San Bernardino County woman claims she’s out $83K after solar installer walks off the job

ONTARIO, Calif. () — An Ontario woman claims she’s out more than $80,000 after the solar company she hired to install panels on her rooftop, as well as a battery backup system, walked off the job.

“They dropped all the material where it was, and they left,” Lorraine Hammer told Eyewitness News. “They’ve never been back.”

Not only that, but she said dozens of roof tiles were removed and never replaced, leaving her without a functioning roof.

“Then we had the rains, and my roof was open,” Hammer said. “The water was leaking into the light fixture in the bathroom all the way onto the floor.”

Hammer said she signed the contract with My Smart House, LLC in September 2025 for $83,200.

She said the last email with the company she received was in December 2025, telling her they haven’t forgotten about her project, and that every customer awaiting completion is being prioritized for scheduling in the incoming weeks.

According to the letter, the company is experiencing unexpected staffing changes.

“While we understand and share your frustration with these delays, we kindly ask that all communication with our remaining employees and customer support team remain professional and respectful,” read the statement.

“These team members are working tirelessly to resolve the situation and get your system fully operational. Mistreatment or hostility will only slow communication and resolution.”

Further adding to her frustration, Hammer claims that San Bernardino County told her that the company never filed for any building permits.

Hammer said while she didn’t check references, she did check with the Contractors State License Board. While the company did have an active license, that license has since been suspended.

Eyewitness News has reached out to My Smart House, LLC for comment and we are awaiting a response. However, approximately two hours after we reached out for comment, Hammer claims that someone from a third-party solar company showed up at her home and told her he was going to try to finish the job.

Hammer said her message to others is a simple one.

“Beware. Check references. And don’t sign anything the first time.”