Are you planning on installing a solar energy system in your home? If so, we couldn’t be more excited for you.
Solar energy is not only better for the planet, but it can also help you save a ton of money over time. You can immediately lower or eliminate your energy bills. You’ll also enjoy a sizeable increase in your home’s value.
On top of these benefits, you’ll also gain access to federal tax credits and state incentive programs. Yet, you’ll need to avoid common solar panel scams if you don’t want to be taken for a ride.
We can help with that. Keep reading for four tips on how to avoid getting taken advantage of when buying solar panels.
1. Do Your Homework
A solar panel installation is incredibly complex. Because you’re working with electricity, it can also be dangerous. It’s not something most homeowners should attempt to do on their own.
However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t learn more about the process. To avoid common solar panel scams, do some research to learn more about how solar energy systems work. This will help you identify your needs and predict your future costs.
For example, the average cost of a whole-home solar system is between $15,000 and $25,000. If a solar company is quoting you at a higher price, don’t hesitate to find out why.
Just as importantly, make sure they’re using high-quality components and materials. This includes everything from solar panels and batteries to inverters and charge controllers.
2. Verify Website Safety and Security
When shopping online, it’s much easier to fall victim to solar panel scams. As soon as you log onto a website, take some steps to verify its safety and security.Â
The address bar at the top should contain a padlock symbol, shield symbol, and “HTTPS” preceding the actual address. It’s imperative to check for these things before filling out any personal or financial information. You can also run the site through a third-party site security checker.
3. Check the Solar Company’s Credibility Via Customer Reviews
Most often, you can avoid solar panel scams by working with a reputable solar panel company. To learn more about a solar company’s reputation, log onto their website to find customer reviews and testimonials. This should give you a good idea of their credibility and trustworthiness.
Look for reviews that talk about the company’s knowledge, customer service skills, and competence. For example, Blue Raven Solar has over 5,000 5-star reviews. When you find a company like this, you can rest assured that they have your best interests at heart.
4. Compare and Contrast Solar Panel Costs
Finally, make sure you’re not falling for any solar panel scams and paying more than you need for parts, materials, or the actual installation. Reach out to the top solar panel companies on your list to get a free quote.
They should go over your needs with you based on the size of your home, the members of your household, and how much electricity you need to generate. Then, compare and contrast their costs to identify the best rates and whether or not any of the solar providers are trying to take advantage of you.
Are You Trying to Avoid Solar Panel Scams?
Before you buy solar panels, make sure you go over the tips listed in this article. Do your research and vet each company properly to avoid potential solar panel scams.
And if you’re looking for more consumer guidance or homeowner tips, stick around and look through some of our other articles. Our blog was created to help people like you learn more about the world around them.
