California mechanics liens can become an important tool for solar contractors when projects stop unexpectedly and payment remains unresolved. Optimum Solar Power helps homeowners, businesses, and government customers put solar energy to work. Based in Riverside, California, its team of engineers, roofers, technicians, and electricians installs and maintains solar and clean energy systems designed to lower energy costs.
Behind each installation is work that needs to be paid for. With multiple projects underway, keeping up with preliminary notices, project details, and lien documents adds another responsibility to an already busy team.
For the past three years, Optimum has partnered with CRM Lien Services to handle its preliminary notices and mechanics liens. That ongoing relationship became especially important when several California solar projects stopped unexpectedly and payment remained unresolved. When the projects stopped, Optimum needed to move quickly to protect its payment rights through California mechanics liens.
A familiar process before payment becomes a problem
Mike Mani, Optimum’s Project Coordinator, said preliminary notices are a first priority whenever a new project comes in. Optimum sends its requests to CRM so the notice process can move forward while its team manages the work.
The partnership gives Optimum a team to call when something needs attention. CRM helps with document preparation, service, and county recording, including projects where state requirements are unfamiliar. On a project in Georgia, Optimum’s team appreciated having those requirements explained clearly.
Just as valuable is knowing they can get a response. With a previous provider, Optimum sometimes sent emails, left messages, and kept calling before hearing back the next day. With CRM, the team described quick replies and return calls.
“When we call your office or send an email, we always get a quick response. Either there’s an email back or somebody will call back.”
— Mike Mani, Project Coordinator, Optimum Solar Power
California Mechanics Liens: When Solar Projects Suddenly Stopped
Optimum was dealing with unpaid work across several solar projects in Southern California. The team had received an unexpected instruction to stop work, even though it had already performed labor. Efforts to arrange a settlement had not produced payment.
There were multiple jobs to address and limited time to get the lien documents recorded. Optimum turned to CRM for expedited help with seven mechanics liens.
CRM got all seven recorded within the required timeframes. Optimum’s team said the process went as expected and was completed on time. They could move into discussions about the next steps with the recording work already handled.
With all seven liens successfully recorded, Optimum has informed its counsel and is prepared to take the next steps to pursue payment. The liens provide added leverage as the company works to resolve the unpaid balances.
Clear answers from a team they know
Optimum’s team values having someone respond when they need help and explain what the document process requires. Mike also singled out Jeanette, one of CRM’s seasoned lien processors, for being helpful as the team worked through its recent lien requests.
“The communication is very strong and very prompt. The help and support are clear, and that gives us a clear direction on what needs to be done.”
— Mike Mani, Project Coordinator, Optimum Solar Power
Optimum continues to work with its own attorneys on legal decisions. CRM handles the notice and lien documents and stays available when questions come up, giving the team practical support as it works to collect payment.
After three years of working together, Optimum’s team knows who to call when a notice needs to go out or a lien needs to be recorded. That familiarity matters when several jobs need attention at once. CRM helps move the documents forward while Optimum works to resolve payment and keep its business moving.
