Utilizing the efficiency, savings, and low carbon footprint of a solar energy system is a goal for many homeowners, but affording the switch can be expensive. It’s not uncommon for environmentally-conscious homeowners to look around for affordable options. In doing so, they are often exposed to scams, frauds, and unscrupulous business practices.
It’s not always easy to know whether a solar company is offering is presenting predatory, scam-ridden offers. As such, we have created this quick guide to help you be aware of what to look out for.
Solar Scams – Common Scammer Tactics
Scammers who promote either nonexistent or fraudulent solar-based companies often pull their grifting tactics from the same playbook of bad business practices. While some of these behaviors are immediate red flags, some solar scams are more covert. If you encounter any of these behaviors when speaking with a solar company, it’s best to disengage immediately.
- Pressuring potential customers: Companies that want you to make an immediate commitment to them are bad news – often times these companies will show up with a tablet and want you to sign a contract on the spot, most likely on your front porch.
- Unrealistic pricing: If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is. You’ll hear outrageous claims that you can pay for the panels in less than a year and start making money immediately with net metering, selling energy back to the grid.
- No contract: You always want a contract when dealing with sales. Carefully review the terms of the contract before signing anything (always advisable)
- Leasing instead of selling panels: Though leasing isn’t a scam 100% of the time, it’s concerning if it accompanies these other behaviors. Don’t be locked into a leasing program you don’t understand.
- Claiming government/utility affiliation: The government rarely reaches out to citizens to sell products. If a solar company claims to work with your utility company, it’s always good to fact-check the statement.
Are Fraudulent Purchases Being Made in Your Name? Has Your Credit Score Dropped for No Apparent Reason? You May Be Victim to Identity Theft – Learn More and Speak With an Identity Theft Lawyer.
The Legal Impact of Being Scammed
At the very least, scams are annoying to deal with, but they can be financially devastating in severe cases. With solar panel scams, fake or fraudulent companies will trick customers into an agreement without delivering a product. They provide no contractual information, no list of consumer rights, and no solar panels.
Solar scammers will draw up fake contracts that the customer never signed, then use the fraudulent documentation to sue the customer for breaching the contract they never knew existed.
Solar Scams – How to Protect Yourself
If you’re thinking about switching to solar energy, it’s crucial that you research your options carefully. To protect yourself from solar scams, ask plenty of questions when you’re considering a company. Examine the company’s website, check out third-party reviews, and get everything about the offer in writing. Even the more mainstream solar providers require long-term commitments, and the cost for early termination of the contract can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Finally, listen to your instincts. If something feels off or doesn’t make sense, consider it a warning to avoid this company.
If you suspect that you have gotten involved with a solar scam or know someone who has, reach out to a consumer protection lawyer immediately. It’s not too late to protect yourself from further damages.
If you’ve been subjected to a solar panel scam, don’t wait to receive help. Our professional consumer protection attorneys at Holland Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights.
Contact us to set up a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today!