Adrian, MI – The Better Business Bureau, serving Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio, is warning consumers about scams around installing solar panels.
The BBB says that if you’ve received an offer for ‘free solar panels,’ it could be a scam. Here’s how it works:
- Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person. They are pretending to be a solar company salesperson. The ‘representative’ has a special offer: they can install solar panels on your home for a very low cost – or even free.
- From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, 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.
Here is how to avoid solar panel scams…per the BBB:
- Do your research. Genuine incentive programs and reputable solar energy contractors do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area.
- Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. If someone uses 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.
- Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag.
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