BBB Insights: Sorting the Best from the Rest in Solar Panel Installation
If you’ve been eyeing solar panels as a green alternative for your home, you’re part of a growing trend. A staggering 9.5 million solar products flew off the shelves in 2022, according to Energy.gov. But while the demand for solar solutions is heating up, so too are the scams. Fraudulent companies are becoming increasingly adept at conning homeowners out of their hard-earned cash and valuable personal information. One common lure? The promise of “free solar panels.” BBB has got your back with a comprehensive guide to help you dodge these shady tactics and find a solar panel installation company you can trust.
Beware of the Red Flags – You might get an email, a phone call, or even a direct message on social media from someone claiming to be a sales rep for a solar company. Sometimes, these scammers go the extra mile and show up at your doorstep. They’ll offer you a deal that seems too good to pass up—install solar panels on your home at a jaw-droppingly low price. But here’s the catch: this irresistible offer is only available for a very limited time.
Once they’ve got your attention, the scam can take several detours. One version has the scammer angling for your personal information. They’ll hand you a form and request your banking details, assuring you it’s just a standard procedure to see if you qualify for their amazing offer. In another twist, they’ll claim you need to shell out some money upfront, but not to worry, a ‘government program’ will reimburse you (spoiler: no such program exists).
Real-Life Scam Stories from BBB Scam Tracker – BBB Scam Tracker is chock-full of stories from homeowners who’ve encountered these kinds of scams. One homeowner recalled being approached by a door-to-door salesperson who promised a new roof and solar installation, all at a 26% discount courtesy of a government rebate. It wasn’t until later that the homeowner discovered the salesperson had twisted the facts about the rebate program just to seal the deal.
In another instance, a homeowner was contacted by a so-called ‘solar engineer’ who insisted they could provide a cost-free solar installation. Things took a bizarre turn when the engineer began probing for personal details. When the homeowner refused to share this information, they received an aggressive text that was anything but professional.
BBB’s Tips for Finding a Reputable Solar Panel Company – So, how can you steer clear of these pitfalls and find a genuine solar panel company? First, don’t just leap at the first unsolicited offer that comes your way. Instead, do some digging. There are plenty of credible solar companies with solid reputations, and they’re not that hard to find if you look. Scour reviews, check their business practices, and perhaps most importantly, confirm their licensing status. For instance, in Texas, solar installation companies are legally required to hold a valid license.
By taking these steps, you can harness the power of the sun without getting burned.
