In light of a recent story about an Ontario homeowner who spent $50,000 on solar panels and now saves only $100 a month, Brightworks Energy’s CEO, Bobby MacCannell, shares his perspective on what went wrong—and how homeowners can protect themselves before signing a solar contract.
Q: You’ve seen the story of the Scarborough homeowner who spent $50,000 and is saving only about $100 a month. What’s the biggest misconception homeowners have when going solar?
Bobby: There isn’t just one misconception—there are a few that come up again and again.
The first is the idea of a guaranteed return on investment. Some homeowners think that by spending a certain amount today, the math will automatically work out in their favor. But sunlight hours, energy use, and local weather all vary. We’re in Ontario—some months are great, and others, your panels are buried under snow.
The second misconception is about timelines. Solar isn’t something you measure week to week or even month to month. These systems are designed to last 25 years or more. That means you need an installer who’s going to be around for that lifespan—someone who will stand behind the system long after it’s been installed.
Q: Many people are told solar is “maintenance-free.” Is that accurate?
Bobby: Not at all. That’s a big myth, especially in the residential market.
Commercial systems are usually backed by engineers, facility managers, and finance teams who know what they’re getting into. Homeowners, on the other hand, are often sold a dream of savings without being told about maintenance, cleaning, or warranty limits. These systems need periodic inspection and care—panels can get dirty, snow can block them, wildlife can cause damage. Pretending it’s a “set-it-and-forget-it” investment only leads to disappointment later.
Q: In Guzman’s case, he spent $50,000 and saves $100 a month. How does a situation like that even happen?
Bobby: Without seeing the actual data, I can’t say for sure, but it sounds like a mismatch between system size and household usage—or pricing that’s way off.
If your monthly hydro bill is around $100, there’s no reason to install a system that large. Under Ontario’s net-metering rules, you can’t feed back more power than you use annually, so an oversized system simply doesn’t pay off.
Sometimes installers inflate projections or oversize systems to make the numbers look better on paper. But that breaks the math. In this case, spending $50,000 to save $1,200 a year means you’re looking at more than 40 years to break even—and that’s before factoring in maintenance or potential failures.
Q: What red flags should homeowners look for when choosing an installer?
Bobby: A few big ones.
First, check how long the company has been in business. If they’ve been around for six months, that’s a concern. You’re making a 25-year commitment—you need a partner who’s going to stick around that long.
Second, read the warranty carefully. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some warranties only cover certain parts of the system, not labor or removal costs. We’ve seen cases where a company claims “25-year warranty,” but the fine print excludes most of what matters.
Third, do your homework. Don’t rely solely on online reviews—many are fake or purchased. Look for genuine feedback, talk to real customers, and ask for local references.
And finally, know that Canada doesn’t have a formal certification or governing body for residential solar installers. Unlike in the U.S., anyone can buy panels and start drilling holes in roofs. That’s where a lot of problems begin.
Q: So how can the industry rebuild trust after stories like this?
Bobby: It’ll take time. Every time the government launches a new incentive program—like the Canada Greener Homes Loan—we see a spike in questionable practices. It attracts short-term players looking for fast sales.
But the good companies, the ones who’ve been doing this for years, will outlast them. It’s a small industry. Word travels fast, and reputation matters. Over time, the bad actors disappear, and the serious ones remain.
That said, homeowners need to play their part. Ask questions. Get multiple quotes. Don’t sign on the spot. If something feels off, walk away. And if you can, have a third-party review your proposal before committing.
Q: Final thoughts?
Bobby: Solar works. It absolutely does—but only when it’s done right.
For homeowners, that means doing the homework before going green. Understand your roof, your consumption, your installer, and your warranty. Solar isn’t a magic box—it’s a 25-year partnership. Pick the right partner, and you’ll see the savings you expect. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll end up in a story like this.
Editor’s Note:
Stories like Guzman’s remind us that the solar industry’s greatest challenge isn’t technology—it’s trust. As adoption accelerates, education and transparency must catch up.
Thinking about solar for your home?
Before you sign any contract, let Brightworks Energy’s team review your proposal. We’ll help you understand the numbers, identify red flags, and make sure your investment delivers the return you expect.