Imagine investing your hard-earned savings into a sustainable future, only to have it all vanish overnight. That’s exactly what happened to several Oregon residents who trusted Prolectric LLC to install solar panels on their homes. But here’s where it gets controversial: was this a case of genuine business failure, or something more sinister? Let’s dive into the story that left homeowners devastated and questioning the reliability of green energy contractors.
Last year, Brandon Payne, a Hillsboro resident struggling with soaring electric bills, decided to take the leap into solar energy. After researching what he believed were reputable companies, he settled on Prolectric LLC, enticed by positive reviews. Payne emptied his savings to pay a $12,000 deposit, hoping to cut down his utility costs over time. But his dream of a greener, more affordable future quickly turned into a financial nightmare.
And this is the part most people miss: Payne wasn’t alone. At least six other customers filed complaints with the Oregon Department of Justice, claiming Prolectric had taken their money—totaling roughly $115,000—without completing the promised work. The company abruptly shut down, leaving homeowners like Payne in financial and emotional turmoil. “I had a complete mental breakdown,” Payne shared with The Oregonian/OregonLive. “I trusted them based on word of mouth and online reviews. Now, I feel like I can’t trust anyone.”
Zachary Freerks, one of Prolectric’s owners, offered various explanations for the company’s collapse, including issues with subcontractors and a falling out with former business partner Raymond McCue. Freerks claimed McCue misled him about the company’s finances, a claim McCue denies. Freerks insisted he did everything possible to keep the business afloat, but by the time Prolectric closed, there was no money left to refund customers. “If I knew I would have gone out of business, I never would have taken contracts,” Freerks said. But is this a case of poor management, or something more deliberate?
Here’s where it gets even more complicated: Prolectric’s financial troubles didn’t just affect customers. Subcontractors like Unity Solar were left unpaid, and suppliers like Howard Supply Co. placed liens on homeowners’ properties. Peter Shchepin, one of the few customers who actually received solar panels, found himself with a $48,555 lien on his Vancouver home after Prolectric failed to pay Howard Supply. Despite Freerks’ promises to resolve the issue, the lien remains in place, leaving Shchepin frustrated and financially burdened.
Stories like Mohiedean Ghofrani’s and Michelle Greissinger’s further highlight the devastation. Ghofrani paid over $35,000 for roofing work and solar panels that were never delivered, while Greissinger and her husband lost $13,000 after learning permits for their project were never filed. Both families are now saddled with loans they took out for projects that never materialized.
But here’s the burning question: Could this have been prevented? Should customers have been more cautious, or is the blame squarely on Prolectric’s owners? The Oregon Department of Justice has yet to reveal how it will respond to the complaints, leaving affected homeowners in limbo. Meanwhile, the broader issue of trust in green energy contractors remains a concern. How can consumers protect themselves from similar scams, and what role should regulators play in preventing such disasters?
This story isn’t just about lost money—it’s about shattered trust, broken promises, and the challenges of navigating an industry that’s supposed to be about sustainability and progress. What do you think? Is this a cautionary tale of due diligence, or a call for stricter oversight in the solar energy sector? Let us know in the comments below.
