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Home solar systems can save you money, but be wary of scammers

Home solar systems can save you money, but be wary of scammers

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Home solar panels can help some households save energy. However, be careful if a solar panel salesman knocks or calls your door without warning.

There are many reputable companies that can install solar panels or help you provide your home with clean energy in other ways. Unfortunately, some scammers use deceptive sales tactics to scam homeowners out of money or personal information.

The scam begins when someone claiming to be a salesman or government employee contacts you via email, social media, or at your door and offers to install residential solar panels at low or no cost. They may also offer an “energy audit” to reduce your energy costs or guarantee big discounts or incentives.

From there, the scam can take several twists and turns – the “seller” may ask you to fill out forms with personal information or pay a deposit in advance. Untrustworthy companies may also install the panels poorly or fail to finish the job and disappear with your money.

Last year, people filed about 13,000 complaints with BBB about solar energy companies, including contractors, equipment dealers and installers. The St. Louis Consumer Fraud Task Force warned last year about misleading solar sales.

Remember: companies with good intentions give you time to think about what they have to offer. If a salesperson pressures you to make a decision on the spot, consider it a red flag.

How to avoid solar panel sales scams:

  • Do your research. If you’re thinking about solar energy, be proactive and research trustworthy companies ahead of time on BBB.org. Do not accept an unsolicited offer on site; Instead, research the company to learn more about its reputation and business practices. Request a list of satisfied customers and view customer reviews online.
  • Be aware that the government does not offer you free solar energy. The federal government is not installing free solar panels for private households. If anyone claims otherwise, it’s probably a scam.
  • If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone promises that installing solar panels will save you a lot of money, they may be overselling you. Research in advance how much the panels are likely to cost and how much they can realistically save you on energy costs. Request substantiation of the company’s claims.
  • Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers want you to make a quick decision without thinking about it. Remember that a reputable company would like to give you time to decide. If someone uses aggressive sales tactics against you, it’s best to decline the offer and cut off contact.
  • Get multiple offers. Ask at least three companies for quotes based on the same requirements. BBB’s Get a Quote service can help you obtain quotes from BBB-accredited companies. The lowest bid may not be the best bid. Particularly low prices could mean the contractor is cutting corners or doesn’t fully understand your needs.
  • Ask questions. Ask for details on any aspect of a contract or offer that you do not understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or answers vaguely, consider that a red flag.
  • Ask about a guarantee. Check with the company to see if there is a warranty on the products and a warranty on the installation in case of leaks, damage, or other problems.
  • Do not pay the full amount until the work is done. BBB often receives reports from customers who have made a large deposit or paid the entire amount in advance, and then the contractor disappears. In some cases, a contractor may require a deposit for the cost of materials, but the majority of the money should not be due until the work is completed.
  • Report bad actors. If someone is pressuring you or you suspect a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker, the FTC, or your state’s attorney general.