If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers, and be sure that you're dealing with only trustworthy contractors. BBB has received reports of con artists using misleading sales tactics and even lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. If you've received an offer for "free solar panels," it's likely not a legitimate offer, but rather a different twist on an attempt to get your personal information and banking details.
Here's what we heard from consumers when they shared their experience about someone offering "free" solar panels:
Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person. They are pretending to be a solar company salesperson and claim that they have a special offer: they can install solar panels on your home for a very low cost – or even free. They also claim the amazing deal 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 banking details "to see if you qualify." Other times, the "solar representative" claims you need to pay upfront costs, which they promise will be reimbursed by a (non-existent) government program.
There's been numerous reports of this unethical approach submitted on BBB Scam Tracker. One homeowner was approached by a door-to-door salesperson "claiming he could get me a new roof plus solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially paying for the new roof." After doing their research, the homeowner found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson was misrepresenting it to make a sale.
In another case, a homeowner spoke on the phone to a "solar engineer" after being approached in person. "The engineer claimed they could make it cost-free for us. He said they had finished their installations in our neighborhood and met their quota but would try to squeeze us in." However, the conversation took a strange turn when the "solar engineer" started asking for personal information. When the homeowner declined to answer, the conversation got heated. "We ended the conversation, and I received a nasty text... It was completely unprofessional."
How to avoid solar panel sales headaches:
* Do your research to locate reputable contractors. Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Use BBB.org to locate trustworthy contractors. Ask family and friends for referrals as well. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area. Investigate each company's reputation and business practices before you consider signing a contract for services.
* Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Unethical sales representatives want to provoke an emotional reaction that would cause you to give in to their requests without thinking it through. Take your time and know that a legitimate company won't pressure you to act. If someone is using aggressive sales tactics on you, it's best to cut off communication immediately.
* Get competing bids. Contact several solar installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way.
Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. Ask questions about any aspect of a contract or proposal you don't understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag.
For more information, please visit bbb.org/news or call your BBB at 423-266-6144
BBB'S next Shred Day
BBB will host its free bi-annual Shred Day in partnership with the Times Free Press, River City Shredding, Resource 1 Tier 3 Data Security and the Hamilton County Coalition on Saturday, October 22nd from 9 am to noon. (Shredding will end earlier if trucks fill up).
The event will be held in Coca Cola Bottling Company's parking lot at 2111 W. Shepherd Rd. in Chattanooga, which is located just off exit 1A (Airport exit) from Highway 153.
This is an opportunity for residents to have sensitive documents shredded, hard drives destroyed, electronics recycled, and unneeded prescription drugs dropped off for safe disposal. Please limit documents to 3 large trash bags per person. For more information, please visit bbb.org/Chattanooga.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.