Comments regarding Silicon Solar Inc.
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Negative | larry007 (1 review) | On Aug 25, 2008, larry007 Syosset, NY wrote: I purchased via the web a Solar Hidden Rock Pump on August 11, 2008. The thing never worked out of the box, even after going to their "FAQ" trouble shooting section of their web site for this product. I called "customer service" and spoke with a supervisor who basically told me that I had to ship this piece of junk (which cost over $65.00) back to them at my expense and they would quote, unquote "test it" to see if it was defective... So, I guess they think I'm either a dope or a liar...I asked for my money back and they of course refused...They offered store credit (like I'd ever buy something there again!). I am writing to Andrew Cuomo, NYS attorney general and also to the NYSE consumer affairs commissioner about this outfit. With so many honorable ecommerce sites out there, this place should be shut down because of their business practices and approach to not standing behind their merchandise. On Aug 25, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Feb 24, 2009 2:19 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Yes, we would have advised to send product back to us with a return authorization code. With the receipt of the shipping back to us. We have found in many instances that the product is fine. That the customer(s) did not understand how to install. And after we receive product back, we would inspect it. If after inspections we find there is a defective product and it is within the warranty period we would reimburse customer for shipping. " |
Negative | blufour (5 reviews) | On Aug 22, 2008, blufour Cantril, IA wrote: I should have known better than to order from Silicon Solar. I did so because I was so sure this was the same company from whom I ordered a smaller solar panel and pump a couple of years ago. It was NOT. I ordered a 37" solar panel and pump with battery backup. I guess might be better off than some of you because I only received the battery back which is $45 and if I can get the rest of the charge off of my Credit Card I'll consider it a lesson learned. You are all so right, this is indeed the WORST company to deal with on any level. First off, I called them to let them know I hadn't received all of it. But I waited a couple of days to be sure it wasn't in a seperate box. By then it was Saturday and when I called them the automated system put me in a "loop" that never put me through to anyone although it said it was transferring my call. I waited and waited but there was nothing. I got through to someone Monday or Tuesday. Was told it would be sent out and should get it by Aug 13 or 14. Called again and was told it had not gone out. By now aren't we seeing a trend here? I hadn't received anything this week, the 18th, 19th, 20th... called the 21st and the gal said she would tell shipping to get it out today. I thought about this afterward and decided (after reading these reviews) that, hey, I'm not going to get this stuff and, if I do I'm not going to be happy with the quality and then I'll have the hassle of trying to return it and probably being stuck with it. I emailed to cancel since I couldn't get through to talk to someone. I've called and called and sometimes I get disconnected before anyone gets around to answering. Sometimes someone begins to say something and then I'm either disconnected or put on a silent hold. Well, to make this long story shorter, today I called again, trying several times and finally put my phone on speaker and just let it play music for 12 minutes and I actually got someone, Christy. I told her about getting only a battery backup and not the rest. I said I wanted to cancel the remainder. She said it hadn't shipped. Well, duh, that's why I want to cancel it. I asked for an RMA # and she said to use the one I was given. HUH?? I said I didn't have one. She said I was emailed one on the 13th. No, I says, I never received an email and I've checked my email consistantly because I was told before that they would email me when it was sent. Now she says she's sending another and it should arrive within 24 to 48 hours. I don't expect that will happen EVER.. I think I'm stuck with a battery or, if I return it, I'm still stuck with the cost of it. $45 for this piece of plastic with some wires and styrofoam peanuts floating around in it is a travesty, a piece of junk as everyone here has stated. If I do get this returned and I do get some credit back on it I will be out the "restocking fee" of 25%. When Christy told me about the restocking fee she was a bit beligerent in her attitude as if I wasn't aware of this fee and should just keep it rather than hassle. No, AT THE TIME I ordered this stuff I was not aware of all their RULES. After getting all the runaround I went to their website and read the terms and conditions and yes, they do have a restocking fee and no, they do not take returns that have been USED. How on earth will anyone know whether something works if they haven't used it??? I haven't USED this battery backup since I don't have any of the stuff that it "backs up". It would be swell if I could make it work somehow with the other pump I have from Simply Fountains. Now, that's been a wonderful pump. 2 years now and it works great and I don't even have to clean it all the time like some I've had. We've decided to go electric and forget the big solar panel. Now I just have the hassle of trying to get this $270.06 charge off my card. That's another point...they charged my card ON THE DAY I ORDERED this stinking