Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/07/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I qualified for the Cook County ********** Program with Windfree Solar, *******, **, assigned as the installer for solar panels. Windfree Solar skipped essential steps regarding compliance with state and city laws, ignoring to contact ***** in locating utility lines regarding trenching and pulling the incorrect permit resulting in a STOP Work Order from the city. In addition, doing the trenching, two whole house air conditioners were damaged after being dismantled using a power wash on the inside and outside of air conditioners to clean up the concrete dust and debris settled inside and outside the units. The trenching also discolored several panels on the garage. Windfree Director, **** *****, advised, he has no responsibility for property damage since subcontractors were used. There was no contract signed between me and Windfree Solar, all was handled by Cook County ********** Program. In viewing online, the application for installers for Solar Panels via SEDAC, ******************************************************************** was indebted for damages to the homeowner. Additionally, the schematics on the Solar Panels have yet to come into fruition with 72% savings, which comes close to 20%. Monitoring the panels in another country were rejected by me due to not being able to opt out of 3rd party advertising before one can create the account. **************** sent out 3td party company to assess the damage, ********* ****** with Solarability. At the time, he removed the dried cement splatters from the garage, mentioned repainting area, which would be in his assessment. Advising the air conditioner units would not work correctly after using a power washer to clean. I have a 2-minute video from my security cameras saved as an MP4 file showing the dismantling and power wash of air conditioners (not able to send due to BBBs formats..) No, these issues have not been resolved! I will be more than happy to send the videos, MP4, via email, apologies for the format which I could not attach.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2025

  Please see the attached document for our item-by-item response to this complaint. We are still in active communication with the homeowner, and mediating further resolution to these concerns with them directly.
  
  Let us know if anything further is needed from us. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/01/2025

   
  Complaint: 23300387
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I have yet to receive further communication from Windfree as of the date of my complaint for resolution as was stated by Windfrees reply to myself and the Better Business Bureau.

  In reply to Windfree's response to the Better Business Bureau -

  First and foremost, there was no contract issued to me stipulating subcontractors would perform the installation of solar panels.SEDAC ********************** Sun & Save Program of *********** administered the ***** and vetting approval of Windfree as the solar panel company.  I understood the workers were subcontractors in a taunting phone call with **** *****, Director, there would be no responsibility of Windfree Solar to damage of my real properties  due to subcontractors being employed, no responsibilities of Windfree.  Windfree Solar personnel haphazardly and callously showed no regard to the affixed real properties of my home.

  I was infuriated with the Sun & Save Program, namely ***** *******, after voicing my frustrations with **** ****** call above.Videos and emails over the months of the project regarding the jobsite, real property, zoning and permit issues were sent to Sun & Save, which included ****** *******, ***** *. Gloss, and SEDAC. I did reject ****** Tillmans invite to come out for an inspection. It was apparent to me at such time;my best interest was not considered given my constant communication between Windfree Solar and Sun and Save Program.

  Please note the pictures submitted of the air conditioner units, taller one, in the version sent by Windfree allowing the visibility of enlargement of the picture unit to the right vs. the actual pic of the taller air conditioner with less damage of the fins prior to Windfrees arrival. In addition, note all the debris from trenching no this was not snow around the taller air conditioner. Pictures of the garage panels were scraped from dry cement and washed when the picture was taken. The 3rd party Windfree sent, advised the panels need to be repainted. After removing the chassis and power washing, additional fins were removed. Which brings to question what air conditioner will work properly after power wash to remove soot from trenching? Pics attached of  reassembly of air conditioner by lead tech ****** prior to City Electrical Inspector arriving the same day all without my knowledge. Then follow-up by another inspector acknowledgement the schematics Windfree submitted was for the home not the 2.5 car garage with 11 panels. Pics will show the second ********** car arriving at my home to deny the approval on the day of the inspection, thus a Stop Work Order.

  As the homeowner, only I can ask for a variance that was written by me and sent to the citys zoning department to be approved by the city council. Windfree Solar over exaggeration again.

  This diluted project has been in the work for several long months, consisting of no timetable nor expectations as to when Windfrees workers would show up thereafter the initial visit. Material left on pallets on my driveway without knowledge of arrival from Windfree for several days, after I inquired as to the lack of communication and to place in the back of the home. Communication continued to be vague with both Windfree Solar and Sun and Save.

