Free photo voltaic panels from the federal authorities? Not so quick — it may very well be a shopper rip-off.
Thousands and thousands of People are deciding to energy their properties with photo voltaic power and benefit from its quite a few advantages, together with cost-savings on electrical energy payments that accrue over the lifetime of the photo voltaic system. As extra individuals select photo voltaic power, the rise in reputation has opened the door for some unhealthy actors who’re spreading misinformation and fascinating in fraudulent enterprise practices. Each photo voltaic firm has a duty to be sincere and upfront with customers, however to keep away from scams, customers also needs to be looking out for crimson flags as they plan to go photo voltaic.
Don’t Give In to Pushy Gross sales Ways
Going photo voltaic is a course of that requires cautious consideration. The U.S. Division of Vitality Photo voltaic Vitality Applied sciences Workplace has an inventory of generally requested questions for householders fascinated with powering their properties with photo voltaic power. Do your analysis earlier than signing any contracts and be cautious of any affords that declare to run out quickly. Stress to behave instantly is a typical attribute of scams. When viewing your contract, be sure to perceive the phrases and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
When in search of worth quotes on a photo voltaic system, be sure to undergo a reliable platform similar to, however not unique to, EnergySage, which clearly states the way it will use your info. On-line varieties that aren’t related to an official enterprise and request your title, handle, or different private knowledge to “see should you qualify” are one other warning signal, as these varieties can generally serve to generate leads for different companies.
Speak to Licensed Installers
An advert for photo voltaic panels with none branding or enterprise affiliation ought to be a crimson flag. Respected firms stand behind their merchandise and take possession of their habits.
As you analysis photo voltaic installers, learn buyer opinions to be sure to are deciding on an excellent match. One other useful step is speaking to your neighbors and mates who’ve gone photo voltaic. Ask them about their experiences and for suggestions on native installers.
Make certain your installer is licensed and licensed by a good group just like the North American Board of Licensed Vitality Practitioners. Ask a number of installers to come back assess your roof and evaluate their quotes.
Perceive Your Financing Choices
Provides claiming to supply free photo voltaic panels or different companies deserve a better take a look at the positive print. The federal authorities doesn’t have any packages that set up photo voltaic panels on the properties of People at no cost. Nevertheless, there are reliable packages that may allow you to make the leap with little or no up-front price. Some states subsidize photo voltaic power for income-qualified households, however verify to see that this system is listed on a .gov web site or name the state workplace to verify the provide is actual and to discover ways to take part.
In case you select to purchase your photo voltaic power system, quite a lot of loans can be found that may decrease the up-front prices of the system. Moreover, a 30% tax credit score is out there to those that buy a photo voltaic power system. The tax credit score is a dollar-for-dollar discount within the quantity of earnings tax you’ll in any other case owe; it isn’t a rebate or a authorities verify. Learn our House owner’s Information to the Federal Tax Credit score for Photo voltaic Photovoltaics to study extra concerning the tax credit score and eligibility.
Photo voltaic leases and energy buy agreements permit customers to host photo voltaic power techniques which might be owned by photo voltaic firms and buy again the electrical energy generated. Customers enter into agreements that always permit them to have decrease electrical energy payments with out month-to-month mortgage funds. In some instances, which means placing no cash right down to go photo voltaic.
Store Safely and Unfold the Phrase
Now that you understand how to identify a rip-off, go forth and go photo voltaic! Remember to inform any family and friends who’re contemplating going photo voltaic how they will keep away from falling sufferer to a rip-off.
Contact the Federal Commerce Fee to report scams. Relying on the place you reside, a state shopper safety workplace could possibly assist, too.
States have licensing necessities for contractors to guard customers, which you’ll be able to confirm your state or native licensing board. The Photo voltaic Vitality Industries Affiliation (SEIA) has a set of shopper safety assets for companies to find out about correct conduct and state and federal legal guidelines and laws.