stuff!!! IF THERE WERE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THIS COMPANY I WOULD LOVE TO BE INCLUDED!!!! On August 22nd, 2008, blufour added the following: I just realized there was another customer of Silicon Solar who didn't get their battery backup included. This is funny - maybe they got my panel and I got their battery backup... maybe I should give you my batter backup, useless as it is to me!! Just a lighter note to this sad story! On February 26th, 2009, blufour added the following: I see that the Silicon Solar added a comment to my statements: they did refund me. AFTER I spend much time working it out through my great credit card company. By contesting the charge I got it immediately credited by the credit card company but Silicon Solar did not respond until the deadline and then turned around and charged me another amount on my credit card which I then had to contest. After all the time that has gone by I guess I can consider the matter closed but I read the "apology" at the top of the list where they say they have had growing pains, etc and seek to improve customer service. But I see by the negative reports that they still do the same shady practices. On Aug 22, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Jan 28, 2009 5:23 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Our records show that you were refund on 9/23/08. " |
Negative | 2maxima (1 review) | On Aug 5, 2008, 2maxima Valrico, FL wrote: They never issued me a credit on an item I returned which caused me to pay full price. Their customer service is the absolutely worse I have ever seen of any company in my life ans I've been around for some time. They lie, hang up on you, won't return a phone call and are very rude. Must be a new york thing. Their return policy is only 60 days, got that, 60 days. They have raped me for the last time. When I called for an RA number, I was told they would send it via e-mail. Never got it and when I called back, there was no record of my call in their computer system. Imagine that. Then on 5 Aug 08 a jerk told me to replace the lens cover, put silicone on the underside of the lens and replace it. I said what about all the rust. She was silent. When I asked her if other consumers had voiced similar problems she said yes and I asked whether all were told to fix the problem themselves, she said it varies. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE WORSE COMPANY I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH. IF YOU IN THE MARKET FOR A SOLAR PRODUCT, DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT, BUY FROM THE RAPISTS. I am in the process of filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau in Bainbridge, NY. In the future, I'll spend my money below the "Mason Dixon" line. On Aug 5, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Feb 24, 2009 2:33 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: I want to personally apologize and assure that we have identified and have been working to address past and current issues regarding customer service with our company. |
Negative | foldedstar (1 review) | On Jul 16, 2008, foldedstar Seattle, WA wrote: I purchased a solar powered fountain and nite-pack battery (additional cost of $45) in May 2008. The battery has never held a charge. The fountain quits in minutes after removing the panel from direct sunlight altho vendor says that charge should last 4-5 hours. After two weeks of attempting to resolve this problem by email, I called their "Customer Service" line and spoke to "Christi" who said that she was the supervisor and that no one higher up in the company would take my call. She said that the batteries have no warranty and that I would need to buy a new one if I still wanted to have battery power. Now that I have been thoroughly ripped off, I sure wish that I had looked for and read reviews on this company at this site and others. DO NOT do business with these guys. I can't believe that they will continue to stay in business. On Jul 16, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Feb 24, 2009 2:47 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We at Silicon Solar apologize for the frustration you have experienced in the past. We are reorganizing our customer service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at support @siliconsolar.com or 1-800-786-0329" |
Negative | lucalue (1 review) | On Jul 3, 2008, lucalue Hillsborough, NC wrote: I can't believe I ran across this site. I wish it had existed before I purchased my solar fountain and nite pack. I can't express the anger and frustration I felt when dealing with this company. The customer service was non-existent. I paid through Pay Pal (they took the money immediately), and waited anxiously for my product to arrive. When it didn't, I went on Silcon Solar's website and looked at the delivery info and saw that they had shipped it, then that is was in route, and then that they had delivered it. None of this was true, however. I called the shipping company and they said there was no record of my shipment on their books. Even the shipping number was made up. I then proceeded to try to contact the company and never, never, never got a person either through email or phone. I disputed the charge through Paypal and waited for Silicon's reponse and it wasn't until the deadline that they returned their response, denying all of it. I proceeded to try to contact them again through calls and email, and never got anyone. Not even an answer machine. Then one day (weeks later) a box shows up on my door step. It contained my order. I opened it, put it together