Portage solar company files for bankruptcy protections

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan-based solar company has filed for bankruptcy protections while facing a growing number of complaints from customers.

Madison Macomber is among them.

Climax Solar , based in Portage, was set to install 22 panels on her Bowne Township home, but technicians were only able to fit 18 on the roof.

“They said that because they weren’t able to install those four panels and we had already paid up front for them, they would send us a reimbursement check for close to $5,000 for them,” Macomber told News 8.

That was March of last year, and ever since, Madison says they have struggled to get answers about when that check will be sent.

“By the end of the month they would have the check sent out. That month came and went, and we didn’t hear from them after calling several times,” she said. “Around December, an HR rep called us and said that they have some restructuring going on and checks will be going (out) in December. It’s now May and we still haven’t gotten anything.”

Court documents obtained by News 8 show the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy at the end of April, which allows the company the opportunity to reorganize its debts.

The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan says it has seen a growing number of complaints, according to Troy Baker, the vice president for community relations and educational foundation.

“Many customers were promised a rebate when they bought this system and getting that check from the company has been very difficult for a number of the consumers,” Baker said.

The BBB says the organization has received many complaints about panels not performing to what was promised by sales representatives and orders not being fully or properly fulfilled.

“We really did spend a lot of time trying to reach some resolutions for consumers. At the end of the day, we were not able to get the cooperation we needed from the company. Their accreditation was revoked by our board of directors,” Baker said.

A representative from the company points the finger at former business associates and says they are pursuing legal actions against them.

A statement to News 8 reads in part: “Climax Solar elected to file chapter 11 so that it can reorganize its debts and provide meaningful payments to its creditors. Climax Solar is in this position because it placed trust in the wrong individuals who were high-ranking employees at Orbit Marketing, LLC and its related businesses”

“Filing bankruptcy also allows Orbit to continue pursuing recoveries from those responsible, so that Orbit can pay its many creditors back. Orbit Marketing, LLC is committed to providing strong customer service and addressing any issues that arise from its work or workmanship.”

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