  I have yet to receive further communication from Windfree as of the date of my complaint for resolution as was stated by Windfrees reply to the Better Business Bureau.

  Thank you for your consideration in noting my reply.

  ****** *******
  
  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 06/04/2025

  Please find Windfree response attached and contact us with updates or for additional requests.  Thank you

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/09/2025

   
  Complaint: 23300387
  
  I am rejecting this response because: To date, June 09, 2025, Windfree Solar has not communicated with me. To reiterate and summarize -

  Subject: Complaint Against WindFree Solar Company, selected by Cook County Sun & Save, Residential Solar Energy Program, an initiative by the **************************************************** (DES).
  WindTree Solar Company, a company chosen by  Cook County Sun & Save to install a solar energy system at no charge to me. I am deeply concerned about the inadequate vetting of this company with the usage of subcontractors, their subpar services, and the subsequent damage to my property.
  
  Details of the Complaint:
  Lack of Vetting: I believe that WindFree Solar Company was not properly vetted before being selected by the state agency, Cook County Sun & Save, allowing a subcontractor to provide solar panels installations.  **** ****** Director of WindFree and I had a scheduled call on February 18, 2025, to discuss the damage. Mr. ****** immediately advised me, those were subcontractors and WindFree is not accountable for damage. The contract between WindFree Solar and Cook County Sun & Save to employ subcontractors, if applicable, does not negate the fact that my real property was callously destroyed, as well as peronsal properties used in cleanup around the patio. 
  Project Manager, **** ******* from start to finish of the project, who responded to all my inquiries and complaints.
  ?             September 26, 2024, I initiated an email to WindFree, asking if all permits are pulled prior to work. The workers came without the permit. I called ************* Building and ****************** and the      permit was paid but not picked up, which Calumet City delivered to my home the same day.
  ?             September 29, 2024, an unscheduled worker came to my home to dig the trench without proper locations of the underground utilities mark.
  ?              October 25, 2024, curbside delivery of two pellets of material left on my driveway for several days, without knowledge from WindTree Solar of delivery and moving to back of the house.
  
  
  ?             November 15, 2024, STOP WORK ORDER was plastered on my front door by Calumet City Building and ****************** due to schematics issued by WindFree Solar it was not for installation of solar panels on the garage but my home.
  ?              January 02, 2025, requesting a variance in allowing the solar panels on the garage that was later approved by Calumet Citys Mayor and City Council Members.
  ?              January 02, 2025, I submitted a written Variance in allowance of the solar panels for approval to Calumet Citys Director of Building and ****************** The Variance was later approved by Calumet Citys Mayor and City Council members.  It was explained that the city does not allow solar panels on garages as of several years ago and the schematics given by WindFree Solar was for the home.
  
