Albuquerque Family Seeks Justice After Solar Panel Company Leaves Them with Broken Promises and Unpaid Debt

In 2023, an Albuquerque family made what seemed like a smart investment: solar panels for their home, financed through a company called Meraki. Instead of lowering their energy bills, they were left with a costly problem. The panels were installed but never worked properly. Communication from the company stopped, and the family was left with a costly problem.
Their story was recently covered by Telemundo New Mexico, and attorney Patrick Griebel of Marrs Griebel Law spoke on camera about what legal options may be available to families in situations like theirs.

What Happened

Jose and Blanca signed their contract with Meraki around March 2023. The solar panels were installed a few months later, but once in place, they failed to function. PNM confirmed that Meraki had caused damage during the installation process. When the family contacted Meraki to get the problem fixed, the company initially made promises, but those promises were never fulfilled. Shortly after, Meraki ceased operations in Albuquerque entirely.
A separate company later reached out, claiming it was servicing Meraki’s former customers. Representatives came out, took photos, and said a supervisor would follow up. No one ever did. The family continued making payments on panels that produced no power and received no electricity savings in return.
They also contacted Gurley, the company that financed the solar panel installation, to report the situation. Despite requesting information about the case, Gurley provided no resolution.
After months of unanswered calls and unfulfilled commitments, the family decided to consult an attorney.

What Attorney Patrick Griebel Explained

Attorney Patrick Griebel, appearing in the Telemundo New Mexico segment, addressed the complex legal landscape many homeowners are facing. While every solar panel dispute is unique, he noted that in situations where a solar company has ceased operations, particularly when financing was involved, there may be legal options available against the lender.
This is a critical issue for many New Mexico homeowners. Many families who were sold solar panel systems by companies that later closed or abandoned the market are left believing they have no recourse because the original contractor no longer exists. That is not always the case. Depending on the financing structure and the nature of the agreement, claims may still be possible.
Attorney Griebel also offered a practical recommendation for homeowners considering solar in the future: get multiple quotes, and prioritize local companies that have been operating in New Mexico for several years. A company’s local track record and established presence in the state matter if problems arise later.

This Is Not an Isolated Problem

Solar panel fraud and contractor abandonment have become increasingly common issues across New Mexico. Marrs Griebel Law has a dedicated practice area focused on solar panel scams and has worked with clients who have been misled by aggressive sales tactics, faulty installations, unenforceable contracts, and companies that vanished after receiving payment.
If you or someone you know signed a contract with a solar panel company that failed to deliver or is now dealing with the financial fallout from panels that don’t work, understanding your legal options is the right first step.

 Watch the original Telemundo New Mexico segment