and realized it was a piece of junk. All of the crimping on the wires had pulled free. Once I put it back together, I got it in the water, I turned it on and saw a trikle of water coming out of the fountain. It was suppose to blow 12" high. I was looking at an inch, maybe. I was flabergasted. I called the company and actually got someone who told me that because I had used it, I couldn't return it. Now, a year later, I have a product that doesn't work at all. The battery died. The pump died. I spent so much money on this thing and all I can do with it is throw it in the trash. I swore I would never use this company again. I don't think I have ever felt so betrayed and ignored by a company than I have by this one. Don't be fooled into thinking that any of the positive posts are real. They're not. This company is bad news. On Jul 3, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Feb 24, 2009 2:56 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We do apologize for your frustration we have caused you. We are reorganizing our customer service. We have a new phone system now and works much better. We agree that our past phone issues were terrible. Customers getting dropped, not being able to get through by phone etc. If there is anything we can do to rectify this issue, please call us and supply your invoice number. |
Negative | CaliforniaDude (1 review) | On Jun 27, 2008, CaliforniaDude Palo Alto, CA wrote: I bought one of their fountain solar systems (AP-P010) in Octorber 2007, spending $343. Only 7 months later, the battery stopped working. I contacted them and they said that there is no warranty on the battery whatsoever. What a rip-off! They want to charge me $45 for a new battery. On Jun 27, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Feb 24, 2009 3:45 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Silicon Solar wants to apologize for the frustration you have had with us. But unfortunately we do not have any warranty on batteries because we do not manufacture these. Most all batteries are available at any electronic supply store as long as you have the used battery. We are reorganizing our customer service. If there is anything we can do for you please contact us support@siliconsolar.com or 1-800-786-0329" |
Negative | TONY0729 (1 review) | On Jun 27, 2008, TONY0729 Howard Beach, NY wrote: I placed an order for the day/night solar pump, the order went thru with confirmation via paypal and the site. Then i received an email from silicon solar stating that the order was incomplete and needed to be completed. After following the links provided and ending up at a dead ends. I had to call their customer service, i would have rather delt with an outsourced third world country than these morons. On Jun 27, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 2, 2009 12:03 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We do apologize for the customer service issues you had with our company. We are reorganizing our customer service. If we can do anything in the future for you please call 1-80-786-0329" |
Negative | solargardener (1 review) | On Jun 19, 2008, solargardener Holland, OH wrote: I wish I had seen this site before I ordered my night & day solar pump. I paid for expedited shipping from this schlock outfit. On July 24th, 2008, solargardener added the following: July 24th, the saga continues. Two months after having bought this product I still do not have my night pack. I filed a complaint with the BBB and received a ridiculous response that a shipping label had been printed! Also the respondent (who did not provide a direct number or 1st name) said they refunded my expedited shipping fee, they did not. I responded with the facts to the BBB and mysteriously I received a notice that the unit had shipped, and wait it was sent two day shipping. They didn't understand that after jerking me around for two months they should have sent it overnight. I may report them to the NY Attorney General's office, they deserve it. You all should too. On Jun 19, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 2, 2009 3:45 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We do apologize for the customer service you were given. We are reorganizing our customer service and are trying hard to make sure things like this do not happen." |
Negative | dajazzy (1 review) | On Jan 9, 2008, dajazzy San Marcos, CA wrote: I bought the Night & Day Solar Fountain Pump Kit for &79.95 and it only lasted for 3 months before it started malfunctioning. My experience with one of the customer servicer reps. was also a let down. On Jan 9, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 2, 2009 3:50 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: When it comes to solar pumps, the only item that is under warranty is the panel. When it comes to the pump we can not warranty these because of Hazmat reasons (they are used in water). You don't actually mention what the problem was with your pump." |
Positive | sonofsun (1 review) | On Jan 9, 2008, sonofsun Saline, MI wrote: I ordered two 5w solar panels in December. I was quickly advised that they were out of stock. Then I got an email that said the panels would be in by mid-January. The email gave me the option of cancelling the order or waiting. I waited, and today I received the two panels, which work fine. So I'm happy. On Jan 9, 2008, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 2, 2009 4:00 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Thank you for supplying a positive review regarding Silicon Solar Inc." |
