Solar is a legitimate, financially sound investment for most homeowners — but the sales side of the industry has real problems. Door-to-door and phone sales tactics have given the industry a reputation problem. Here's how to protect yourself.
Legitimate solar decisions don't need to happen today. If a salesperson pushes hard for an immediate signature, uses countdown timers, or claims a special price expires "right now," treat that as a warning sign. Take time to compare quotes.
There's no such thing as truly free solar. Leases and PPAs advertised as "free installation" still involve you paying monthly for the electricity or lease — you're just not paying the upfront equipment cost. Understand the total cost of any "free" offer before signing.
Be skeptical of guarantees like "save 40% guaranteed" without your specific usage and rate data being analyzed first. Real savings estimates should be based on your actual electric bill history and your utility's specific net metering policy — not a generic company-wide promise.
A legitimate installer provides a detailed written quote specifying system size, equipment brand and model, warranty terms, and total cost — not a verbal estimate scribbled on a clipboard. If a company won't put specifics in writing, walk away.
Legitimate solar installations require permits and utility interconnection approval before the system can be turned on. If a contractor glosses over this process or implies installation is instant, that's a red flag for corner-cutting.
While in-house financing can be convenient, you should be free to shop your own financing (bank loan, credit union, etc.) if it offers better terms. Pressure to exclusively use a company's financing partner, especially with unusually high rates, is worth questioning.
Calculate your own independent estimate first.
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