A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

December 29, 2022.

SOLAR PANEL SCAMS

Attribution: http://www.scambusters.org

With rising energy costs and falling prices of equipment, who wouldn’t see the appeal of solar panels on their home? But ignorance and hasty decisions can lead would-be buyers into falling victim to lies, misleading information, and other scams.

A common trick is to get you to fill in a form “to see if you qualify.” Scammers use these forms to steal information about you.

Tapping energy directly from sunlight is a fantastic renewable energy source.

But there are crooks taking advantage of this opportunity.

 Con artists take advantage of the fact that most of us know little about solar technology, such as how it works, how much it costs, and how much a householder might save. But scammers use red flag exaggerations and lies such as:

*The system will be free.

*There are no upfront costs, or they’ll be refunded.

*Misleading information about federal and state financial assistance and tax credits.

*Wild claims about the savings you’ll make and the amount of time it’ll take to recoup your investment.

*Time is tight. Scammers will suggest a special deal or aid program is about to expire so you must act now.

*High-pressure sales tactics aimed at getting you to sign up.

*Claims they’ve installed their systems on neighboring homes.

*Suggesting their system is the only one allowed by law or qualifying for financial incentives.

*Fake statistics suggesting a huge rise in utility prices is on the way.

*Imposters claiming to be from your state or utility provider or working in partnership with them.

*Crooks may also offer a bid price without even doing an inspection, offer you a price that’s too good to be true, and promise they can arrange special low-cost financing. All red flags.

LEASING

In addition to buying a solar panel system, you may also be able to lease one. A scammer is unlikely to tell you how this works and mislead you into thinking you are being offered a good deal.

More information about Solar Panel Scams is available on http://www.scambusters.org.