Straight Talk: That solar panel offer is likely a scam

Better Business Bureau
·3 min read
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Better Business Bureau serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia offers tips and advice for consumers to avoid fraudulent practices.

If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and outright lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. If you have received an offer for "free solar panels," it's likely a scam. Here is what you should know.

How the scam works

Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person, as in many cases reported to BBB.org/ScamTracker. They are pretending to be a solar company salesperson. The "representative" has a special offer: they can install solar panels on your home for a very low cost – or even free. The amazing deal is only available for a limited time, so you must act now!From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, the scammer is after your personal information. They ask you to fill out forms with your banking details "to see if you qualify." Other times, the "solar representative" claims you need to pay upfront costs, which they promise will be reimbursed by a (non-existent) government program.  BBB.org/ScamTracker has seen numerous reports of this kind of scam. One homeowner was approached by a door-to-door salesperson "claiming he could get me a new roof plus solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially paying for the new roof." After doing their research, the homeowner found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson was misrepresenting it to make a sale.

See the full article on BBB.org for more examples (https://bit.ly/solarpanelscam).

How to avoid solar panel scams

  • Do your research. Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area. Investigate each company's reputation and business practices before you consider signing a contract for services.

  • Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists want to provoke an emotional reaction that would cause you to give in to their requests without thinking it through. Take your time and know that a legitimate company will not pressure you to act. If someone is using aggressive sales tactics on you, it is best to cut off communication immediately.

  • Get competing bids. Contact several solar installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way.

  • Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. Ask questions about any aspect of a contract or proposal you do not understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag.

For more information

Read BBB's guide to going solar (bit.ly/goingsolarBBB). If you have been the victim of a solar panel scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. By reporting your experience, you can help others avoid falling for the same scam.

For BBB information

Visit  www.BBB.org/us/oh/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find our events, follow us on social media, and more!

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Straight Talk: That solar panel offer is likely a scam