How to avoid solar energy scams
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (KBSI) – There’s been a big increase in scams in the area and according to local electric companies the newest scam is solar panels.
One of those electric companies is Egyptian Electric Cooperative Murphysboro, Illinois.
Brad Austin is the Operations Manager for the Egyptian Electric Cooperative. He says they do work closely with some local solar companies but several out of state solar companies have been approaching customers and giving false information.
“Our local installers they go through the process in making sure our homes are energy efficient prior to selling a system. That way their correctly sized and the people going door to door are just trying to size a system that they can sale and most of these systems kind of end up getting financed for some kind of long terms.”
Austin says to do your research and look up the company before signing anything and getting scammed.
Bailey Owens is the District Manager for Corvus Pro Solar, a well-known energy renewable contracting company that designs and builds solar systems. He says if a solar company claims to be at your house for the electric company, then there’s a good chance you’re getting scammed.
“We are a third-party company I want to make that very clear; we are not a part of any utility. Me and all my guys make sure that homeowners know that from the first interaction. If there is someone who walks up to your door and says they’re with the utility and they want to get solar up on your roof, that is not the case. There’s not a utility company that I know of that is sending out people into markets and door to door. Thats another huge red flag to me that I would not go with.”
Owens gives key points to look for when choosing a good solar company.
“Always look them up, look at their google reviews, better business bureau page look and see if they’ve got any complaints. Like were A+ rated, see if that company is as well. Another key thing I would look for if it was me in a homeowner situation, I would look for a company that also does the installation.”
According to both Austin and Owens, lots of people have made the decision to switch to solar but they say it’s something that you should research and find a company you’re comfortable with before doing so.
