“Free Solar Panels” can cost you big time! How to spot a phony offer

If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Scammers use deceptive sales tactics and outright lies to rob homeowners of money and personal information. If you’ve received an offer for “free solar panels,” it’s probably a scam. Here’s what you should know.

How the scam works

Someone contacts you via email, phone, social media, or even in person, which in many cases is reported to BBB Scam Tracker. You pretend to be a salesman for a solar company. The “representative” has a special offer: he can install solar panels on your house very cheaply – or even free of charge. The amazing offer 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 bank details “to see if you qualify”. In other cases, the “solar agent” will require you to pay an upfront cost, which he will reimburse through a (nonexistent) government program.

BBB Scam Tracker has seen numerous reports of this type of scam. One homeowner was approached by a doorstep salesman “who said he could get me a new roof plus solar panels at a 26% government discount on the cost and essentially pay for the new roof.” After doing some research, the homeowner found that that while there was a government rebate program in place, the seller misrepresented it in order to make a sale.

In another case, a homeowner called a “solar technician” after being approached personally. “The engineer claimed they could do it for us for free. He said they had completed their installs in our neighborhood and met their quota, but were trying to squeeze us in.” However, the conversation took an odd turn when the “solar engineer” began asking for personal information. When the homeowner refused to answer, the conversation turned heated. “We ended the call and I got a nasty text message… It was completely unprofessional.”

How to avoid solar panel scams

• Please investigate. There are real incentive programs and reputable solar energy companies. Before accepting an unsolicited offer, research solar companies in your area. Research each company’s reputation and business practices before considering signing a service contract.
• Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers want to evoke an emotional response that would make you give in to their pleas without even thinking about it. Take your time and know that a reputable company will not pressure you into action. If someone is using aggressive sales tactics on you, it’s best to stop communicating immediately.
• Get competing offers. Contact several solar installers if you plan to make the switch to solar and get quotes from each company. If someone pulls a cheater, it’s much easier to spot them that way.
• Ask lots of questions and think about the answers. Ask questions about aspects of a contract or offer that you do not understand. If the company gets upset with your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, take that as a red flag.

Source: BBB.org

Find solar panel installers near you and solar energy contractors near you. Read The BBB Guide to Solar Energy. Report solar installation scams to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help uncover common scam tactics and reduce scammers’ effectiveness.