During the National Consumer Protection Week, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford issued a statement warning Nevadans against solar scams. While there are legitimate solar panel experts in Nevada, other providers take advantage of unsuspecting Nevadans who are unaware of their rights and how rooftop solar works.
In this article, our team of experts identifies popular solar scams and how to compare solar companies in Nevada to ensure you find the best provider.
Common Solar Panel Scams
Green energy, primarily solar, is becoming more common, with many solar companies claiming to offer the best deal. When selecting a company to get your panels from, there are some cunning scams to avoid falling for:
High-pressure sales tactics
These manipulative and aggressive sales tactics pressure a customer to make a sale. Installing solar panels is a decision that requires in-depth exploration and consideration. If any solar panel salesperson has relentless follow-ups and manipulative language or behavior, it is a major red flag.
Unrealistic promises
To stay competitive in the solar space, companies often offer deals. However, scammers give unrealistic quotations in their prices or are misleading in their leasing terms and conditions.
Claims of free solar panels
Although there are many solar panel financing options, solar panels are not entirely free. Some companies may not charge any money upfront but still have monthly fees for panel usage. Free panel scams often come with hidden charges so proceed with caution if you encounter a company using “free panel” language.
How To Avoid Solar Panel Scams
Solar scammers have developed their ways to convince unsuspecting Nevadans — but with the right preparation, you can avoid falling prey.
- Know your contract rights. If you experience a salesperson pressuring you to close a sale, pause and read the terms before proceeding.
- Verify the company has a website. The best way to determine the legitimacy of a solar company is to inquire more about the company by visiting the company’s profile, verifying licenses, and reading reviews online.
- Get multiple quotes. All companies have different offers, prices, and benefits. Request quotes from other companies and choose the one that meets your expectations and budget.
- Ask for zero down. Solar PPAs are a viable option for going solar without paying large upfront costs. With this arrangement, you do not own the panels on your home, but you can purchase the power they produce for an affordable price.
- Seek face-to-face communication. Since scammers often try to hide behind a phone and fake websites, it’s best to conduct communication in-person or over a web conferencing platform like Zoom.
Get a Legitimate Solar Deal From Solar Optimum
Scammers have a way of polishing their practice and being more convincing. If caught up in such a situation, report it to the Federal Trade Commission on the FTC website or the Department of Justice in your locality.
Solar Optimum is a legitimate solar panel provider with extensive experience serving Clark County and the Greater Las Vegas area with utmost transparency. We specialize in solar energy, battery storage, and roof installation. Contact us or download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar to learn how to identify the best installers in your area.
