Should solar companies be able to report a scam?

By getting more consumers to report scammy solar companies, government officials said, they can more effectively track complaints and seek to hold accountable companies that violate the law.

Are customer complaints a problem in the solar industry?

Customer complaints against the country’s residential rooftop solar industry have increased dramatically in recent years. One-star ratings on Solar Reviews increased more than 1,000% since 2018. Across the country, prosecutors are investigating high-pressure sales tactics and misleading financing arrangements.

Where can you complain about a solar company?

Part of the reason is that many customers who feel victimized don’t know where to turn. “There's not really one place for consumers to complain to,” says Jenifer Bosco, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center. “If they do have a problem with solar companies, they can complain to the Federal Trade Commission.

Why are solar companies misrepresented?

Misrepresentations have spurred the ire of state AGs when solar companies exaggerate their systems’ potential to save consumers money, despite financing that may end up costing the consumer more. Solar panel installer installing solar panels on roof of modern house. Eloi Omella via Getty Images This audio is auto-generated.

How many complaints are there about solar-panel salespeople?

Meanwhile, consumer complaints about solar-panel salespeople have skyrocketed in recent years. The FTC received 5,331 complaints containing the phrase “solar panels” between Jan. 1 and Sept. 19 of 2023, up 31% from the entire year of 2022 and up 746% since 2018, when it received just 630 complaints.

Are solar companies causing a 'cost and savings misrepresentation'?

Costs and savings misrepresentations, in particular, have typically spurred the ire of state AGs when solar companies exaggerate their systems’ potential to save consumers money, despite financing that may end up costing the consumer more. While cyberthreats to the power sector are expanding, so are the tools to address them.