Green Bandits: Solar Panel Scams
Scammers are targeting those purchasing green technology. Recently, there have been hundreds of complaints about contractors ripping off customers with solar panel sales. Many people are not as familiar with solar panels as more traditional home improvement projects, so scammers take advantage of consumers’ lack of information. Charles Bohmfalk paid over $7,000 for wind and solar panels that never generated any power, despite being promised $1,000 of power savings annually. The installing contractors ignored his complaints. Another man paid $12,000 for solar panels and was promised $2,000 in rebates, which was never paid, despite a year of constant complaints.
The steps to prevent solar panel fraud are similar to the steps to prevent contractor fraud. First, research what, if any, type of solar panel system would best suit your needs. The California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission started the Go Solar California! web page to encourage and educate consumers about the solar panel options available. If your power costs are already $100 or less per month, a solar panel system is not a cost-effective option.
Second, take a look into the background of the contractors being considered. The Go Solar web page has a list of California contractors who are licensed to install and sell solar panel systems. Make sure to check the contractor’s license, which can often be checked online. Many contractor reviews are available online from AngiesList.com or Yelp.com. Don’t just take the first offer—be sure to get at least three bids from different contractors. Refuse to pay more than 10% or $1,000 as a down payment, and do not pay the final payment unless you are satisfied with the work. Additional tips are online at California’s Contractors State License Board.
Third, if the contractor does not fulfill the promises that he made, do not delay in handling the problem. Most complaints can be handled informally with the contractor. If the contractor is unresponsive to complaints within a reasonable amount of time, action must be taken. Complaints can be filed against the contractor with the state licensing board, and some states allow complaints to be filed online. If you have a dispute that requires a monetary repayment and your claim is $7,500 or less, you can represent yourself against the contractor in small claims court. Any dispute above that amount will require a lawyer’s representation. If you delay for too long, the statute of limitations could prevent you from obtaining repayment from the contractor.
