ONLY ON FOX5: Las Vegas solar company helps elderly couple targeted in scam

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - An elderly Las Vegas Valley couple thought they were going to have to live with their bad solar decision for the rest of their lives -- but they shared their story with FOX5 and a local company stepped in to help.

“I relied on his integrity when he told me that if I installed these solar panels I would get a $9,000 tax rebate when I filed my taxes,” William Scribner told us when he first spoke with FOX5 in May.

The Scribners didn’t qualify for that rebate, and they say, they didn’t understand their solar deal would put a lien on their house when they signed the contract.

Scribner’s wife, Cecelia, tells us that lien will outlive them.

“We have a mortgage on our house. Our house is paid for, we didn’t have a mortgage. So now we have a 25-year mortgage at our age. "

On Friday, that changed, and FOX5 was there.

“Mike Sweet has offered us a deal with the loan company, that’s where we’re on our way to right now,” Cecelia told us.

Sol-Up, a local company specializing in eco-friendly energy products, saw the Scribners’ story and felt compelled to act.

“When we heard about this we wanted to make it right. We reached out to FOX, who allowed us to reach out to the Scribners, and then we reached out to Goodleap, which is their finance company,” said Stephen Hamile, Sol-Up’s chief operating officer.

And make it right they did. It started with a chauffer-driven ride to Sol-Up’s offices, followed by a very warm welcome from most of its staff. That was followed by a big check.

“We’ve coordinated with our partner Goodleap, and we’re going to be presenting Goodleap with a check for $9,500 to pay down your loan. They will amortize your loan so you will be given the payment you were promised,” said Hamile as he presented the couple with a virtual check.

Sol-Up will also check to the Scribners’ current solar panels to make sure they’re the right size, and they’re installed properly.

“He’s making it up for us, he’s doing good, he’s really doing us a big favor,” William shared.

Cecelia told us she couldn’t be happier.

“Absolutely hilarious! Because we never expected anything to happen.”

And Hamile said Sol-Up was happy to help.

“Giving back to the community is equally as important as putting solar on the roof and making money.”

Hamile advises potential solar customers to avoid scams by avoiding doing deals with anyone going door-to-door. He advocates dealing with a Nevada-based, brick-and-mortar business with verifiable licenses and references.

He also reminds customers, a solar contract usually involves a 25-year commitment, so make sure you choose to work with someone you’ll be comfortable with over the long haul.

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