Misleading claims of no electric bill. False promises of free solar panels or tax rebate checks. Posing as an electric utility representative or hired contractor.
These are some of the deceptive practices that electric utilities and the federal government are warning consumers about under a growing number of residential solar scams.
On Aug. 7, the Treasury Department issued an advisory noting a rise in consumer complaints about such practices.
The complaints involve “a small number of unscrupulous solar companies” that consumers say deceived them on the costs and savings of the systems and relied on aggressive sales and marketing tactics, the advisory stated.
Public Power Districts in Nebraska are concerned, saying the number of incidents have climbed in recent months.
“Solar generation can be beneficial to help offset electric energy costs after all energy efficiency improvements to your home have been made,” said Bobby Johnson, Dawson PPD Energy Services Specialist. “Unfortuantely, we have customers who have already made deposits for equipment with companies before contacting us and we learn that these customers have been given false claims. We encourage anyone who is considering private renewable generation to first contact their public power provider to understand the process.”
Deceiving Practices
Reports both in Nebraska and nationwide indicate that some companies are not honestly or accurately presenting the benefits and costs to individual households and selling them uneconomic or unproductive panels. Some companies have installed solar panels on roofs that need replacement or under trees. Many customers are unable to get out of their contracts once the deposit is made.
How to spot and report scams
- Gather and compare several quotes or bids if interested in adding solar to their homes.
- Check a contractor’s history with state consumer agencies and licensing boards.
- Make sure the advertised cost savings are guaranteed.
- Never sign a contract or make a payment at the first meeting with a vendor.
- Consult a lawyer, if possible, to help understand contract terms and lengths.
If a business doesn’t make good on its promises or cheats consumers out of money, report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office at ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov.
Dawson PPD’s Renewable Generation Process
Dawson PPD requires its customers with private renewable generation to sign an interconnection agreement and receive a passing electrical inspection as required by Nebraska State Law.
We are ready to help you make the best decision possible for your electrical needs. Our knowledgeable team understands the interconnection process and will gladly share information about your own electric consumption to help you determine what is right for you.
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