Coral Springs Couple Stuck in Solar Power Limbo

After spending over $60,000, their solar panels still aren't operational and they face fines from the city.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:15pm

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A Coral Springs, Florida couple, Bill and Mary Garrett, spent over $60,000 three years ago to have solar panels installed on their home. However, the company they hired went bankrupt before completing the job, and they've been unable to find anyone to finish the work. As a result, the city is now fining them $100 per day and threatening to put a lien on their house.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges homeowners can face when trying to switch to solar power, even with significant upfront investment. It raises concerns about consumer protections and the need for better regulation in the solar industry to ensure projects are completed as promised.

The details

The Garretts hired a company to install 42 solar panels on their roof, but the company went bankrupt before finishing the job. They then hired another company, which also went out of business. Now, three years later, the panels still aren't operational, and the city is fining the Garretts $100 per day and threatening to put a lien on their house.

  • The Garretts hired the first company to install the solar panels three years ago.
  • The first company went bankrupt shortly after starting the project.
  • The Garretts hired a second company to finish the job, but that company also went out of business.

The players

Bill and Mary Garrett

A Coral Springs, Florida couple who spent over $60,000 to have solar panels installed on their home.

City of Coral Springs

The local government that is fining the Garretts $100 per day and threatening to put a lien on their house due to the unfinished solar project.

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What they’re saying

“A traveling salesman came to my door and convinced me that I could eliminate my electric bill and save the planet by reducing my solar footprint.”

— Bill Garrett

“All we gotta do is throw this switch, and we are done.”

— Bill Garrett

“I'm gonna lose my house.”

— Bill Garrett

What’s next

The city of Coral Springs has agreed to continue the case until May and delay the certification of a lien, but they will not halt the fines against the Garretts. The Garretts are still searching for a contractor who can come in and complete the solar panel installation so they can finally start generating their own power.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of consumer protections and better regulation in the solar industry to ensure homeowners who invest in renewable energy don't get stuck in limbo when companies go out of business. It also underscores the need for homeowners to carefully vet contractors and not pay the full amount upfront before a project is completed.