  Damage to Air Conditioners and Property: During the installation process, starting with digging the trench on October 31, 2024, the technicians from WindTree Solar Company caused damage to my real property: air conditioners and garage, shovel, broom, newly tuckpointed wall power washed from soot on property. The units could be non-functional, leading to significant inconvenience and financial burden for repairs. Additionally, the installation process resulted in visible soot particles on exterior home wall everywhere in the back, requiring immediate attention and repair.
  Lack of Information on Net Metering and ************* I was not provided with any information regarding net metering. Potential savings were quoted as 80% of the current bill with solar panels on the garage in opposed to the home, see email, 02/23/2025, ******* Windfree Solar. The recent ComEd billing, savings of 18%. I refused to have monitoring done by  Solar Edge Online Monitoring Access location in a different country NOT allowing me the option to opt out of third-party advertisements and other. ***** provides information on savings and usage.  This lack of transparency has left me uncertain about the benefits and financial implications.
  Inadequate Response: Despite multiple attempts to communicate with WindFree Solar, their customer service has been unhelpful with minor support for the damage. My concerns have been ignored, and no efforts have been made to rectify the situation or compensate for the damage incurred. The 3rd party sent January 18th, accessed and acknowledged the damage with pictures taken. Along with assessing power washing inside working of an air conditioner would cause more harm than good. Doing the independent time, he did scrape the dry cement splatters from the garage, acknowledging  a repaint needs to be done, after rinsing.
   It is essential that Windfree Solar, along with Sun and Save Program address the damage caused to my real property to provide adequate compensation for the repair costs and/or repair, along with offering clear written information on the solar panels and all equipment installed;  warranty, applicable services/adjustments provided at no charge, net metering and savings.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/07/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In August of 2024, I entered into an agreement with Windfree solar to install solar panels on my home. I was required to provide an upfront deposit of $3,396. Prior to signing the contract, I communicated with ******* Iasielo via a series of phone calls and emails. We discussed our power needs, and I forwarded him the name of our power company (*********************************, SWECI) and several months of energy bills. Per my request, he designed a solar system that would meet my house's power needs monthly leaving only the connection fee to be paid to the electric company. After paying the deposit, SWECI contacted me to point out that my system would not eliminate the need to pay a monthly bill, primarily because SWECI does not participate in net metering. This means that my system, as designed, would not do what ******* Iasielo claimed when we signed the contract. Prior to the email from SWECI, I worked with **** ******* at Windfree for the site inspection portion of the work. I was frustrated by slow progress and contacted him to ensure that the project was completed before Dec. 31st. He assured me that with our power company (SWECI) there was no need to complete before the first of the year. (email attached). This indicates that Windfree knew, prior to our site inspection, that ***** did not use net metering. After receiving the alert from SWECI, I cancelled the work and requested a return of my deposit. I received a check for $2596, with Windfree keeping $800 for the site inspection and engineering report. I would like Windfree to return the $800. I understand that based on the contract, they are likely legally able to keep the money. However, the mistake was with their system. All of the information I provided was accurate. I should not have to pay for their mistake. Bill's original email said the deposit would be refunded minus "hard costs." At minimum, I should not have to pay $300 in travel costs because they did not hire someone local.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/11/2025

  We appreciate the concerns raised by our former client Mr. ******* and we are committed to addressing them in a fair and reasonable manner for all parties involved.
   
  The utility in question, SWECI, does offer a solar energy buy-back program, though it is not labeled as "Net Metering" under their terminology. 
   
  We understand the frustration of making the commitment to start a project, and needing to unwind it for any reason. Unfortunately this typically also involves sunk costs, which were laid out in the contract. However, in a good faith effort to resolve this issue with Mr. ******* we will refund the $300 in travel costs associated with the site assessment. 
   
  We do apologize for any misunderstanding of the terms and conditions, and hope this good faith gesture brings a resolution to the matter.
   
   
  ****
  Snower
  
  Windfree
  Solar

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/21/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/11/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Windfree Solar installed solar panels on my house. During the process, it was determined that they weren't comfortable putting solar panels on one side of my roof because it felt soft and so the number of panels installed was reduced from what was originally going to be installed. The original cost was going to be $27,370 but with the reduction of the number of solar panels installed, the cost became $14,538. I paid $5000 cash upfront. The financing was done by Windfree Solar through Mosaic. They financed the $22,370 instead of the $9,538 that should have been financed. I trusted them to have done it correctly and have been making the payments. I have paid $1554.84 in interest on this loan (this number does not include anything paid towards the principle.) I spoke to Windfree a few weeks ago and was told that they would fix the issue. I have not heard back from them since and have not been able to get a hold of them when I try calling since. I need them to fix the financed amount to the correct amount and I need them to refund the $1554.84 that I erroneously paid on a loan that was way higher than it should have been.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/07/2024

  Thank you for contacting us with the concerns.  We try very hard to make sure each customer receives excellent customer service.  After we did an in person structural inspection of the house, our structural engineer determined one of the roof areas was not strong enough to install solar panels on it.  We immediately contact the customer and informed them the number of ********************** panels would need to be reduced and the cost of the project would be reduced proportionately.  We email the customer the documents the loan company required to have signed in order for the loan amount to be reduced equal to the amount of the lowered cost for reducing the quantity of solar panels.  After many email and phone call reminders, the customer signed the required documents about three months later.  By the time the documents were signed by the customer the loan for the original amount had been processed and there was no way to change the loan amount.  We contact the customer multiple times after we found out about the loan amount and requested copies of the loan so we could remit a check for payment to the customer for the difference. When we finally heard back from the customer recently and confirmed the amount we immediately sent the customer a check for the difference between the loan amount and the final cost of the project.  we hope this satisfies the complaint by the customer.