"They have to come out and remove about six panels just to get to the spot I know is leaking."

A homeowner says a solar installer is asking for $2,300 upfront simply to look into a roof leak, while also warning that the remaining 10 years of warranty protection could be lost if anyone else works on the system.

The company appears to charge far more than other providers and, according to the homeowner, is using the warranty to keep the customer from going elsewhere. That led the homeowner to ask online: is this even legal?

What to know

In a Reddit post on r/solar, the homeowner said they are 10 years into a 20-year installer warranty. They said leaks have kept coming back since the system was installed and recalled that the company once requested a $600 check to inspect a leaking mounting bracket before later returning the money.

The latest dispute involves another leak the poster says they already located themselves. The installer, according to the post, wants to remove roughly six panels to reach the problem area. "If it is their fault it's free," the original poster wrote. "They have to come out and takeoff about six panels to get to where I know the leak is."

Cases like this are a reminder that installer quality matters as much as the equipment itself. Readers comparing systems can use EasyHome to view pricing and potential savings from properly vetted installers in their area.

The homeowner also said the warranty bars outside help and leaves them stuck with steep repair deposits. "Can't have anybody else touch the solar panels or I lose the 10 years that's left on my Warranty."

One commenter suggested that a roofer could inspect the roof without disturbing the panels, as long as attic access is available.

More context

The poster said they paid cash for the system up front and that the leaks have happened several times. "To initial leaks at installation 10 years ago, there's been three or four ever since," the original poster wrote.

One commenter said solar mounts are not supposed to leak and noted that such repairs are usually covered by the installer's workmanship warranty. Another pointed out that the roof or sealant itself could be failing for reasons the installer may dispute.

What can be done?

Much of the advice in the discussion centered on documenting the source of the leak first. One commenter suggested paying a roofer to provide written proof that the installer was at fault, while another said an attic inspection might reveal damage without anyone touching the array and risking the remaining 10 years of warranty coverage.

A different commenter urged a more aggressive response, writing, "If there's a warranty they just have to fix it. You don't have to give them any money at all. Send a demand letter, and get a lawyer."

Others said the homeowner should press for a clear explanation of why a warranty inspection requires a $2,300 deposit. They suggested asking whether the charge is for workmanship, roof repair, or simply the labor involved in removing six panels.

For readers comparing installers before signing anything binding, EasyHome offers a free tool to help clarify pricing and expected savings. EasyHome can also help readers look into backup battery storage options, and pairing solar with a battery can maximize savings while helping power a home when the grid goes down.

In the end, one commenter summed it up this way: "Whether it's legal or not depends entirely on the terms of the contract and the warranty that you have with them."

Where can I learn more?

These stories address similar issues involving rooftop solar, roof repairs, and unexpected costs.

• In Texas, one homeowner said solar panels left his roof leaking for months.

• Homeowners pushed back after a roofer claimed solar panels damage roofs by default.

• A frustrated homeowner was urged to fight back after installers left footprints on 12 panels.

• In Pennsylvania, a resident questioned who actually owns the panels after a sales pitch.

• One solar owner called it robbery after a utility imposed outrageous charges despite solar.