Greensboro Couple Says Solar Installation Led to Roof Damage and $100,000 Dispute

A Solar Investment That Raised Structural Concerns

A Greensboro, North Carolina couple says their decision to go solar led to unexpected roof damage and a financial dispute reportedly nearing $100,000.

According to reporting by WFMY News 2, the homeowners had rooftop solar panels installed with the expectation of long-term energy savings. But after installation, they say problems began to surface — specifically concerns about damage to their roof.

What followed was not just a repair issue, but a broader dispute over responsibility, cost, and accountability.

What the Homeowners Reported

Public coverage indicates:

Solar panels were mounted on the couple’s roof.
Shortly after installation, the homeowners noticed roofing issues.
They alleged that the installation process caused structural damage.
Repair costs and related financial exposure reportedly escalated toward $100,000.
Efforts to obtain resolution became prolonged and stressful.

The couple sought clarity on who was responsible for the repairs — the solar company, the installer, a subcontractor, or their insurance provider.

Why Roof Damage Disputes Become So Complicated

Solar panel systems are attached using mounting brackets that penetrate the roofing material. Proper installation includes:

Flashing
Sealants
Structural anchoring into rafters
Weatherproofing

If any part of that process is done incorrectly — or if a roof was already aging — problems can emerge weeks or months later.

When damage appears, determining fault is rarely simple.

Responsibility may depend on:

The condition of the roof before installation
Installation technique
Whether subcontractors were used
Warranty terms in both roofing and solar contracts
State construction laws

This complexity often leaves homeowners stuck between multiple companies.

The Financial Escalation

Roof repairs can quickly become expensive, especially if:

Water damage spreads
Mold develops
Structural decking requires replacement
Insurance claims are denied

In this case, the total financial exposure reportedly approached $100,000 — not necessarily just for the solar system itself, but for associated damage and disputes.

That scale of cost can feel overwhelming for homeowners who originally expected monthly savings, not five-figure repair bills.

The Overlooked Contract Clauses

Many solar agreements include:

Limitation-of-liability clauses
Mandatory arbitration provisions
Warranty disclaimers
Language shifting responsibility to subcontractors

Homeowners may not fully appreciate those provisions at signing.

If a roofing issue emerges later, those clauses suddenly become critically important.

The Emotional and Practical Impact

When roof integrity is in question, homeowners often experience:

Fear of worsening damage
Insurance uncertainty
Concern about resale value
Frustration over stalled repairs
Anxiety about loan payments continuing during disputes

Solar contracts typically last 20–25 years — far longer than most construction service agreements.

When disputes arise early in that timeline, homeowners may feel trapped.

If You’ve Experienced Roof Issues After Solar

If you’ve noticed:

New leaks following installation
Damaged shingles or tiles
Interior water staining
A voided roof warranty

It’s important to:

Document the condition immediately.
Obtain independent roofing inspections.
Request installation documentation and permits.
Review your contract’s damage and warranty language.
Understand dispute resolution requirements.

Clarity reduces leverage imbalance.

A Practical Next Step

Help Solar Exit works with homeowners facing installation disputes and unclear contract obligations.

We don’t perform installations or provide legal representation — our role is educational and connective.

A contract review can help clarify:

What your agreement says about installation damage
Whether liability limitations apply
Whether renegotiation or structured exit paths may exist
What state-level protections could be relevant

When multiple companies are involved, understanding the contract is the first stabilizing step.

Read the Original Coverage

Full reporting is available at: https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/outreach/call-for-action/solar-panels-greensboro-couples-botched-solar-panel-installation-leads-to-100000-financial-dispute-and-major-roof-damage/83-8feb42e9-2cf3-4313-b9a0-4cc9753c3252