Green Energy & Solar Panel Scams

Hello Scam Wise friends! Solar panels and green energy upgrades are more popular than ever – who doesn’t love saving money and the planet? 🏡☀️ But unfortunately, scammers love to prey on our enthusiasm for “going green.” In this newsletter, we’re focusing on green energy scams , especially those “too-good-to-be-true” solar panel offers. Whether you’re a homeowner curious about solar or you know someone who is, let’s arm ourselves with knowledge so that only legit sunshine reaches your wallet!

Scam Prevention Tips for Green Energy Offers

• “Free solar panels” = 🚩: Be extremely skeptical of any unsolicited offer for free solar panels or huge rebates out of nowhere. The federal government does not install solar systems at no cost, and no utility company will randomly gift you panels. Scammers love to claim you’ve pre-qualified for a special program – often using official-sounding names – but it’s a lie.
• Slow down and do your research: Legitimate solar installers won’t pressure you to “sign right now” or pay a big deposit on the spot. If someone is demanding you act immediately or insisting on upfront payment via cash, wire, or gift card , it’s almost certainly a scam. Take your time: get multiple quotes from local licensed contractors, read reviews, and check credentials. Real businesses welcome you verifying their license and reputation; scammers will rush you and gloss over details.
• Verify who you’re dealing with: Scammers often pose as government or utility representatives . They might call or knock on your door claiming to be from “the energy company” or a government “solar initiative.” Don’t trust caller ID or badges alone – imposters can fake those. If an offer intrigues you, independently look up your utility or the supposed agency (don’t use the number/email they provide) and ask if the program is real. Nine times out of ten, it’s not.
• No personal info to strangers: A common solar scam tactic is offering a “free energy audit” or an incentive check if you fill out a form with personal details. They’re just mining your data. Never give your Social Security number, banking info, or even your utility account number to an unsolicited caller or visitor . Real rebate or incentive programs won’t ask for sensitive info upfront via phone or social media. Sharing such data can lead to identity theft, not free solar.
• Contracts and guarantees in writing: If you do proceed with a solar project, insist on a detailed written contract . Scammers hate paperwork. A legitimate contractor will provide project specs, costs, timelines, and warranty information in writing. If someone balks at documentation or refuses to give you time to review a contract (and maybe run it by a lawyer or knowledgeable friend), hit the brakes . Your home is a big investment – any improvements should be documented.

Real-Life Scam Example

Meet Carliss W. from Texas – a 75-year-old retiree who got swept up by a door-to-door solar sales pitch. A smooth-talking representative promised no more electric bills and even dangled a $30,000 tax rebate as bait. Carliss signed on the dotted line of what she thought was just “paperwork.” The result? She unwittingly signed up for an $89,000 loan for solar panels that were installed poorly (her porch started leaking!) and didn’t reduce her bills at all . To make matters worse, because of her low income, she never qualified for that big tax rebate the scammer hyped. This heartbreaking example shows how scammers exploit our good intentions – Carliss wanted to help the environment and her wallet, but ended up in a financial nightmare.

She’s far from alone. Across the country, many homeowners have been burned by solar scams. Some companies advertise themselves as “government partners” or claim you’ve won a grant for free panels – then they charge huge fees or take out loans in your name. In fact, at least 15 states’ Attorneys General have investigated or sued solar installation companies for deceptive practices. The scams range from outright fraud (taking money and not doing the work) to wildly exaggerating benefits (promising solar will eliminate your bill, which legitimate installers know isn’t guaranteed).

Carliss’s story ended with legal action and news reports shining a light on the issue. The lesson? If a solar deal sounds unbelievably good (no bills! huge rebates for everyone!) – it’s probably a scam. Stick with established local installers and programs you can verify.

Scam Radar: What’s Trending Now?

Green energy is booming, and scammers are adapting their pitches. Imposter alerts: Utilities and government agencies are warning about fraudsters impersonating them to push fake energy programs . For example, scammers might call claiming to be from the Department of Energy or your utility company, offering an “energy audit” or saying you’ve been enrolled in a solar program that requires immediate payment . Remember, real government programs never operate that way – they don’t cold-call asking for money or sign you up without your consent.

Another trend: disaster-related green energy scams. After storms or natural disasters, con artists roam neighborhoods offering quick roof repairs or solar installations to fix damage, often citing government disaster relief. Georgia’s Attorney General recently warned residents after tornadoes to be on high alert for home repair and solar fraud following storms. Scammers know people are desperate to repair damage and might leap at supposed government-assisted solar deals – always verify such offers through official channels.

On the positive side, consumer advocates and nonprofits are fighting back. AARP reports that multiple states are setting up special solar fraud units (Nevada did this in 2024). Regulators are busting some fraudulent companies, and legitimate solar industry groups are working to educate buyers on how to spot the fakes. Solar and clean energy are great when done right – the goal of Scam Wise is to make sure only the real sun powers your home, not a scammer’s lies!

Extra Protection: Call Control for Unwanted Spam Calls

Many green energy scams start with an unsolicited call – “Hi, I’m from XYZ Energy with a special offer…” . One way to nip these in the bud is by using a reliable call-blocking app like Call Control . Call Control automatically blocks known spam and scam callers, including those pesky “energy program” telemarketers that aren’t legit. It’s essentially a spam filter for your phone, helping to prevent you or your older relatives from even answering high-risk calls. Fewer scam calls = fewer chances to be conned. Interested in checking it out? Visit Call Control’s official site to learn more. Pairing good tools with your own caution gives scammers even less of a chance to reach you.

Quick Takeaways

• “Free solar” is a fantasy: Any unsolicited offer of free or no-cost solar installations is a major red flag. Always assume you will have to initiate and pay for home improvements.
• No pressure, no pay-now: Legit solar companies don’t demand large upfront payments or pressure you to sign instantly. Scammers thrive on urgency; reputable installers will give you time.
• Verify identities: Scammers pose as utilities or government green programs. Always independently verify anyone who contacts you about energy incentives or audits.
• Older homeowners are targets: Educate your older family members that scammers often seek them out for home improvement cons. Encourage them to consult with you or another trusted advisor before agreeing to any offer.
• Use call blockers to cut down fraud attempts: Apps like Call Control can automatically block many scam calls, including fake solar telemarketers, so you receive fewer scam pitches to begin with.

Sunny regards from Scam Wise! ☀️ Stay tuned for our next issue, where we’ll expose another sneaky scam and how to beat it.