- Post author:admin
- Post published:February 2, 2023
- Post category:Can-Am Roofing & Solar Of Central Florida LLC Blog
Key Takeaways:
- Homeowners interested in solar energy should be aware of the common solar scams associated with the industry.
- Some companies may use false advertising to lure customers into signing expensive financing contracts.
- Others may employ high-pressure sales tactics or make misleading claims about their products or services.
- Door-to-door selling and hidden fees are also red flags that a company may not be legitimate.
- Despite the potential risks, going solar comes with many benefits, including saving money on your energy bill, increased home value, and tax credits & incentives from state & local governments.
As a homeowner, you’re interested in learning how to save money on your energy bill. And if you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, you must know what benefits you could expect. But with all the scams, it’s also important to be careful and research before choosing a solar company. In this blog post, Can-Am Roofing of Central Florida, LLC will discuss some of the most typical solar scams and some unheard benefits of going solar. So read on to learn more & find the best option for you!
Solar Is on The Boom, But So Are the Scams!
The rapidly-growing demand for solar energy is great news for all Americans!
With the booming solar industry, you might encounter more false advertisements and solar scams.
While many reputable solar providers are out there, it’s still important to do your due diligence before committing to anyone. Many Facebook and other social media ads nowadays use enticing words like “low-cost” or “no upfront cost” to draw in lower and middle-class homeowners for solar programs.
Although it may be appealing to find a solar installation that costs close to nothing, many of these deals are advertised through false claims about special government programs or utility benefits. These non-existent offers make it difficult for customers genuinely interested in going solar with little money down. Thankfully, there are reliable financing products available from installers and solar companies that allow you to finance your equipment with no upfront cost.
Who’s Behind These Solar Scams?
They are typically based in completely different areas from their target communities. Private companies use false advertising to create “leads,” or customers who will probably buy what they sell.
After you fill out a sign-up form on one of these sites (usually to “see if you qualify”), a salesperson will contact you about solar loans or financing products.
Salespeople may tell you that a product has no upfront cost because of some “special government program.” While there are options for financing with no initial payment, they’re hardly ever special government programs. It’s more likely an aggressive sales tactic by a private company.
Do Not Fall for These Scams
Let’s go through the most common solar scams and how you can protect yourself.
1. False Advertising Scam
This type of scam usually involves a solar installation company advertising a deal that is too perfect to be true — like “free solar” or “zero money down.” The company will then try to sign you up for expensive financing contracts, requiring large payments over 20 years with high-interest rates. Don’t be fooled; there is no such thing as free solar!
2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Many solar companies will use heavy-handed sales tactics to get you to sign on the dotted line quickly. They may tell you that their offer is limited-time only or that they won’t be able to guarantee certain incentives if you don’t sign right away. Don’t let them pressure you into deciding before you’re ready. Solar is an investment that should be made carefully and wisely. Take your time researching the company and its offerings before signing anything.
3. Misleading Claims
Some solar companies may make misleading claims about their products or services to convince you to buy them. Always research and cross-check any information they provide with other sources before making any decisions. Check online reviews of the company and any industry associations they may be members of to verify their legitimacy.
4. Door-To-Door Selling
Solar companies may offer door-to-door sales to get consumers to sign up for their services. This is not a recommended way of doing business since it can be difficult to verify the legitimacy of the company or the quality of its products when they come directly to your home. Always take your time and research any offers before signing anything.
5. Hidden Fees
Some solar companies may charge hidden fees during installation, such as permit applications and related costs. Be sure to ask about any additional charges that may be imposed so that you know exactly what costs are involved before agreeing to anything. You might get pulled into a solar scam if you are not careful enough.
The Unheard Benefits of Going Solar
Despite the potential risks, the benefits of going solar are tremendous. Let’s skim through some of the most important ones.
- Saving Money: The money saved from going solar can be substantial, depending on the size & type of system you install. Solar energy is free, after all, so once it’s set up, there are no more bills to pay for electricity!
Related: Going Solar: An End Date to Your Commercial Energy Bill
- Environmentally-Friendly Energy Source: Solar energy is a renewable resource that doesn’t emit greenhouse gases. It produces clean, sustainable power and helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like coal or oil.
- Increased Home Value: Passing on your home’s increased value to potential buyers is another benefit of going solar. Studies have shown that homes with rooftop solar installations sell at a premium compared to homes without them.
- Energy Independence: Having solar panels installed allows you to generate your electricity, making you less reliant on utility companies for power and helping you save money in the long run.
- Tax Credits & Incentives: Many states, cities, and even utility companies offer incentives or tax credits for folks who install solar panels on their homes. This can help offset some of the installation costs and make going solar even more affordable.
Ending Note
We all know that nothing in life is free, which is true regarding solar energy. While there are some great benefits associated with going solar, it’s important to be aware of possible solar scams and do your due diligence before investing in a solar energy system. If you research carefully, ask the right questions and pay attention to warning signs of potential scammers, you should have no problem finding an honest provider with your best interests.
The numerous benefits of installing a rooftop solar panel system on your home can certainly be worth the effort!
Following these simple steps, you can enjoy all the blessings of solar power without worrying about getting scammed. So, whether you’re considering going solar or installing a system, it’s important to know the most common types of solar scams & how to avoid them.
Looking For Solar Installation Services in Rockledge? We Can Help!
Here at Can-Am Roofing & Solar of Central Florida, LLC, we will help you with every stage of adding a solar system to your property in Rockledge. We can estimate your savings, output & projection and provide expert installation. Thanks to the fantastic energy tax credits and cash incentives, now is an ideal time to switch to solar!
You can save money for years to come by switching to solar energy, and our professional team is here to help you every step of the way.
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