I’m researching solar technology. In my cyber travles I came across SolarHome.org. I spent some time on their site, it seemed big on sales technique small on useful information, but I compared some prices nonetheless.

Having found a potentially good deal, I took the time to write to them. I used the technical questions form on the site. Almost immediately, I received an auto-reply:

Thank you for contacting SolarHome.org Due to the volume of technical questions we have recently recieved we are unable to assist you. Please utilize the following free resources and again we apologize for not being able to help.

The message went on to link to the forum they operate and suggested I ask my question there. Feeling strong rage, I decided to call them and ask why the “contact our tech people” feature still existed on the site, if they did not, in fact, answer questions.

Their supposed “customer service” telephone number kept me on hold for a minute or two and then dropped me onto voicemail.

Next I wanted to email them, until I read this on the contact page:

We read every email we receive and follow up promptly if there is a match. Due to the quantity of inquiries we receive, we’re afraid we cannot answer emails for which there is no match.

WTF? A company that apparently doesn’t want to hear from me. Outrageous.

I’ll choose to give my business to Affordable Solar, Ben’s Discount Supply, or one of the many other solar equipment retailers.