If you need solar panels, be very careful when marking installation quotes and make sure you only deal with a contractor you trust. BBB has received reports of scammers using fraudulent sales tactics and even tricking homeowners out of money and personal information. If you've received an offer of "free solar panels," it's likely not a legitimate offer, but just another scam to get your personal information and bank details.
Here's what we heard when consumers shared their experiences about who offers "free" solar panels:
Someone contacts you via email, phone, social media, or even in person. They claim to be a solar company and say they have a special offer: they can install solar panels on your home at a very low cost or even for free. They claim that the amazing deal is only available for a limited time, so you need to act now!
From there, the scam can take many turns. In some versions, the scammer asks for your personal information. They ask you to fill in forms with your bank details to "check your eligibility". In other cases, the "solar rep" says you have to pay the cost up front and promises that a government program (which doesn't exist) will pay for it.
There have been numerous reports of unethical submissions to the BBB Scam Tracker. One homeowner was approached by a salesman "claiming I could get a new roof and solar equipment with a 26% government rebate, essentially paying for a new roof." Upon investigation, the homeowner discovered that although there was a government rebate program in place, the seller had misrepresented it in order to make the sale.
In another case, a homeowner spoke on the phone with a "solar engineer" after being contacted in person. “The engineer said they could do it for free for us. He said that they have completed the installation in our area and fulfilled the norm, but they will try to put pressure on us.' However, the conversation took a strange turn when the "solar engineer" began asking for personal information. When the homeowner refused to answer, the conversation escalated. "We ended the conversation and I got a bad message… It was completely unprofessional."
How to avoid headaches when selling solar panels:
* Do your research to find reliable contractors. There are genuine incentive programs and reliable solar contractors. Use BBB.org to find reliable contractors. Also ask relatives and friends to recommend you. Before accepting an unsolicited offer, research solar companies in your area. Research each company's reputation and business practices before considering signing an employment contract.
* Avoid high pressure sales tactics. Ethical salespeople want to evoke an emotional response that will make you give in to their demands without a second thought. Take your time and know that a legitimate company will not force you to act. If someone is using aggressive sales tactics, it's best to stop communicating immediately.
* Get competitive offers. Contact several solar installers if you are considering going solar and get quotes from each company. If someone is committing fraud, it will be much easier to spot them this way.
Ask lots of questions and think about the answers. Ask questions about any aspect of the contract or proposal that you do not understand. If the company gets angry at your questions, refuses to answer them, or gives vague answers, consider this a red flag.
For more information, visit bbb.org/news or call the BBB at 423-266-6144.
Next day of the BBB grind
BBB will host its Free Shredding 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 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. (The reduction will end sooner if the trucks are full).
The event will be held in the Coca Cola Bottling Company parking lot at 2111 W. Shepherd Rd. In Chattanooga, near Exit 1A (Airport Exit) on Highway 153.
This is an opportunity for residents to destroy confidential documents, destroy hard drives, recycle electronics and safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. Please limit documents to 3 large containers per person. For more information, visit bbb.org/Chattanooga.
Michelle Mason is the president of the Better Business Bureau of Chattanooga.
