, leading to dangerous buildups of snow and ice on Adams's roof. He shared a shocking incident where snow and ice tumbled down, striking his wife and narrowly missing his son. "She pushed him backward just in time, but the ice knocked her down the stairs and destroyed our barbecue!" Adams recalled, painting a picture of the perilous situation.

From Eco-Friendly to Unsafe

Adams had proudly installed the panels to contribute positively to the environment, even sharing his good intentions on social media. "I thought I was helping mankind," he lamented. However, his dream of going green has turned into a financial and safety nightmare over the years.

A Long-Term Contract with Worrisome Terms

Under a 20-year contract with Pure Energies—now RSS Solar—Adams leases the roof space for a mere $250 per year. "Even if they doubled my pay, I wouldn't want those panels up there anymore," he expressed.

Negotiating a Buyout

When Adams reached out for help, he was shocked to learn that breaking the contract would cost him $20,000. RSS Solar explained they are offering the buyout eight years ahead of the original contract expiration. Adams is willing to negotiate but remains resolute about removing the panels.

Company's Defense and Next Steps

In response, RSS Solar asserted that they had never received complaints from Adams until recently and emphasized that he has been receiving his lease payments as outlined in their agreement. The company claims responsibility for the maintenance and removal of the panels.

A Cautionary Tale for Homeowners

While the idea of adding solar panels can entice homeowners with promises of clean energy and potential rebates of up to $5,000, Adams's predicament serves as a warning. It's crucial to fully understand and consider the contractual obligations before installing any such systems.