SESA study: Solar consumer complaints remain under 1% despite growth
The Puerto Rico Solar Energy and Storage Association has released new data showing that consumer complaints about solar energy remain low, even as installations continue to grow across the island.
According to the report, solar installations now average 4,289 per month, while complaints filed with the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO, in Spanish) average 44 monthly.
“Today, according to official data from the Energy Bureau’s website, we have more than 170,000 solar customers in Puerto Rico, and of these, only 44 file complaints each month, which represents a paltry 0.026%,” said Javier Rúa-Jovet, SESA’s director of public policy. He also noted that some of the complaints are submitted in error or belong under the jurisdiction of other agencies.
Rúa-Jovet emphasized that while every complaint matters and must be addressed fairly, the data reflects high overall satisfaction among solar customers. “The numbers speak for themselves,” he said.
The report also highlighted the role of DACO’s Office of Renewable Energy, created by Administrative Order 2022-18, which helps mediate disputes between consumers and solar companies. SESA expressed support for the program and called on DACO to assign at least one high-level staff member to the office, as originally intended.
“We support the DACO agreement with the specialized nonprofit Institute for Building Technology and Safety,” said Rúa-Jovet, stressing the value of training government staff on solar technologies. “The data truly demonstrates the high level of satisfaction solar consumers have with their systems.”