Negative | tmaier (1 review) | On Sep 14, 2007, tmaier Concord, CA wrote: I ordered a solar fountain pump, it worked two weeks and then quit. I sent it back at my expense. I was told it would be tested and I would be notified of the results. I never received any communication. A few weeks late a new pump showed up, but no solar panel? So I called and asked where the panel was. Another week or so later the panel showed up, and another pump! What I had received was not my original equipment, but new stuff. My best guess was that the unit had been defective. I set up the new unit and for a few weeks it worked fine. But then it quit again! On Sep 14, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 9, 2009 1:10 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Greetings, |
Negative | beachmama (1 review) | On Sep 7, 2007, beachmama Seaside, OR wrote: A year ago I ordered a pump kit and received 2 12v pumps because the first one sent to didn't come with a nightpack as ordered. That pump kit did not give enough lift so this year I ordered a new pump kit for $100 more. I received the same 12v pump, the same nightpack packed in an enclosure stuffed with packing peanuts, and a larger, 17v solor panel. No instructions. This same 12v pump is advertised on their website as having a pump output of 80-95GPH with maximum lift of 1-2' with one pump kit and pump output of 150GPH and 2-4' max lift with another. It is the exact same pump. Jessica in customer service told me I should be able to tell that from the picture on the website. My husband did not feel comfortable running 12v pump attached to the 17v solar panel because he thought the motor would burn up. We both talked to customer service about the misleading information on the website and the concerns about the motor. Their only suggestion was to order a larger pump kit. I was issued an RMA, returned the pump in the original packaging promptly, and was charged a 15% restocking fee because the shipping carton had been opened. The refund was issued after I phoned them and emailed them. Today, Lisa told me that the only way you could get a 100% refund (less shipping costs) is if the package was refused on delivery. She read the return policy 3 times to me. Prevously, I was told by Jessica that I would get a full refund plus $5 because of the misleading website. I was told the website is not up to date because it is done in Australia. Lisa said today that she is only doing what she has been trained to do. On Sep 7, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 3, 2009 8:39 AM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We apologize for the confusion you have experienced with Silicon Solar Inc. We are reorganizing our customer service. After review of your account we notice you did receive a refund of $208.16." |
Negative | DukeGirl2000 (1 review) | On Aug 7, 2007, DukeGirl2000 Alexandria, VA wrote: I ordered a solar birdbath fountain on May 13, 2007. The fountain arrived promptly, looked great and worked well…for about six days. I contacted Silicon Solar and sent the top part of the fountain back for repair. On July 3, I received an email indicating that the part was out of stock and would be available in three weeks. It is now August 7 and I still have not received the replacment part. On Aug 7, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 3, 2009 9:03 AM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We want to very much apologize for the way you were treated by our past customer service. We are reorganizing our customer service and hope you come back as a valued customer." |
Negative | RLLane (1 review) | On Jun 20, 2007, RLLane Mammoth Lakes, CA wrote: I bought a solar hot water system from Silicon Solar. I mailed in a check for payment. A month later I am told that they "never received it" even though I double checked the address. I sent in a second check and they promptly returned it to me with no reason given. I called their NY office and was put on hold for a long time. I was told "accounting" would get back to me. After several days, they haven't. Now there phone lines are out. What a mess. On Jun 20, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 3, 2009 10:05 AM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: We are glad this was finally figured out & that you did receive your product. We also noticed you have placed another order with us, we are glad you are happy with our product." |
Positive | iwoelfle (1 review) | On May 15, 2007, iwoelfle East Peoria, IL wrote: If I had read comments before ordering I probably would never have ordered from them. But since I hadn't... On May 23rd, 2007, iwoelfle changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: After I made that initial comment, I went back to their web site to check on my order. I found that the person I talked to had made a comment that it would be shipped in 48 hours. I watched and it was shipped in about 30 hours. When the solar pump arrived it exceeded the description. The specs said it would pump water 48 inches and at about 4:30 pm in central Illinois it pumped the water over 52 inches. In addition to disagreeing with showing it shipped, I also disagree with DHL showing that it would arrive on the 11th. Their web site still showed that it would arrive on the 11th when they delivered it on the 18th. On May 15, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 9, 2009 1:14 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Thank you for taking the time to let us know you were taken care of. If we can do anything to help you, please let us know. 1-800-786-0329" |
