Solar panel fraud involves companies or installers trying to manipulate you out of your hard-earned money. Sometimes, the fraud can involve the actual solar panels, such as if an installer pretends that they’re installing high-quality panels but they’re not legitimate products.
Read the rest of this article to learn how to deal with solar panel fraud, how to identify red flags, and what to do to protect yourself against financial losses. We’ll also explore why you should hire a lawyer to help you deal with the fraud and how they can help you receive compensation for your stolen money.
What are Common Types of Solar Panel Fraud?
Solar panel fraud can arise in various ways. Some of the most common types include the following:
- “Free” solar panels. While the installer might tell you that the solar panels are free, they will add additional costs to make you end up paying a high amount for them.
- Inaccurate installment of panels. The installer doesn’t correctly install the panels on your roof, causing damage to your home or resulting in solar panels that aren’t effective.
- Incomplete panel installation. The installer won’t finish the installation, leaving you with a financial burden but stealing your money.
- Selling used solar panels. Although they promise to be installing new panels, this is not the case.
- Hidden or surprise panel-installation costs. It’s common for fraudsters to make you believe you won’t have to pay any additional costs, until they install the solar panels. That’s when they might dump you with mounting structure costs.
What Can You Do to Fight Solar Panel Fraud?
If you find yourself dealing with solar panel fraud, you should take some important steps.
Report the Fraud
You can file a complaint against the company or installer with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). They will investigate the fraud.
Be sure to include information about the fraud, such as by taking photos of the defective solar panels or the incorrect solar panel installation. Describe the issue in detail to make it easier for them to investigate.
Direct Concerns to the Company
If you have company details of the installer, you should get in touch to report them. In some cases, the solar panel installer could be fraudulent, not the company.
If you and the installer have been in contact because they don’t suspect you of knowing what they’re doing, you should send them a written notice of the issue. Include details of what has happened. They might respond and want to rectify the situation.
Your lawyer can also send a demand letter, notifying the fraudster of the issue and telling them that they have to make amends.
Review Your Contracts
It’s essential to refer to the project contract so that you can spot any red flags or inconsistencies. However, you should get the agreement legally reviewed because a lawyer will notice terms and clauses that you might miss. They can also review the document to strengthen your case.
Post a project for contract review on ContractsCounsel, an online legal network connecting clients with vetted lawyers. You can post the request for free and you’ll receive multiple lawyer bids from which to choose a lawyer to work with. You can select a lawyer based on factors such as their years of experience, credentials, and client reviews.
Verify the Company
It can help you when reporting the solar panel fraud to verify the installer. Check their licenses and certifications. If you request them directly from the installer and they aren’t provided, this is a red flag.
Reputable installers should have certifications from organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
How Can You Prevent Solar Panel Fraud?
To prevent future solar panel issues and fraud, there are some things you can do.
Be Careful About Solar Panel Deals
Although it might seem appealing to save money on solar panels, you should research all deals carefully to avoid falling into the trap of losing money.
Check that the Panels are Brand New
To avoid being scammed by installers fitting used or defective panels, you should ask for documentation that new solar panels will have, such as warranties and certifications. This will ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Don’t Pay Installers Upfront
It’s a red flag if a solar panel installer expects you to pay upfront for the project. They might be trying to grab your money and disappear. Avoid paying a large or cash deposit, as this can also be a warning sign of fraud.
Avoid Door-to-Door Solar Panel Installers
Some fraudsters are opportunistic. They’ll surprise you by arriving at your door and offering their services. They might make their solar panel installation seem appealing, such as by offering low prices.
How Can a Lawyer Help You With Solar Panel Fraud?
It can be challenging to navigate solar panel fraud, especially if you don’t have much information about the fraudster.
Your lawyer will assist you from the start of your solar panel fraud case, all the way to the end. They’ll provide you with the following:
- Filing your report with the relevant authorities.
- Gathering evidence of the solar panel fraud to strengthen your claim.
- Reviewing contractor contracts for any vague clauses and to help determine your rights under the agreement.
- Seeking restitution on your behalf. You might be able to gain compensation for money you’ve lost. Your lawyer will help you pursue these claims.
- Investigating the solar panel installer.
- Sending professionally-drafted demand letters.
- Negotiating fraudulent contracts to cancel them or gain refunds from the solar panel company.
- Conduct class action lawsuits, if required. If many people have been manipulated by the company, your lawyer could pursue a class-action lawsuit. This can increase the chance of a successful outcome for all victims targeted by the scam.
Do you need a solar panel fraud lawyer?
Contact a lawyer on ContractsCounsel. A lawyer will investigate your solar panel fraud case, explore your options for gaining compensation, and protect you against further losses.