Homeowners usually have good intentions when installing solar panels—but that doesn’t mean the solar companies and sales representatives do! True, most installers have good intentions. However, a few are more interested only in making a profit instead of providing their customers with high quality service and products. Homeowners could find themselves trapped in a questionable contract for solar panels by a fast-talking, swindling salesman if they’re not careful. These low-quality “contractors” rely on a few tricks to take advantage of homeowners. Watch out for these four solar scams:
- Pushing too hard: You should never feel pressured by a solar contractor in Scottsdale, AZ into signing a contract. An installer who comes by your home with a proposal only to pressure you into deciding and paying a deposit immediately to qualify for some ridiculous deal should be avoided at all costs. A reputable solar installer will thoroughly review the proposal with you before giving you enough time to make your decision and ask any questions. A good solar installer will respect the decision-making process and honor their quote.
- Impersonating a utility or government representative: This illegal scheme involves calling the homeowner claiming to be from a utility company or a government agency to pressure homeowners to sign up for solar panels before some made-up deadline. Usually, the agency doesn’t even exist and is just a money-making front. Call your utility company to verify the calls were real before agreeing to anything. If they weren’t, file a complaint.
- Promising huge tax credits: Sketchy solar salespeople often rely on promises of ridiculously high government incentives that don’t exist. The current incentive offers a 30 percent solar federal tax credit through 2019. There aren’t any larger federal tax credits available. A reputable solar installer will thoroughly explain the available tax credit and any additional state incentives.
- Crazy low prices: We all love a good deal, but some are just too good to be true. Unrealistically low prices are one of the biggest red flags. Prices that are 25 percent lower than competitors’ rates could mean the installer Is planning to use poor quality equipment, provide less than they promise or even fail to install the system entirely! Their prices should be on par with other solar contractors in Scottsdale, AZ.
Protect yourself from solar scams
As a consumer, it’s your responsibility to protect yourself from solar scams. Exercise your right to proceed through a deal at your own pace. Don’t let the salesperson rush you. Take the time to shop around and compare quotes from at least three local companies to identify a realistic and reasonable price. Make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to before signing the contract. A reputable salesperson will be more than happy to review each detail of the contract before making a deal.
The best way to protect yourself from solar scams is to choose a reputable company like Aneva Solar. We take great pride in our professionalism, timeliness and top-tier customer service on every installation. Call us today to get started!