The residential solar industry in the United States is rapidly growing and breaking into the mainstream. With that comes a lot of excitement and, occasionally, people ready to exploit that excitement for an unethical buck.
While there are few reliable sources on solar panel customer satisfaction, reports of overly aggressive sales tactics and promises that solar panels can’t deliver crop up from time to time. Recently, a news team in Detroit looked at sales tactics by Power home Solar, which recently rebranded as Pink Solar, and found customers who paid for systems that generated far less power than they were sold on.
Despite these instances, solar panels can save you money and help expand the use of cleaner energy. With the federal solar tax credit and state or local incentives, you could save as much as you paid well before the warranty on your panels runs out.
There’s no real reason to believe unethical sales tactics are widespread, but they do occur. Avoiding a solar panel purchase that can’t deliver doesn’t take an industry expert. It does take doing a bit of homework, knowing what to look for and relying on experts and advocates when you need them.
Solar panel scams are becoming more and more common as the solar industry continues to grow. There are a few things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a solar panel scam:
1. Do your research
When you’re looking into getting solar panels installed, it’s important to do your research and ask around. There are a lot of scams out there, and you don’t want to fall victim to one. Talk to your friends and family who have solar panels, or look for reviews online. This will help you weed out the bad apples.
2. Get multiple quotes
When you’re getting quotes from solar panel installers, be sure to get multiple quotes. This way, you can compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t just go with the first company that gives you a quote.
3. Check credentials
When you’re talking to a solar panel installer, make sure to check their credentials. Ask for references and look them up online. You want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company.
4. Read the contract carefully
Before you sign anything, be sure to read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand.
5. Get everything in writing
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with a solar panel installer, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes the price, the timeline, and any warranties or guarantees. This will protect you down the road if there are any issues.
By following these tips, you can avoid falling victim to a solar panel scam. Do your research, be careful who you deal with, and get everything in writing. If you do these things, you’ll be well on your way to getting solar panels installed without any problems.
