© Provided by WFLA TampaTAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Lately you've seen solar panel vendors in your neighborhood going door-to-door with billboards and hard-hitting sales pitches.
The solar industry is in hot demand as homeowners seek to reduce energy bills, take advantage of government tax incentives and do something good for the environment.
But buyers beware. Even those who support the Sun like to believe what the seller says. And remember, solar power isn't right for every home or budget. Also, not every solar installer is right for your business, says Haven Campbell of Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit solar energy advocacy group.
"If the girl doesn't want a cookie, look at it again," he advises homeowners to only buy from solar companies, which they can find after doing a lot of homework.
Solar panels are popping up all over the Tampa Bay area as thousands of homeowners hope solar power can reduce their energy bills. But solar issues have become one of the better asked questions to Behnken.
Inspectors complain that businesses remain closed and boarded up, fail to get permits, connect solar panels, damage roofs or cut down shade trees that block the sun, and then fail to make promises.
They complain about taking out a long-term loan without understanding the fine print.
Sarasota's Michelle Hilterlin thinks she's doing everything right. A salesman says he was thinking about leaving Sun when he knocked on the door.
It was looking good, so he finally decided to sunbathe.
"I'm so excited," she said. "I wanted to do something good."
A few months after installing the 29 solar panels in his home, things started to go wrong, he said, and his solar company didn't respond.
"The app has been down for over a month because nobody made it and I haven't been able to track it," he said. "I really didn't know how it was going to work. When the supervisor came they had to come back and they didn't come back and they didn't call me and I couldn't call them anymore."
Helterlein says the company will not find him again, and online reviews suggest his company may be broke. The case is currently under investigation by the Florida Attorney General's Office.
The roof was damaged during assembly and one of the 29 panels is now unusable, he said. But despite the manufacturer's warranty, it's impossible to find someone to do the job.
I got to know many companies. "No one wants to touch a system that isn't proven."
He's happy with his $22-per-month electric bill, but even if the system shuts down, he'll have to pay off a $180-per-month loan over the next 25 years to purchase $38,500.
Here are some tips if you want to think about solar energy
First, make sure your home has a good solar filter. It is better to have a south-facing roof to get as much sunlight as possible. Be skeptical if the seller wants shady trees removed. Solar advocates say no.
Another incentive is the federal tax credit, which sounds good, but if you're filing multiple returns, this may not apply to you. It's only for those who have taxes.
Speaking of money, the average cost of solar power is around $25,000. Most solar companies work with third-party lenders that offer lower interest rates. The industry standard is to pay off your loan over a 10-year period to make it profitable. However, some lenders may extend it for up to 25 years, meaning you pay more interest.
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