Home solar panels can save money, but beware of scammers

Home solar panels can help some households save money on energy — but be careful if a solar panel salesperson knocks on your door or calls without warning.

There are plenty of reputable companies who can install solar panels or help you make other clean energy improvements to your home. Unfortunately, some scammers use misleading sales tactics to trick homeowners out of money or personal information.

The scam starts when someone pretending to be a salesperson or a government employee contacts you through email, social media or at your door and offers to install residential solar panels for low or no cost. They might also offer an “energy audit” to reduce your energy costs or guarantee huge rebates or incentives.

From there, the scam can take several turns — the “salesperson” may ask you to fill out forms with personal information or pay a deposit up front. Disreputable companies may also install the panels poorly, or not finish the job and disappear with your money.

People filed roughly 13,000 complaints with BBB last year about solar energy companies including contractors, equipment dealers and installers. The St. Louis Consumer Fraud Task Force warned about misleading solar sales last year.

Remember: Well-intentioned companies will give you time to consider their offer. If a salesperson is pressuring you to make a decision on the spot, consider it a red flag.

How to avoid solar panel sales scams: