Unfortunately, the solar industry is not immune to businesses and individuals who try to scam consumers. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We hear these stories all the time and see some of the work these “professionals” have performed. These types of companies exist. Things like this happen in almost every industry, from HVAC to selling a homeowner a new driveway because they had “extra” asphalt. The better informed you are only helps protect you from things like this. Here’s some tips on avoiding solar scams and protecting your hard-earned monies:
The Really Big Warning signs:
f it sounds too good to be true, it's probably is!
If someone calls you on the phone and tries to sell you a solar system, hang up!
If someone shows up at your door and wants to sell you solar, close the door!
If they are located in another state, that is a warning sign.
If ANYONE asks you to SIGN NOW, STOP!! Never sign a contract during the first visit, ever!! Get at least 2-3 quotes and then compare, apples to apples.
If they tell you they can get it installed in a week, run away!! It takes roughly 30 days+ to get all the permits, utility approvals, etc.
If it feels like high pressure, it is! STOP!
Some of this may seem extreme but we hear these stories all the time from people it happened to. We all think there is no way something like this would happen to us but is does. Check out this link:
As sad as it is, there are always companies out there looking to take advantage of consumers. In MN, this is a hot solar market so companies from around the country set up shop with salespeople that make all kinds of commitments just to get you to sign NOW! The safest and smartest way is to work with companies that are located here, invested in their local communities, their owners live here, their employees are from here, are Licensed Class A Electrical Contractors, have solid reputations (BBB, Google Reviews, SolarReviews.com), and current reviews as well as older reviews.
These companies understand local and state regulations, have working relationships with the utilities, inspectors, both electrical and building, knowing the fire code regulations (how the panels are placed on a roof), and the permitting process in MN.
When working with a reputable solar company, when they give you their quote (which should always be free and absolutely NO obligation), they should explain the size they are proposing and why, an estimate of what the system should produce annually, where the solar panels are located and why, the price per watt, cash price, any rebates, tax incentives, utility participation $$, and, information on how the panels will perform over the warranty period (should always be 25 years or more), tell you what the warranties are on everything. Typical warranties are 10 years parts and labor on everything, 12 years on the SolarEdge Inverter (What we use), 25 years on panels and 25 years on optimizers. Keep it to the facts so when you compare quotes, you can quickly compare "apples to apples".
Before you let anyone into your home and especially before you sign any contracts, check with the Better Business Bureau - https://www.bbb.org
A reputable solar company should always first educate. Explaining the entire process, from the quote to the interconnection, how it will be installed, what products they use and why, and answer your questions. You've decided to explore the option of going solar, it should be a pleasant and exciting experience.
Does the solar company use their own crews or sub-contract the work out? This can be a tricky one. If they have their own crews, the people installing will be the same people that come out to make any repairs if needed. If they use sub-contractors and you have an issue, find out your “pecking order”. If you have an issue, how fast will someone be out to help? Does the company send out someone who is already familiar with your project?
It may seem to be a small issue now but if you’re having problems with your new solar array, you want to know that you will receive expedited service from a company that is already educated on your system and it’s design, a system that tracks your system for the lifetime. We personally look at all of our customers systems weekly for any issues. We want to find them and repair them quickly and hopefully, before you are even aware that there was a service need