Solar farms find new uses
As solar power becomes more common around the world, millions of acres will be covered with the vast array of panels needed to generate electricity. While some fear losing valuable farmland, others see it as an opportunity. (4 November)
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Allegation: Government program buys solar panels for US homeowners
A Facebook video (direct link, archive link) from July 11 shows what appears to be a press release about a new government program.
"This is the latest statement from the government," the broadcaster said. "You know, American homeowners can now buy solar panels for themselves. You see, our government just had an emergency meeting and we're told they've started a program to reduce carbon emissions called the solar incentive program 2023. A home in the United States or residences can now claim a state-of-the-art solar system at no cost to the government.”
Graphics on screen read "Breaking News" and "Don't buy solar panels. The US government will buy solar panels from you."
The alleged streamer then asked social media users to click on a link in the post to access the program.
In two days, the post was shared more than 40 times. According to social media analytics tool CrowdTangle, the affiliate link has been shared more than 2,000 times on Facebook.
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Our opinion: False
Such a program does not exist. According to the US Department of Energy, the US government does not purchase solar panels for US homeowners.
Department of Energy warns of solar panel fraud
Energy Department spokeswoman Samah Shaik cited a USA Today article published by the agency about false claims about free government solar offers.
"The Department of Energy is aware of claims to offer free solar panels or to provide free solar panels at the request of solar companies," the article said. "However, the federal government does not offer free home solar installation programs, and the government does not require companies to provide free solar panels to customers."
Fact Check : Government Gives Tax Breaks, Not Free Solar Panels
Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the Department of Energy's Office of Solar Energy Technologies, posted another article warning the public about solar scams.
"The federal government has no program to install free solar panels on Americans' homes," Jones-Albertus wrote. “A 30% tax credit is available for those who purchase a solar power system. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe; it is not a government rebate or check. »
The social media post also states that the solar panels at the bottom of the linked webpage are not free.
"'Free' means that if you meet the requirements, you won't be asked to make a deposit during setup," the site says. "Solar power isn't free, but it typically saves homeowners thousands of dollars in upfront investment. This isn't financial advice."
USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment, but did not immediately respond.
PolitiFact also debunked the video.
Our sources for fact-checking:
- Shaik himself on July 25 exchanged emails with USA TODAY
- Department of Energy, April 26, Free Solar Panels? don't burn
- Department of Energy, accessed July 25, Homeowner's Guide to Solar Energy
- Department of Energy, March 10, Tips for Buying Smart Solar Power
- Department of Energy August 17, 2021 Finance Matters: How to Finance a Rooftop Solar System
- Department of Energy, Homeowner's Guide to Federal Solar Photovoltaic Tax Credits, accessed July 25
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Our fact-checking work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.
