Consumer Alert
How to avoid getting burned by solar or clean energy scams
When temperatures rise, utility costs do, too. While reputable companies can help you save money with clean or solar energy improvements, scammers offer more than they can deliver. The scams vary, but here’s the gist: someone claiming to be with the government or your utility company promises big savings on your utility bills from solar energy or other home improvements designed to increase energy efficiency. If you agree to the scammer’s offer, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
These scams start with an unexpected phone call, message on social, or even an in-person visit. The so-called official offers you an “energy audit” to reduce your utility costs. Or they might try to sign you up for a “free” program to make your home more energy efficient with solar energy. While they might say they’re from your utility company or the government, they’re not. And while they promise free or low-cost solar panels, or offer you huge rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives to pay for those solar panels, those are lies. Some so-called officials even say your utility company already signed you up for the program, so now you need to pay. That is, of course, also a scam.
To protect yourself from clean energy scams:
- Know that “free” or “no cost” solar panel offers are scams. The federal government does not install solar systems in homes for free. If you’re considering whether solar energy is right for you, check out the Department of Energy’s guide for homeowners and learn more. Or check out the Department of Treasury’s guidance on clean energy.
- Take your time. Anyone who pressures you into a contract or demands up-front or immediate payment is a scammer. Legitimate businesses and government agencies don’t pressure you to act immediately and won’t tell you to pay with cash, gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. But imposters will. Learn more at ftc.gov/imposters.
- Protect your personal information. Don’t respond to unexpected requests online or on social media for your name, address, or other personal information to “see if you qualify.” At best, this is someone generating leads to sell, not actual solar businesses. At worst, they’re scammers trying to steal your identity.
If you spot a scam, tell the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Thank you for teaching us how to smell out a rat. On the Internet, we see so many "free if you live in xxxxx zip codes" and now know they're scammers. Like the old Expression" if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is." (But gad, they're hard to resist )
In reply to Thank you for teaching us… by William
Hard working families are caught in the snares of Big Business/Companies every day! They think nothing of taking your hard earned money! In too many cases they take the food of the table with "threats" if you don't pay up! They leave you with faulty products and a bad Credit Report. You are left with NOTHING but a bill!
regarding the solar scams...years ago, one of my industry electrical magazines ( I think it was Electrical Contractor)recommended purchasing the solar panels with installation and then contracting with a solar maintenance company...similar to a maintenance contract we use for our AC systems, heating systems, etc. A company that services several different brands of solar panels is recommended. The current solar companies (without naming names) that advertise only use one brand and if that solar panel company goes out of business, the home owner is stuck!
Many of these solar companies have sales people who scam the homeowner by saying the panels will save energy. Wrong! Only if you have an all electric house would that save "energy". But, as we all know, most people are gullible!
A few years ago I was in BJ's and over heard a salesman give his sales pitch. I informed him that the solar panel will not save energy and the solar generated will only save the homeowner if the have electric bill of $150.00 a month. Obviously he did not like me very much!
These solar companies 'rent' the solar panels with a contract where the home owner will not see much of a difference in the monthly charge.
Buyer Beware!!!
I got scammed and now I cannot get rid of these panels. They are now calling me to sell me a battery to help me save more money on my bill. I told the lady...I don't even want the solar panels, you can come get them. Needless to say, she said I'm sorry you have a good rest of your day.
It's very sad that Revolution Solar is being allowed "go out of business" and leave hundreds of us stranded without finished systems, without the paid for waurenty and without support.
I have a group trying to set me up on solar energy. I believe it's a scam.
Thanks.
I had someone the other day trying to sell me solar panels. They go online and research public records..
Knew my full name, and that I was the owner.
Had absolutely no credentials.
Showed me some makeup paper that my power company is intending to have some big increases in the near future and he could help.
I told him what makes you think I worry about money.. I don't care
I'm loaded with cash.
Shane of the Companies that "scam" families out of their hard earned money! Problem is, WE the PEOPLE think that Big Business cares for our welfare, but they don't! They consistently give false, misleading information to get your money and leave you in debt!
Hard working families must NOT put up with this!
I received several messages from a "Processor" regarding a complaint someone filed against me through Maricopa County Court. They said to call a 866 number back with my case number to find out more information before they take legal action against me. When I tried to ask more about it, the lady said she only answers the phone and to call the 866 number.
I did not call the 866 number, I called Maricopa County Court. They have no case under my name and it's most likely a scam call. I reported the call to the National Do Not Call Registry.gov.
Please beware, it's a solar scam call!
I am dealing with a situation where the solar panel company told me my mother entered into a 25 year contract with them. (She was approximately 84-86 years old at the time.). What firm in good conscience would enter into a 25-year contract with a 84-86 year old?
Still sorting out the whole situation…