Negative | solardog (1 review) | On May 7, 2007, solardog Loveland, CO wrote: I ordered a solar water pump for my garden, and a solar ipod charger on april 23. On that day I got charged on my credit card, and one day later i got an e-mail from DHL telling me that something is coming my way. One week later, I called DHL and they informed me that Silicon Solar never gave them the package. I called Silicon Solar, to see what was going on. They told me that next week it will ship. It wasn't back ordered, i couldn't talk to anyone that knew... and they were very unfriendly. I still haven't gotten my stuff, and it's been 2 weeks since they charged my credit card. On May 7, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 9, 2009 1:59 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: I want to personally apologize and assure that we have identified and have been working to address past and current issues regarding customer service with our company. |
Negative | Hanks_Mom (4 reviews) | On May 7, 2007, Hanks_Mom Sherman, IL wrote: Last year I ordered the Acorn Solar Fountain and paid $45 extra for a special night pack that kept the fountain operating at night. I noticed that the fountain never operated very strongly day or night....but never having had a solar fountain before...I thought that was how it was supposed to work. On May 7, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 9, 2009 2:57 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Dear Sir, |
Positive | sunman1 (1 review) | On Apr 17, 2007, sunman1 Cockeysville, MD wrote: Hi Everyone, On Apr 17, 2007, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: "On Mar 9, 2009 3:01 PM, Silicon Solar Inc. responded with: Dear Sir, |
Negative | DesJardins (1 review) | On Feb 13, 2007, DesJardins Harpswell, ME wrote: I bought 5 solar collectors - was quated $375 for delivery by Adam (the owner) was charged and additional $518.09 on my CC. The core heat pipes where not even close to what they had shown on the webpages or instructions. At first they offered to send parts to fix the pipes - then they couldn't and stopped responding to me, my calls the BBB and even the Attorney General. Their new model (that I received) is not certified and the photos are not what you see on the website. Also they will not refund any shipping cost and charge a handling fee making the return of a defective product very costly to YOU! |
Negative | KGarnett (1 review) | On Nov 19, 2006, KGarnett Cullman, AL wrote: I purchased the nightpack plus solar water pumping system on July 19, 2006. I received a pump and solar panel but did not receive fountain heads or a ground staking system as advertised. Additionally, the pump would not run all night as promised and would only produce an approximate 6"-8" lift of water rather than the 2ft. as advertised which made the system useless for my fountain. Upon contacting the company I was told they did not have parts for a ground staking system eventhough their website included it, but I could buy what I needed from any hardware store. After a lot of frustrating phone calls later, I did receive the fountain heads and a replacement pump which also did not lift the water as advertised. Silicon Solar would not refund my money since I had ran water through the pump. I asked for a partial refund to return the solar panel but was refused. I discovered unfortunately after my purchase that Silicon Solar had 122 complaints processed by the Better Business Bureau of the Upper State of New York in the last 36 months. Under no circumstances will I ever do business with this company again! |
Neutral | solarman (1 review) | On Jul 20, 2006, solarman Bainbridge, NY wrote: I¡¦m sorry to hear about the above comment. ƒ¼ I purchased the 24hr solar fountain pump kit and it works great. They shipped the product to me the next day in good working condition. If you need any solar fountains, these guys have it or they support it, ive had other fountains in the past and the companies NEVER carry any replacement parts, so again thanks. Note from the Garden Watchdog editors:This comment was created by a user who portrayed themselves as the company representative in correspondence with a customer who left negative feedback. It is the stated policy of the Watchdog that companies can NOT pose as customers to inflate their own rating. The rating was changed from positive to neutral so that it would not affect the overall rating given by customers. |
Negative | cupre (4 reviews) | On Jul 20, 2006, cupre Albuquerque, NM wrote: I ordered the day/night solar fountain pump (and paid more for a pump that's supposed to run through the night on battery power). When it arrived, I rigged up some tubing, put it in the sun and it worked fine. But it never maintains energy through the night as promised even though I charged it without the pump turned on as directed (tried several times). On August 3rd, 2006, cupre added the following: After the last posting, I received a very nice e-mail asking to send info in order to help with the problem. I sent the information, but didn't get a reply. I did get a notice saying that due to flooding, their shipping was delayed, but there was no notice about when to expect a shipment. I e-mailed back, no reply. Weeks later I received a package in the mail. I was expecting to be able to change my rating, but the package was only part of what was missing (they sent me 3 fountain heads instead of the 8 promised, and no mounting bracket). I've written this company off. By the way, if you are wondering why the other review sounds like a promotion from the company...it is. |
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